I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison (review)

Rhythm is everywhere in this celebratory jaunt through an urban neighborhood with a round-faced, puffy-pigtailed African-American girl. First she’s just thinking about rhythm as she walks hand in hand with her mother, then she’s hearing rhythm as she passes a street drummer, and finally she’s making her own rhythm, singing, clapping, snapping, tapping, then all out dancing. There’s not much story here beyond the listing of rhythmic expressions, but the narrative sticks closely to its chantable pattern, and the little girl at the center of it all is wholly likable in her joyful approach. The oil paintings convey movement and life, with palpable energy in the girl’s flapping arms, swinging dress, and bouncing feet as she claps, snaps, tips, and taps through the city street with a grin on her face. This will work well in an interactive storytime for preschoolers, as listeners are invited to shake and stomp along with the happy protagonist.