To Bill’s delight, a pair of elder kitties spots him trying to talk to people and lets him in on the secret that will change his life. “Music is a universal language,” they tell him, “and when you learn its secrets and how to play it, all humans, no matter what language they speak, will understand you.” Bill rushes home to tell his friends, and they learn how to play the classic tune that gives Bill his name: “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey?” The book’s multiple references to this song could confuse some readers at first, but it will inspire kids to look it up and learn more about New Orleans’ rich culture and history.
Virginia de Mahy’s vibrant illustrations are reflective of the color and spirit of the Big Easy. Eartha’s house is a striking shade of turquoise with a pink fence and porch swing, and the kitties are shown frolicking in a yard teeming with butterflies, turtles, and other native wildlife. The neighbors are diverse and friendly, and the cats’ faces are thoughtful and expressive, with Bill’s wide, green eyes clearly showing his delight in learning a new way to communicate that everyone will understand.
Takeaway: A friendly cat named Bill Bailey learns why music is a universal language.
Comparable Titles: Grant Snider’s What Sound Is Morning?, Jill Barber’s Music Is for Everyone.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
