

Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!
Fall 2012 Picture BooksReader and listeners of Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! follow young Marsalis through his day as he describes the variety of sounds he experiences. The book begs to be read aloud, but that does not mean its illustrations are an afterthought. Illustrator Paul Rogers skillfully interprets the sounds featured throughout the book, and he inventively brings them to life through drawing and typography. In addition to the joy of the romp, the added dimension of fun is learning how different people observe their world. These observations and codifications spark curiosity and hence creativity. For some it's color, size and shape that inspire. For others, like Wynton Marsalis, it's sound. From buttering toast to scratching an itch, Marsalis finds music (and magic) in everyday sounds. Calling out the musicality of the sound a baby's wet feet make running across a wood floor and accompanying that with two different sized pairs of clapping hands is what musicians and artists are made of. Bravo, once again, to this duo of keen observers.