Join us for a special family concert celebrating the joyful, syncopated sounds of Scott Joplin and ragtime music, featuring author and illustrator Stephen Costanza.
Admission: $12, Individuals | FREE, Children 2 & under
Stephen is an acclaimed Maine-based author and illustrator, and comes to 317 to highlight King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin, a picture book biography that's earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist. He's also the creative force behind Mozart Finds a Melody, Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra, and Noodleman the Pasta Superhero. His work has been honored by the Bologna Book Fair, the Society of Illustrators, and the Maine Library Association.
Stephen lives and works on North Haven, an island in Penobscot Bay, and is a regular visitor to schools and libraries, where he shares his love of storytelling, illustration, and (his words) rusty piano playing.
Come hear the story of Scott Joplin come to life, complete with the music that made him a legend. Perfect for young families and ragtime fans alike!
Reviews of King of Ragtime:
"In this pitch-perfect picture book biography . . . Costanza establishes an atmospheric, folkloric tone in narration rich with onomatopoeia and figurative language . . . A richly detailed profile fit for a king." — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Costanza delivers a biography as bouncy and colorful as ragtime itself . . . full of animation and joy, motifs that repeat throughout each gorgeous spread . . . Outstanding." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"The melodic, flowing text goes beyond Joplin's personal details to paint a picture of what life looked like for African Americans during the Jim Crow era . . . [Events] come alive through gloriously vibrant, full-page gouache collages that pop off of pages, filled with creative and expressive details . . . this attractive offering makes a great read-aloud." — Booklist, Starred Review