Ben's Trumpet
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"These five read-along titles offer clear and expressive narrations. The youthful voice of the reader in The Gardener, and the inflection of the narrator's voice in Ben's Trumpet are especially noteworthy. The latter title is also notable for including an original jazz score as an appropriate accompaniment. The original titles are well known and range from Caldecott Honor books to fiction and nonfiction biographical fare. The books are attractively illustrated, and the paperbacks have sturdy glued binding. A brief guide provides background on the author and suggested activities. This quintet of recordings offers a diverse assortment of stories as reading material for beginning readers and other reading, language arts, and literacy activities."

"A trumpet solo of light jazz introduces this reading of Rachel Isadora's 1980 Caldecott Honor book (Greenwillow). Narrated by Charles Turner, this is the story of Ben, a black youngster enamored of the music he hears coming from the Zig Zag Jazz Club in the 1920s. Different instrumental solos ably introduce the band members, and a distant trumpet effectively portrays Ben's imaginary trumpet. The ambiance of the 1920s and the musical longing of a boy who is different from other boys is aptly conveyed. Particularly effective is the ending in which we hear Ben beginning to learn to play a real trumpet at the Zig Zag Jazz Club. This is a nice recording for follow-along reading."

"In Rachel Isadora's Ben's Trumpet (434-9 $22.95) original jazz music underscores the narration of this Caldecott Honor Book about a young boy who loves the sounds and rhythms of jazz. When he hearts it, he plays along on a trumpet that nobody else can see -- except one man, who unlocks the door to his dream."

"Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this read-along book-and-cassette program. We listened first and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture books made the experience even better, but the audio recording was strong and vibrant by itself. Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and one without page-turning signals."