"Gabby was very good
at getting people to join
the parade.
FEEL THE CITY BREAKIN'
AND EVERYBODY SHAKIN'
AND WE'RE STAYIN' ALIVE
STAYIN' ALIVE "
The title page shows a little one, all decked out with a starred cape, a crown, a tutu and a spatula; what is she ready to do? The opening page shows just exactly what she has in mind. Gabby announces loudly to her gramma that it is time for a parade! Out she goes, calling out to all the neighborhood kids to join her. Miguel says he has no skill to bring to the parade but his dad's horn which he can't play. Gabby thinks it's a fine horn even if he doesn't play it. Miguel joins.
Everyone is invited to join the parade, with whatever they have. Anthony worries that he has nothing but his aunt's big cowboy boots. Gabby encourages him to wear them in their grand parade. Everyone she meets is convinced they have an important role to play, including Noah who's pushing a stroller. By putting the baby on his shoulders, Noah becomes the Tallest Baby in the World! What more could one ask?
Gabby even rescues a young boy from two bullies; he is asked to join, they are not. Only nice people are to be included in Gabby's parade. As they go, there are more and more interested in joining. Finally, they reach the park and it's time to stop and PERFORM. Spatula in hand, Gabby leads all paraders in a cacophony of sound and performance that ends with Miguel finally coaxing a BAROOMPA out of his horn! The crowd of adults that has gathered to watch is spellbound. When Gabby's gramma, who has been following since Gabby stepped outside, announces dinnertime, the parade is over. In the darkness, the participants head for home. What a success!
Gabby is one superb parade marshal. She leads with conviction and encouragement, and accepts all participants (except the bullies). Digital art creates a perfect accompaniment to the text, adding a familiar setting and impressing with the energy and enthusiasm that one little girl sparks. Speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and regular text tell this story with humor and delight. It's simply wonderful!
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