Colin Bootman

When the Steel Pan Man comes to rid Harlem of its rat problem, he thinks that he and the Mayor have a deal. When the Mayor reneges on the agreement, however, he teaches the importance of keeping your word. This retelling of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" is set in the Harlem Renaissance. Jazzy, impressionistic pictures accompany the text, evoking the music that the Steel Pan Man plays and the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. The font used to set the text also complements the story and illustrations well, and is laid out well on the page. This rendition is not as dark as the original story, making it suitable for a younger audience. Recommended for kindergarten to second grade as a read-aloud, and third through fifth grades as an independent read.… (lisätietoja)