Trombone Shorty by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews

In this autobiographical account, author Troy Andrews relates how he received his nickname, Trombone Shorty. In Treme, the New Orleans’ neighborhood where Andrews grew up, music filled the air day and night. He longed to be like the musicians he witnessed.
                                                                         
Lacking instruments, Troy and his friends decided to make their own. Troy’s trombone was twice his size, giving rise to his nickname.

At a jazz festival, Bo Diddley noticed Trombone Shorty’s talent and called him on stage. Gaining confidence as he grew older, Trombone Shorty continued to play. Now his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, plays all over the world, and he helps young underprivileged musicians to pursue their dreams.

Bryan Collier’s watercolor and collage illustrations in this picture book capture the splendor and vitality of a community committed to music and to helping musicians thrive. (Abrams Books for Young Readers)