The Piano Man

In this beautiful story, poignant prose and lush paintings tell the story of a girl's bond with her grandfather through their shared love of music. Eric Velasquez' stunning picture book debut, for which he received the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award, captures Debbi Chocolate's vivid memories of her grandfather, the piano man, his long career spanning decades of American music history, and his special talent for sharing his passion with generation after generation.

From Publishers Weekly:

Velasquez's exuberant, realistic paintings follow the thread of family life, tracing the ties that bind father to daughter to granddaughter as well as offering a window on a bygone era. This vivid picture of America's past may well prompt discussions of the nation's history as well as family roots.

From The Horn Book Magazine :

This is a heartening slice of African American family history that is refreshingly short on role modeling and long on joy and visual glamour ... In his first {picture} book, Eric Velasquez tempers nostalgia with a slick show biz allure.