Blues of Flats Brown, The
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"Myers' book (2000) about a "blues-playing" dog is a perfect readalong. Junkyard dog Flats Brown loves to play blues music on his old guitar while his friend Caleb accompanies him on the bones. When their mean owner tries to turn them into fighting dogs, Flats and Caleb escape and plan to earn a living playing music. With his deep. "down-home" voice. Turner reads in an easygoing, bluesy style. Mark "Dog" Deffenbaugh's slide guitar accompaniment underscores the story line and adds authenticity. This great introduction to blues music for little ones tells a good story in the process."

"Walter Dean Myers' fun picture book about a junkyard dog turned celebrated blues musician work wonderfully as a book/cassette kit thanks to Charles Turner's spirited narration and Mark "Dog" Deffenbaugh's bluesy guitar strumming. Nina Laden's vibrant pastel paintings capture the adventures of the anthropomorphic titular character, a teenaged pooch in hip attire who loves playing the blues. The action begins when Flats and his much older canine pal, Caleb, escape from their cruel self-hating owner, A.J. Grubbs, a character Turner plays with gruff abandon. As street musicians in Mississippi, Flats plays guitar and Caleb accompanies by rattling a pair of bones. They wow the masses with such tunes as "The Freaky Flea Blues" and "The Mangy Muzzle Stomp." With Grubbs on his tail but leaving his arthritic pal Caleb behind, Flats takes off for the Big Apple where he finds even greater success. Meyers' story offers meaningful messages about friendship and music without being too didactic or preachy. Gentle sound effects (crickets chirping in a nighttime scene, an approaching train, the sounds of dogs barking) enhance the action. Turner's energetic narration keeps the story humming along. Deffenbaugh's guitar work pleases the ear, and his performance of "The New York City Blues" (music and lyrics by Myers) is the program's highlight. This story about the joys of blues music has found a format that serves it very well."

"Flats Brown, a mistreated guitar playing dog, takes his talent on the road with his bone-playing buddy to escape. A.J. Grubb. From Shanty Town to New York and Savannah, Flats sings the blues but does not shake Grubb until he finally plays his song. Myers's story brings the passion of the musician to the young listener, and the musical accompaniment provides a fine introduction to the blues. Charles Turner's presentation is rich and laid-back. He lets the story and music dictate the pace of his narration. That music touches the soul is clear as he gives voices to A.J. Grubb."