Shake, Rattle & Turn That Noise Down!: How Elvis Shook Up Music, Me & Mom by Mark Alan Stamaty

When Mark Alan Stamaty’s parents gave him his own radio at age eight, they thought he’d be listening to the gentle popular music of the time.  But one evening, Elvis and “Hound Dog” blasted from the radio and everything changed with rock and roll.  Mark’s mother was alarmed at this new music and forbade him from buying any of Elvis’ records.  Mark was still able to read about Elvis in magazines, listen to him on the radio, and even see him on TV.  Eventually, Mark’s mother gave up and gave in and he was able to buy Elvis records.  Mark changed the way he did his hair into an Elvis pompadour, helped the other boys in his class get the same look, and when his school picture was taken everyone thought he looked just like Elvis.  So it was natural when the Cub Scout talent show came along that Mark impersonate Elvis, but how would his mother react?

Stamaty is a cartoonist and that shows in this book.  Filled with the frames of cartoons, speech bubbles and caption, the book has its own rocking and rolling feel.  His illustrations show a delightful mix of vintage and modern that echoes the feel of Elvis too.  This book will not work well as a read-aloud because of the graphic novel format, but individuals will enjoy it immensely.  The final pages of the book are a real treat as readers get to see the famous Elvis school picture and a snapshot of Mark performing in the Cub Scout event.  There is also information on Mark performing as Elvis for President Clinton.

A humorous look at a moment in history, this picture book will be most appreciated by slightly older children who can identify with growing up and having preferences of one’s own.  Appropriate for ages 6-9.

Reviewed from copy received from publisher.

Check out Linda Davick’s interview with Mark Alan Stamaty as well as Stamaty’s own website.