Happy Book Birthday, Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! by Emily Frans!

It's time for another book birthday! I have one or two more to go in the next days, but wow, it's been celebration pure.

Today's read heads into the direction of history and country music. We currently live near Branson (I say that in the very broad sense), which is a country music tourist extravaganza.  So, this book fits to the music tastes of so many people we know. Plus, my niece currently works at a hotel in Nashville, making it impossible to pass this one up.  

I'm putting on my cowgirl hat (yes, I have one) and my boots (I have those too!) and will sit among my cows while seeing if this read holds goodness or not. Or maybe not, since my cows are a bit too friendly and wouldn't leave me alone long enough to read anything.

HOWDY! WELCOME TO THE GRAND OLE OPRY!

by Emily Frans

Foreward by Lainey Wilson

Illustrated by Susanna Chapman

Abrams Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry, this vibrantly illustrated picture book for children is a behind-the-scenes look at the world-renowned stage for country music

Howdy! I’m the home of country music. On my famous stage, history is made and stars are born. Do you like to sing and play an instrument? Do you like to dance or make people laugh? Well, this is the place to do it! Get ready for your Grand Ole Opry debut in this showstopping picture book featuring the most famous stage in country music! After receiving your backstage pass, you’ll take a tour behind the scenes, spruce up your costume in the dressing room, and warm up with the band. And when the curtain starts to rise—it’ll be time to start the show! And you’re on center stage!

Filled with fun, dazzling illustrations and photos of celebrated performers from yesterday and today, this official picture book from the Grand Ole Opry will inspire all readers both young and old.

Also includes quotes from contemporary performers telling about their first time on the Opry stage!

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

History meets the excitement for country music in a book which inspires.

After a personal note from country music star Lainey Wilson, these pages dive into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, which is found in Nashville, TN and considered the heart of country music (for many). Taking on the perspective of the Grand Ole Opry, the history of the state and scene unfolds. Every step leads the reader closer to their own, imaginary appearance on the stage, while highlighting the famous artists, which have performed there once, too.

This is a book for country music fans, and especially for those who dream of, maybe, becoming artists themselves. The entire thing is told through the eyes of the Grand Ole Opry, and while this caught me off-guard, it works nicely. Knowers will realize that the Grand Ole Opry is not the original place where this history begins, and that is also woven into these pages smoothly. The photos and names of various musicians and singers, who have performed on the stage, are worked into every illustration in clever ways to highlight them without over-powering the history and excitement. I say excitement because each page bursts with energy and pizzaz...after all, it is show business.

The text is fitting to the age group and works as a read-aloud, although the historical theme does make it nice to fit into a topic for groups settings. The information comes across with flair as it is presented with the clear intent to keep things inspiring. This makes it great even for the older end of the age group to tackle on their own.

This is a read, which is packed with atmosphere, and brings the joy for country music to life, while inviting readers to visit the Grand Ole Opry themselves or even inspire to perform there one day.