Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell
Illustrated by Christian Robinson
What it's all about . . .
An exuberant and gorgeous picture book biography of Josephine Baker that takes readers through her lifelong journey from the slums of St. Louis, Missouri to superstardom. The story is told with a rhythm and style that captures the Jazz Age, and its voice is as lively and cheeky as Josephine herself. Paired with show-stopping art, Josephine is a tour de force!
Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
C'EST MAGNIFIQUE! This book is full of heart. Against all odds, Josephine did what she wanted. If she wanted to dance on stage, she did. If she wanted to sing, she did. If she wanted to stride down the Champs-Elysees with her leopard, Chiquita, well, she did that too. She was also a French spy, civil rights activist, and mother to twelve adopted children from all over the world.
Our favorite lines . . .
Josephine, all
RAZZMATAZZ,
erupted into the Roaring Twenties --
a VOLCANO.
America wasn't ready for Josephine,
the colored superstar.
PARIS WAS.
Our favorite illustration . . .
Oh, there are too many to choose from! Here are a few of our favorites.
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| Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson |
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| Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson |
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| Illustration from Josephine (Chronicle). Copyright © 2014 Christian Robinson |
Josephine is not only inspiring, it’s a BLAST to read aloud. Of the first time Josephine danced in Paris: “Josephine was on fire./ CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT./ No! Don’t./ Mais oui--/ knees squeeze, now fly/ arms scissor and splay./ QUELLE SURPRISE!”
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Adults, too, will learn something new about Josephine Baker and likely be moved to look up videos of her legendary moves.
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