RA! TA! MA! CUE!

Left-behind youth form a marching band to rescue their adults.

Ever since the Grown-Ups left to chase away the Growlies, the kids have tried to stay busy in the city. But as more time passes, some start to worry. One day, the Twins make an announcement with a simple rhythm on their drums: “Ratamacue!” The beat—which Shia explains in an appended note is one of 40 standard marching drum patterns—calls on all the children to band together and stop waiting for salvation. More instruments and kids join the fold until a large parade of youth diverse in skin tone and abilities have assembled. The Ratamacue clears the tall grass in the fields and shoos away the shadows. Despite their fear, the kids discover “new beats” as they head toward the final confrontation. Neither the Grown-Ups nor the Growlies expect the cacophony, but are the youngsters loud enough to stop the Growlies once and for all? Shia’s background in film and television shines in this creative picture book that expertly draws on comics conventions to visually depict musicality. The setting and characters’ restricted palette help the more vibrant and colorful musical notes—depicted in an array of shapes and sizes—pop as the kids save the day. The dynamic panels have a rhythm of their own, all culminating in a truly stunning ending. Backmatter provides helpful musical context.

Innovation that deserves a standing ovation.