Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That!

Marc Notes: ; In illustrations and rhyme describes the dancing of Bill Bojangles Robinson, one of the most famous tap dancers of all time.. Brief Description: This simple book for young children tells the life story of a groundbreaking African-American tap dancer, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s. Illustrations. Brief Description: "There once was a man who danced in the street / He brought pleasure and joy to the people he'd greet / He didn't just dance, he made art with his feet / Rap a tap tap--think of that!" This simple book for young children has the added bonus of describing the life of a ground-breaking African-American tap dancer. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s-30s. People said he "talked with his feet," and in the Dillons' graceful paintings of old New York, he dances from page to page to the tune of a toe-tapping rhyme. Rap a tap tap--think of that!Review Quotes: A tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson captures the rhythm of the famous tap dancing he did all over the city: in the street, behind doors that were both open and closed to him, in crowds, in upscale neighborhoods as well as "the skids," in the park, and ultimately, on stage. Watercolor illustrations in sophisticated shades of tan, plum, aqua, mustard, olive, rust, black, and gray recall the pre-WWII era in which Robinson lived and danced. The stylized figures, shown mostly in profile without detailed features, are reminiscent of Synthia Saint James's work and stand out cleanly against a bright white background. The contagious, joyful exhilaration of Bojangles's dance is conveyed through shadowy legs surrounding his real ones, as if the rapt onlookers' eyes could not keep up with his frenetic movement, as well as the rhyming text that begs to be read aloud and repeated. A note at the end explains who Bojangles was and includes fascinating information about his life and his talent, including the fact that no other dancer was ever able to repeat some of his more intricate steps. Spectacular, clear design includes spot varnish on the cover, highlighting the colorful type and figures against a matte white. This jazzy introduction to an important contributor to American culture will entrance the youngest music and dance fans.--Kirkus Reviews, August 1st 2002, starred reviewIn a departure from their recognizable illustration style, the versatile husband-and-wife team here uses a striking gouache painting technique that pays homage to Harlem Renaissance artist Aaron Douglas to craft an exuberant picture-book tribute to African-American tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949). Brief, rhyming text introduces the tall, lean and dapper man who "danced in the street" and "made art with his feet." In keeping with tapdancing tradition, each line of verse returns to a rhythmic refrain ("Rap a tap tap think of that!"). The deceptively simple text conveys the complexitiBrief Description: In illustrations and rhyme describes the dancing of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, one of the most famous tap dancers of all time. Biographical Note: Versatility, diversity, research, and integrity have remained characteristics of the Dillons' work, which ranges from African folktales to Scandinavian epics, from fantasy to science fiction. In addition to two Caldecott Medals (for Ashanti to Zulu and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears), they have received four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, four Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, two Coretta Scott King Awards, and the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal, and were inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1997. Publisher Marketing: With bold paintings and a simple, rhyming text, Caldecott Medalists Leo & Diane Dillon bring young readers a rap a tap tap celebration of dance that will have readers clapping and tapping along. "There once was a man who danced in the street / He brought pleasure and joy to the people he'd greet / He didn't just dance, he made art with his feet / Rap a tap tap--think of that!" This simple book for young children has the added bonus of describing the life of a ground-breaking African-American tap dancer. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s-30s. People said he "talked with his feet," and in the Dillons' graceful paintings of old New York, he dances from page to page to the tune of a toe-tapping rhyme. Rap a tap tap--think of that! Review Citations: Booklist 02/15/2003 pg. 1084 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) ALA Notable Childrens Books 03/15/2003 pg. 1297 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) School Library Journal 09/01/2002 pg. 189 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) School Library Journal 10/01/2004 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2003 pg. 76 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2006 pg. 857 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2010 pg. 1285 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Black Issues Book Review 01/01/2003 pg. 68 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Bookpage 11/01/2002 pg. 20 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2002 pg. 151 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Booklist 10/15/2002 pg. 406 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Kirkus Review - Children 08/01/2002 pg. 1126 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Publishers Weekly 08/12/2002 pg. 299 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2002 pg. 168 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2003 pg. 168 (EAN 9780590478830, Hardcover) School Library Journal 02/01/2006 pg. 77 (EAN 9781595193698, Compact Disc) School Library Journal 02/01/2006 pg. 77 (EAN 9781595193650, Analog Audio Cassette) Contributor Bio:  Dillon, Leo Mem Fox is the author of many acclaimed books, including "Hattie and the Fox", "Time for Bed", "Hello Baby!", "Two Little Monkeys", the "New York Times" bestselling "Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes", as well as the adult title "Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever". She lives in Adelaide, Australia. Visit her at MemFox.net. Contributor Bio:  Dillon, Diane Mem Fox is the author of many acclaimed books, including "Hattie and the Fox", "Time for Bed", "Hello Baby!", "Two Little Monkeys", the "New York Times" bestselling "Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes", as well as the adult title "Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever". She lives in Adelaide, Australia. Visit her at MemFox.net.