Sun Ra was a talented musician who marched to the beat of his own eccentric drum. He was one of the first people to ever play an electric piano, and he released all of his music independently rather than with a record label. Before Sun Ra died on May 30, 1993, he said "You may think that it is gravity that holds us all together but it is not -- it is music."
Chris Raschka's words and illustrations all add to the intrigue of this eccentric musician known as Sun Ra and make you want to learn more about what made this guy tick. My one disappointment is that this book did not come with an accompanying CD to listen to Sun Ra's music. For that reason, I recommend checking this book out from the library while also checking out any and all of Sun Ra's recordings that your library might have. If you've never heard his music before, Raschka will undoubtedly pique your curiosity.
I checked out one CD of Sun Ra's from the library and now I think I might be a little obsessed. It's not as "out there" as I expected to be, but what I love about it is that it's actually music I can listen to and work at the same time. I have never been able to work and listen to music. It's too distracting. Even Mozart, which is is supposed to make you smarter, prevents me from being able to concentrate. To work, I need silence. But strangely, I listened to the whole CD and before I knew it, it was over. I think he might be my new go-to artist to listen to while I work.
The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra by Chris Raschka
Published: May 13, 2014
Publisher: Candlewick
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture Book Biography
Audience: Middle Grade
Disclosure: Library Copy
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Beth - I really loved this book and how Raschka told Sun Ra's story. I featured it on the blog and included a video of Sun Ra from the 80's since I felt that readers needed to experience just a taste of this very unique musician. And wow, never thought to try working to his music.
ReplyDeleteI've only heard good things about this book. Lately Raschka's illustrations have deterred me from reading his books but it seems like I'll be missing out on a great NF if I don't read this book!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really interesting person! I love how you found his music too! I laughed that you can't work to Mozart - I can't either! When I go teach in this one 4th gr. class, I always have to turn down/off her classical music! It's just too much "white noise" for me :)
ReplyDeleteI just got this from the library yesterday but haven't read it yet. Looks amazing. I'll have to listen to some of the music. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just checked this out yesterday but haven't read it yet. I will have to track down some of the music. I love listening to music while I read. :)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed everything I've read of Raschka, and I can tell this would be no exception. Will need to get my hands on it!
ReplyDeleteI love Raschka! And this cover looks just incredible. Excited to find and read this title. Thanks for the great info! And yes, I will want to listen to the music - would be a great idea if it came with a CD!
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring this Beth. Like Carrie, I love Raschka's work - and how they can be uncompromisingly out there. I will look for this title, and will hope against hope that it's already available in our libraries.
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