Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane Hardcover – Picture Book, April 1, 2008

Before John Was a Jazz Giant is a cute children's book about a musician named John Coltrane. The illustrations contain vivid blues, reds, and swirls that make the reader feel the music. The story tells all about the sounds of John's childhood and how they inspired him to write music. I really like how the author connected common household sounds such as hambones knocking in pots or the birds warbling to sounds of music. When he picked up the horn he flowed with sounds he was familiar with and created new songs. In the end we find out John Coltrane was all ears before he was a musician. I recommend this book for at home as well as in the classroom.

This book is so cute. Giving this as a gift for a baby shower! It’ll be perfect to widen the baby’s and families horizon on jazz and John coltrane!

Fun, descriptive, colorful, rhythmic

Might have been geared too young for the boy who received it.

I really enjoyed this book and so did my son. I am a fan of Coltrane's music and my 5 year old son gets to listen to it as well. Now he gets a chance to hear the story of one of the musicians mom and dad listen's too often.

Thanks!

Lovely book!

Great!

Children really enjoy the repetition elements of this story. great illustrations and a great way to get children into jazz and the great jazz musicians