Illustrated By: Brian Pinkney
ISBN: 9780786814169
Bibliography:
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. 2002. Ella Fitzgerald: the Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. Ill. By Brian Pinkney. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.
Plot:
This beautifully illustrated book narrated by Scat Cat Monroe, describes the life of Ella Fitzgerald and the events that led her to stardom.
Analysis:
This story is cleverly divided up into four tracks with pages that resemble records. The setting of this book revolves around the places where Ella performed in the 1930s and 1940s. Pinkney has beautifully illustrated singing, dancing, and the playing of orchestras which really bring this story to life. Scat Cat Monroe adds a first person account, which makes the story more fun as in the following example: "Let me tell you Ella's story. 'Cause you see, I was there. From the get-go. I saw it all. Me. Scat Cat Monroe. I watched Ella go from a small-town girl to the First Lady of Song. To a Vocal Virtuosa, bar none."
Cultural markers in this story include the illustrations, music, and dance. Beautiful scratch board paintings illustrate the larger than life career of Ella Fitzgerald as well as the setting of the story. Brian Pinkney describes in a note from the illustrator that he studied many Harlem Renaissance artists in order to beautifully depict African-American people and the Art Deco movement. His illustrations bring the book to life as the music and dance are depicted brilliantly in this story.
Racism is another cultural marker in this story. Pinkney transports us to the past to a time when African-Americans were not treated equally. Overcoming racism to become a superstar is a major theme in this story. Pinkney describes how many clubs had never had black singers, but that Ella's popularity helped them to realize that, "A true star has no color - It just shines."
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “Brian Pinkney's distinctive scratchboard-and-acrylic paintings evoke the rhythm of the text and invite readers along on the ride. They will enjoy finding Scat Cat himself on most of the spreads. Bright colors, jazzy words, and energetic artwork bring the music of scat and Fitzgerald to life. A page of biographical information is included. This beautifully rendered tribute to the "Vocal Virtuosa" will be a welcome addition in all libraries.”
Publisher’s Weekly: The talented husband-and-wife team behind Duke Ellington turns to jazz biography once again, this time showcasing the First Lady of Song. Narrated by Scat Cat Monroe, a feline in a zoot suit, the book spins four "tracks" on Fitzgerald's life, from her childhood in Yonkers performing on street corners, to her discovery at a 1934 talent contest at the legendary Apollo Theatre to her move into the "ping-pong rhythms" of bebop. Whether swinging at the Savoy "to a house packed tighter than the A train" or breaking the racial barrier at many clubs ("Ella's popularity showed them that a true star has no color it just shines"), the singer's career is expertly framed to fit a picture book format.
Connections:
*The following sound recording would be wonderful to pair with this book:
Fitzgerald, Ella. 2008. Miss Ella's Playhouse. New York: Verve.
*Other Books About Ella Fitzgerald:
Krohn, Katherine E. Ella Fitzgerald : First Lady of Song. ISBN: 9780822549338.
Schoeneberger, Megan. Ella Fitzgerald : first lady of jazz. ISBN: 9780736851855.
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