Picture Book of the Day: Trombone Shorty

Trombone Shorty, written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier.  WHERE Y' AT? my friends.  Collier's vibrant illustrations, done with pen and ink, watercolor, and collage, add zest to Andrews' autobiographical story about how he became the musician he is today, and how he received his nickname "Trombone Shorty."  Andrews writes a kid-friendly manner that will captivates, telling how he grew up in Tremé, the historic New Orleans neighborhood, where music surrounds you everywhere.  He grew up in a musical family, and fell in love with the brass bands.  I love how Andrews describes the excitement of the music, and adds humorous lines like "the tuba...rested over the musician's head like an elephant's trunk!"  Longing to have an instrument all his own, his life changes when he finds a trashed broken down trombone.  Collier gives us wonderful illustration after illustration as the boy feels confident to join in a parade, impressing people so much they start lovingly calling him Trombone Shorty.  Throw in a supercool incident with Bo Diddley and you have a picture book autobiography older elementary students and middle school students will love.  Exploding with energy and joy, this is a keeper, an inspiring look at a contemporary musician.