How to Be a Rock Star

by Lisa Tolin, Daniel Duncan (Illustrator)

Overview

In this hilarious, tongue-in-cheek picture book debut, one little kid who really loves to rock and roll explains everything there is to know about starting a rock band.

“A joyous, raucous must-have manual for little rock stars everywhere.” —Savannah Guthrie, Today show co-anchor

Becoming a rock star isn't easy—especially if you're a kid. From finding the right instrument, to mastering the best dance moves, to taking your band on the road, there's a lot to consider! And that's not to mention dealing with critics, crazed fans, and a little brother with a chocolate milk problem . . . Luckily, this book has everything you need to know to make it big.

This giggle-inducing guide to aspiring rock and rollers, chock-full of laugh-out-loud illustrations, is sure to leave readers both young and young at heart shouting for an encore!

“Kids who rock and parents who love them will cheer this fun, and very funny, picture book how-to guide for starting a band.” —Laurie Berkner, children’s recording artist

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781984814203
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	08/02/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,069,093
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Lisa Tolin is a journalist and editor. How to Be a Rock Star is her debut picture book. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two young sons, who provided the inspiration for this book. Visit her online at lisatolin.com or follow her on Twitter @lisatolin.

Daniel Duncan is the author and illustrator of South. He has also illustrated many books for children, including The Purple Puffy Coat by Maribeth Boelts and The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer by Mara Rockliff. Follow him on Twitter @DanielDuncan or on Instagram @daniel_duncan_illustration.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for How to Be a Rock Star:

"There's lots to laugh at . . . Well suited for a family read-aloud or for independent reading. This rocks!" —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2022-04-21
How do you become a rock star? It’s easier than you might think!

In this tongue-in-cheek tale, a raven-haired, olive-skinned child calmly offers suggestions from their own experience, such as using stuffed animals for backup vocals, and, when Mom won’t buy an electric guitar, riffing passionately on a broom. The suggestion that creates the most fodder for ironic text and sight gags is letting one’s little brother into the band. “Younger brothers are not ideal, but yours will have to do.” The child endures their brother’s toddler-babble, temper tantrums, and even a soiled diaper (slyly labeled “wardrobe malfunction”) while doggedly pursuing their dream. The text includes both simple statements by the protagonist and occasional speech balloons from olive-skinned Mom and light-skinned, red-bearded Dad. The art complements the lighthearted mood as the large-eyed, cartoonlike characters parade through the pages, sometimes rocking against stark white, sometimes shown against backgrounds with just enough detail to interest viewers without overwhelming them. There’s lots to laugh at: The narrator’s advice that aspiring rock stars start off by performing familiar songs is paired with an image of them crooning “The Wheels on the Bus”; Mom’s and Dad’s unwelcome suggestions for a band name are, respectively, “The Cuddle Monsters” and “The Not-So-Loud Band.” This one is well suited for a family read-aloud or for independent reading by good decoders.(This book was reviewed digitally.)

This rocks! (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews