Category: Children Publisher: Fields of Gold Publishing, Inc.
ISBN-10: 0974629618
Type: Fiction
Pages: 32
Copyright: September 28, 2005
ISBN-13: 9780974629612
A book about a dog trying to gain approval from his master, a young boy named Cole who loves jazz.
In an effort to gain approval, Django (a golden retriever) decides to learn how to play jazz. However, Django's efforts backfire when he learns that his paws weren't made for strumming a guitar and his natural preference is to chew drumsticks instead of beating drums. Just when Django feels that all hope is lost he discovers his true talent and finally gains approval through being himself and doing what comes naturally for him.
This book is packaged with a jazz single called "So Misunderstood" which consists of three jazz songs written or arranged specifically for this project. The companion CD includes the following tracks: 1. So Misunderstood (with vocals) 2. Afternoons (instrumental) 3. Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone (instrumental)
Excerpt
When Cole opened his birthday presents, he got everything that he wanted. Well, most of it. What he wanted most was to learn to play jazz, so he had asked for a guitar and drum set for his birthday. In fact, Cole loved jazz so much that he named his dog after a famous guitarist named Django.
What Django, a golden retriever, wanted more than anything was to be like his master. Django adored Cole and would do anything to make Cole happy. If Cole wanted to play football, Django also played. If Cole read a book, Django looked over Cole's shoulder at the pictures. Whenever Cole listened to music, Django would sit quietly and listen also.
It's no surprise, then, that one day when Cole was at school Django decided to take a closer look at Cole's guitar. Django had just woken up from a cozy nap on Cole's bed when he noticed the guitar was right across from him. Django crawled over and sniffed the instrument more carefully.
Django was very surprised. He thought the guitar would smell mysterious, or exciting, or however music is supposed to smell. Instead, it smelled yummy. The scent reminded him of an old fireplace log he had once chewed to pieces. Django tried to forget about the delicious smell and to learn more about this new object that Cole loved to play. The dog picked up his paw and tapped the strings. He wanted so much to play the instrument just like Cole. All Django could think about was being like Cole.
Patrick is just about to celebrate his second birthday, and all of a sudden, he is afraid of the dark. What happens next offers a wonderful respite for siblings to learn. This book is a Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver seal of excellence Recipient in fam
