This Caldecott Honor Book is a treasure. Narration full of rhythm and sprinkled with slang draws the reader into the time period. Vivid illustrations pour out the music as bursts of flowing color, which stir up movement in those who listen and dance. Pages highlighting his band mates show us the accomplishments of the group of players that surrounded Ellington. 
 Early pages talk of Ellington's childhood love of baseball and hatred for the piano. Ragtime opened his eyes to a completely different way to play the dreaded instrument and changed the course of his life, subtly calling to children to both innovation and hard work. 
 A brief epilogue and sources for further explanation complete the presentation. The only thing you need to add are some audio files of captivating jive! This book is a keeper to read and re-read.