JAZZ FOR LUNCH!

This picture book embodies the rhythm and flair of the jazz that inspired it.

A little boy is headed to a club for lunch with his aunt Nina, who is a regular. The club serves jazz for lunch: “Sounds of the kitchen and the music mix together” as the instruments sing from the stage and the food swings from the kitchen. Everything is exciting until the boy, who narrates in first person, finds they are stuck in the back. He can’t see the stage, he can’t get a bite to eat, and the dancers and waiters are stomping on his feet. Overwhelmed, they leave early, and Auntie Nina promises him a surprise. The next day at Auntie Nina’s house, it’s a “rhythm kitchen, / high flyin’ stomp. / Teachin’ me to cook, / it’s a hot house romp!” Vinyl records are playing the jazz greats, prompting the chefs to name their dishes after them and to take interludes to play some pots as drums and celery as trumpet. They’ve only just finished cooking when another surprise comes knocking at the door. This joyful book is an experience in itself, with the text in rhythmic, rhyming verses and the bright, busy illustrations screaming movement, noise and joy. Aunt and nephew present as Black, and they are surrounded by a crowd with a range of skin tones and hair textures. Endpapers introduce jazz legends in ways that will entice readers to learn more on their own. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This energetic jazz lunch is not to be missed.