Common Sense Media Review
By Monica Encarnacion
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lush, musical celebration of family, nature, and memory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
DESERT SONG follows a young boy who lives in the Texas desert with his multigenerational family. As a vibrant sunset turns into a star-filled night, one by one, each family member brings out their musical instrument—a drum, maracas, flutes, string instruments—to create a melody that blends with the sounds of the desert as it awakens. Crickets chirp, owls hoot, and coyotes howl, all joining the family's musical celebration. A fire is set, everyone sings and dances, stories are told, ancestors are remembered. Then lightning strikes and thunder claps, driving the family inside, where the rain sounds like applause on their tin roof.
Is It Any Good?
Through a young boy's eyes, we experience a masterpiece that leaves us with a warm feeling of togetherness and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. Desert Song is a peaceful and engaging reading experience with Laekan Zea Kemp's evocative language and the stunning artwork of Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. This immersive book places readers right into the cozy family, amongst the desert's beauty, reminding them that when creativity flourishes, the past is never truly gone; the ancestral bonds that matter most will always hold strong. It's a book that can spark conversations about family traditions, cultural heritage, and the wonders of the natural world, all while providing a relaxing and enjoyable reading experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the traditions that are celebrated in Desert Song. Talk about your own family traditions or create a new one inspired by the story. What special activities do you do together?
Learn about the desert ecosystem and research the nocturnal creatures mentioned in the book (crickets, owls, coyotes) or other desert animals that pique your curiosity. What desert animal do you want to learn more about?
How does the family show teamwork and gratitude? What does each family member contribute? How does the boy show gratitude for his surroundings, his family, his ancestors? Why are those important character strengths?
Explore Latino culture and learn about music, food, or traditions from different Spanish-speaking countries. How is it similar or different from your own culture and traditions?
Talk about the role of music in your family's life. Do you have any musical instruments at home? Maybe you can have a family jam session!
Book Details
- Author: Laekan Zea Kemp
- Illustrator: Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along , Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: June 4, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 1, 2024
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