(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.) 

Hello, friends! Our book today is Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing, written by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Raúl Colón, the story of the noted folk singer and activist.

There never was anybody quite like Pete. From his earliest days of performing, he wanted his music to say something. He wanted it to make people think, talk, interact, and especially sing. He sang old songs and new ones, and songs he made up. He used his music to try to help people and the environment, and to protest injustice and discrimination. Sometimes Pete faced hardships, dismissive attitudes, and even hatred for his music, but he never let it get him down. Pete just wanted the whole world to sing… and to listen.

This was a very nicely done biography of Pete Seeger for children. Focusing both on the history and general philosophy of his music, it does a good job of painting the picture of a simple man who just wanted to sing and make the world a better place, preferably at the same time. And while the detour into Seeger’s legal problems with McCarthyism might be a little over many bookworm’s heads, the story does a good job of making Seeger’s biography accessible and moving. The art is lovely, using detailed illustrations and a folk-art palette to set the mood. The length was a bit long for tiny bookworms, but JJ did fine with it, and we both liked it overall. A great book to celebrate a legend of American folk music, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!