I See the Rhythm

I See the Rhythm

This award-winning picture book invites children along to dance to the rhythm of swing at the Savoy in Harlem, to rejoice to the rhythm of gospel from a church pew on a Sunday morning, and more. Each stunning spread—including art, poetic text, a description of the music style, and a time line of selected historical events—encompasses the spirit of the times and the strength of the communities where the music was born. Toyomi Igus's lyrical text, matched with artist Michele Wood's daring vision, captures the feel of each style of music and pays tribute to the musicians who gave the music life. * "This ambitious picture book from the creators of Going Back Home offers a sweeping visual history of African Americans through music, from the pulsating drums of Africa... right on up to present-day rap and hip hop... Impeccably crafted, this visually exciting and lyrically memorable tour de force is not to be missed." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review * "...the pictures broadcast joy, innovation, and exuberance in the face of systematic oppression." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review "This children's book is an inspiring celebration of African American music and its far-reaching impact on the world." -- Multicultural Education "This compact picture book is infinitely rich, wide, and deep, showing how one musical form influenced the next." -- Children's Book Award Annual Toyomi Igus is the author and editor of several books for children, including Two Mrs. Gibsons and the award-winning Going Back Home , her brilliant account of artist Michele Wood's personal journey to the South. The former Editor and Publications Director for UCLA's Center for African American Studies, she lives in Los Angeles, California. Michele Wood is an illustrator, painter, aspiring filmmaker, colorist, clothing and jewelry designer, living in Atlanta, Georgia. She accomplished her Master in Divinity at Christian Theological Seminary, where she was the Artist in Residence 2015-2018. She was awarded the Young Church Women United Award 2016. Her first book, Going Back Home , was honored with an American Book Award Before Columbus Foundation. Wood’s second book, i see the rhythm received the Coretta Scott King Award in 1999 for Illustration.