A-Tisket, A-Tasket

In this first picture book venture, the legendary singer brings her trademark scat-infused musical rhythms to the visual medium. This song-story recounts the misadventures of a young tow-headed boy in NYC who loses his yellow basket that cradles a precious letter to his mommy. An African-American girl of similar age discovers it and totes it to market. The fate of the basket, and the boy's emotional well-being, hang in the balance. Although the skeletal plot is rather insubstantial, the charm of this book lies elsewhere - in its aural genious and visual delights. On a first read, it is difficult for the uninitiated adult to catch its meter. Once mastered, however, the tale delivers a syncopated be-bopping chant. The mixed media illustrations, of gouache, collage, and computer effects, capture the spirit of itts urban backdrop. The contract of soft curves and sharp angles on the faces and figures of its characters effectively mirrors the emotional truth within. The repetitive and simple text, scattered like jewels across the pages one line at a time and printed in a large font, makes it ideal for the toddler and preschool audience. This book would make a delighful addition to any quality children's picture book collection.