I Gotta Sing!

A whole barnyard makes noise “in the spirit of joy” throughout this raucous picture book, a sweetly heartwarming sing-along by Duncan. Big Baby, a smiling, brown-skinned child, runs outside after breakfast, keeping to a morning schedule that starts with grits, gravy, and peach toast. While Great Nana fills the bath, Pop Charlie greets the child with a song: “I gotta SING when the Spirit says SING,/ AND SHOUT IN THE SPIRIT OF JOY!” As the pages turn, Pop Charlie invites barnyard animals to join in, and a cow, pig, and dog each take a verse, incorporating animal sounds into the refrain and dancing together. The specter of a breakfast-mess-banishing bath time nearly proves a downer, then becomes an opportunity for further song. Kellam’s conveys comfort and happiness as the loved ones reflect sunny enthusiasm in this gladdening rendition of the Black American religious folk song “I’m Goin’a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing.” More about the song concludes. Ages 3–7. (July)