King of Ragtime - by Stephen Costanza (Hardcover)

This is a captivating picture book biography of African American composer Scott Joplin, whose ragtime music paved the way for jazz.

The narrative is bouncy and colorful, with onomatopoeia and figurative language that establishes an atmospheric, folkloric tone.

The fine-lined human figures are delightfully fluid and surrealistic, showcasing a deep understanding of color theory.

The text goes beyond Joplin's personal details to paint a picture of what life looked like for African Americans during the Jim Crow era, with examples effortlessly woven into the narrative.

The gloriously vibrant, full-page gouache collages pop off the pages, filled with creative and expressive details that bring events to life.

This attractive offering makes a great read-aloud and is perfect for music lovers of all ages.