Kid Konnection: Listen - How Pete Seeger Got America Singing & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share a beautiful picture book with some very important messages.

Summary: Listen.
There was nobody like Pete Seeger.
Wherever he went, he got people singing.
With his head thrown back
and his Adam’s apple bouncing,
picking his long-necked banjo
or strumming his twelve-string guitar,
Pete sang old songs,
new songs,
new words to old songs,
and songs he made up.

In this gorgeously written and illustrated tribute to legendary musician and activist Pete Seeger, author Leda Schubert highlights major musical events in Mr. Seeger's life as well important moments of his fight against social injustice. From singing sold-out concerts to courageously standing against the McCarthy-era finger-pointing, Pete Seeger's life is celebrated in this bold book for young readers with gorgeous illustrations by Raúl Colón. -- Roaring Brook Press

LISTEN: HOW PETE SEEGER GOT AMERICA SINGING by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Raul Colon is a very special picture book. It's aimed at children 5 -9 years old, and I think that kids and parents alike will appreciate both the illustrations and the information in this gorgeous picture book.

LISTEN: HOW PETE SEEGER GOT AMERICA SINGING celebrates the life of Pete Seeger, a singer, songwriter, and activist. It has already received a starred review from Kirkus, and it's no surprise to me. This picture book is heartwarming with its messages of hope and perseverance... and the difference one person can make. And I think so many of these messages are important in our society especially in our current political environment.

I loved how the author told Mr. Seeger's story. She incorporated some of his lyrics as well as many of his song titles (and she used a different color text to make them stand out.) In addition, she provided information about his personal causes and activism to make the story interesting. Finally, she included enough tidbits aboutt his personal life to make him more real to the readers.

Besides the beautiful illustrations and very special story, I appreciated the extra pages at the end of the book. There is an author's note which gives insight into why the author decided to write LISTEN. In addition, she provided a very detailed time line as well as recommended books and recordings for children. If you'd like to see and hear some of Mr. Seeger's videos and recordings, click here.

There is no doubt that LISTEN: HOW PETE SEEGER GOT AMERICA SINGING would be a wonderful addition to both personal and school libraries. I can totally see teachers using this book as a tool to teach children about activism as well as music. This picture book happens to have Common Core connections as well as a terrific teacher's guide.

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of LISTEN: HOW PETE SEEGER GOT AMERICA SINGING to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before Friday, October 20th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!


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