Acoustic Rooster and Friends
Acoustic Rooster Series
What’s inside...
Kwame Alexander’s rhythmic picture book follows Acoustic Rooster, a jazz-loving fowl who enters the Barnyard Talent Show. After a rocky solo rehearsal, he scours the farm to recruit the finest animal jazz artists—Mules Davis on trumpet, Duck Ellington on piano, and Bee Holiday on vocals. Together they practice, improvise, and finally swing the barn down in a toe-tapping performance that shows the power of teamwork, practice, and believing in yourself.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-6
Length
20 pages
Character compass
Acoustic Rooster
Mules Davis
Bee Holiday
Duck Ellington
Discussion points
How did practice change the band’s performance?
Why is winning less important than playing together?
Which animal musician would you add to the band?
Tip: Role play these questions
Play a jazz song after reading to connect fiction to real music.
Create homemade instruments and stage your own talent show.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork makes dreams work
Explanation: Rooster’s success comes from collaborating with friends.
Real-World Application: Encourage group projects where each child brings a unique skill.
Example Lesson: Practice leads to improvement
Explanation: The band rehearses repeatedly before the show.
Real-World Application: Set aside daily time to practice reading or an instrument.
Example Lesson: Winning isn’t everything
Explanation: Rooster’s band values applause and fun over first place.
Real-World Application: Praise effort and enjoyment rather than only trophies.