Hosea Plays on

Both a heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration for a whole new generation of young readers. (Picture book. 3-8)

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Based on the story of a beloved musician from Rochester, N.Y., this day-in-the-life tale by Blasi (A Name of Honor) introduces Hosea, a black street performer who saves the money he earns to buy band instruments for the children in his neighborhood. An author's note supplies Hosea's backstory, and the narrative shows Hosea exchanging greetings with his young neighbor Nate, who mimes playing his rake like a trumpet. Evans (Big Papa and the Time Machine) draws Hosea in bold indigo outlines as he shoos the pigeons away and begins to play. A woman asks how long he's been playing: "This old thing?" he jokes. "Not as long as my first love... MISS/ CLARA/ NET." His melodies swirl in soft candy curves and clouds, and he keeps on even when it starts to rain. The day's takings put him past his goal, and he buys a trumpet for Nate. "Will you teach me, too?" Nate asks. "You ready to learn?" Hosea says. Hosea does more than just entertain; he makes his own community as he shares his music and his warmth. Ages 3-9. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 2--Hosea is a storyteller who can spin a yarn without words through music. He prepares his saxophone for a long day at the public market and thinks, "On a day like this...I could play forever." Shoppers listen and dance to his smoky tunes, notes, and riffs. The crowds come and go, Hosea plays on. The clouds darken and rain falls, Hosea plays on. By the end of the day he has enough money to buy an instrument for the kid next door and offers him music lessons so together, they can play on. Blasi's picture book debut features a black Rochester, NY musician whose musical ministry was to enrich his community with music. Her thoughtful impressions continue in the author's notes where readers further learn of Hosea's talents and community activism. Blasi skillfully weaves dialogue, nature sounds, and city noise throughout the musical narrative. Evans whimsically illustrates these textual elements to give them shape and movement. He creates a bluesy rhythm with dynamic cobalt lines, pastel washes, and crisp textured leaves that twirl and whirl within the book to tie Hosea's day together. VERDICT A touching tribute that serves as a reminder to listen to the people, music, and sounds that surround us.--Rita Christensen, Orem Public Library, UT