Trombone Shorty
By Troy Andrews
The Story
A true story of a small boy in New Orleans's Tremé neighborhood who plays a trombone twice his size, chasing music even without money for an instrument, until Bo Diddley calls him up on stage.
Why It's Special
For the kid who bangs on pots, hums through the house, or begs for an instrument of their own, Trombone Shorty is proof that a big dream can start in a small body.
- Big idea: Passion doesn't wait for permission or perfect circumstances — the music was in him before he ever had the means to play it.
- Vibes: joyful, musical, rooted in the streets and sounds of New Orleans
Perfect For Kids Who
- love music and rhythm
- enjoy true stories about real people
- are working on believing in a big dream
- respond well to vibrant, expressive artwork
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story detail: Why do you think people called him 'Trombone Shorty'?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Trombone Shorty felt when Bo Diddley asked 'Who's that playing out there?'
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted to try something even when you didn't have everything you needed for it?
- Imagination: What instrument would you want to play if you could pick any one at all?
- Setting & culture: What do you think it was like growing up in a neighborhood where music was always in the air?
