Hip Cat

By Jonathan London

Book Overview

This is the jazzy story of a hip, saxophone playing cat who heads to the big city to seek fame and fortune. Once there, he finds that the top dogs own the cool clubs, and that sometimes you have to work at the Doggie Diner to make ends meet. But he also learns how important it is to "do what you love to do and do it well!" The rhythmic text is filled with the same ebb and flow that characterizes jazz music, and the brilliant illustrations bring alive a magical world where cool cats dig hot jazz and where, if you try hard enough, no dream is out of reach.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811803155
• ISBN13: 9780811803151
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 0.4" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 3 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

Hip Cat

This is one of the most amazing children's books I have ever read. Jonathan London is able to convert prose into music. You have a sense of being inside jazz and understanding what it is from a completely emotional standpoint. I was thrilled to have the pleasure of reading this book to my 5 year old son and to introduce him to what jazz feels like. We listened to several Jazz albums after reading this book and the book helped to make a connection to the music. Thank you, Thank you Mr. London for this incredible experience!

Hip Cat-Jazz Is His Bag!

This Reading Rainbow Book, Hip Cat, by Jonathan London and illustrated by Woodleigh Hubbard is a refreshing introduction to the lyrical and "cool" genre of jazz music for the young child. It gives them the opportunity to experience with words and visuals a character who desires to make his livelihood by doing what he enjoys best! The story is dedicated to Herschel Silverman, jazz poet, Bobby McFerrin, scat man, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Young learners, hopefully, will come away with a heightened idea of self-awareness as it relates to career choices and a greater level of endurance to make of their lives what they choose. Oobie-do John the Sax Man Scat Man, the cool cat man, realizes his love for making jazzy music on his saxophone. Others enjoy his craft and his pay is peanuts and applause. Oobie-do needs more to survive. He doesn't give up finding a good gig, one that will feed him and pay his bills. Persistence and perfecting his craft win him a just reward. Teacher Note: Excellent opportunity to integrate language, music and rhyme. Students can also meet and greet jazz greats via musical listening/movement experiences. A real opportunity to submerge classroom experiences into "multiple-intelligences" mode. Another recommended book is Willie Jerome by Alice Faye Duncan.

Wonderful!

I was book-shopping for my nephew when I came across this book and I simply couldn't pass it up. It's simply vibrant in color and language, with an entertaining story line and a motivational message as well. It's simple enough for most reading levels, yet I'm sure that the enjoyment could span over many ages. I recommend this for all children (and parents who love them).I'll have to get a copy for myself!

A Gem! Wonderful if your kid likes music at all!

The illustrations in this book are a level above the typical childrens fare. The text may intimidate at first, but if you read it with the intended "jazz" rhythm, it becomes fast and fun very quickly. My 2-year-old was reciting the entire book within a couple of weeks! It'll also add some great beatnik phrases to your toddler lexicon!! SHOOBY WA DITTY!

Hip Cat is the Hippest Doweebowoppin Children's Book Around

I happened to pick this book up at a convention, and I have to say, it's the coolest children's book I have ever read! I'm eighteen years old, and the beboppin' rythym of the text and the swingin' graphics even caught my usually apathetic teenage eye. I'd recommend this book to any parent who wants to raise confident children or anyone (especially muscicians or artists) that are finding their road to success a bit rocky