The Band in Our Basement (a Picture Book)

In this rollicking, rhyming picture book, a pair of siblings who are supposed to be in bed discover a jazz band playing in their basement

The sounds downstairs are funky
and we start to wiggle toes.
We flip-flop and we giggle
with sheets up to the nose.
The rhythm’s steady, the trumpet’s sweet.
Before too long, we’re on our feet!

After hearing Daddy’s band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister can’t resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, can’t be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot! They long to join in the fun, but can’t be seen out of bed--until the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair. With an energetic, lyrical text from award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist and exuberant illustrations from Jenin Mohammed, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beat--right before settling back down for bedtime.

Kelly J. Baptist is the award-winning author of many books for kids, including The Swag Is in the Socks, which won the 2022 Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction; her middle-grade novel, Ready, Set, Dough; and The Electric Slide and Kai, which won the Lee and Low New Voices Honor. Baptist lives in Southwest Michigan with her five amazing children, and practices Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality every day! Jenin Mohammed grew up in sunny (but mostly rainy) south Florida. She loves kittens (even though she is allergic to them), roller coasters, and scary movies. Above all else, Mohammed enjoys traveling to different places and teaching kids how to embrace their inner artist.