I don’t often write book reviews, reserving them for really good ones written by local authors. Here’s another one for you all to read: “Black Day: The Monster Rock Band” written by Marcus Sikora, a creative 25-year-old with Down syndrome.
I’ve met Marcus before: First, I know his mom, Mardra, who is a fellow blogger. Second, he’s a huge theater fan and since I work at Omaha Performing Arts, I’ve seen him at season announcement events and at quite a few of our Broadway shows. And I have to mention, I’ve seen him charm Rockettes. This is his first book for children, though I’m told a sequel is a possibility.
Marcus Sikora on the day “Black Day: The Monster Rock Band” arrived.
“Black Day: The Monster Rock Band” review
What it’s about: Brad is a paper boy who wants to be a rock star, so when he discovers the band Black Day playing in old Professor Hammer’s garage, he really wants to join. Problem is, the band doesn’t allow humans (even if they really need a bass player). Brad sets out to change their minds, but the monsters have bigger problems to deal with. Can Brad help?
What the kids thought: I read this together with my 3- and 5-year-old. They were both fascinated with the funny-looking monsters. You think monsters and you think scary, right? That’s a mom thinking for you. Kids love monsters. Marcus created monsters with just the right amount of spook – a smidge of spookiness that appealed to my kids but didn’t scare them. The illustrations kept things playful. You can bet this will be a fun book to read when Halloween rolls around.
At 40 pages, it was a good length for both kids to sit through – a little short for a picture book for my older son, and just right for my younger daughter. It has rock ‘n roll and monsters in it, so of course, they’re going to like it.
I liked the message it sent: Even if someone looks totally different from you, they just want to be accepted. And
Where to get it
You can get the book now online here for delivery in July, or order from The Bookworm in Omaha here. Of course, I love The Bookworm, and also recommend just going there in person and buying it.
Omaha Event
Marcus Sikora will have a reading and book signing on Saturday, July 11, at 1 p.m. at The Bookworm, 2501 S. 90th St. Here’s your chance to buy the book and meet the author!
More events are on the way, so you can always check Mardra Sikora’s blog for updates.
You can connect with Marcus and his adventures via Twitter, Facebook/GrownUpsAndDowns, and BlackDayBook.com.
Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary digital edition of the book in order to review it for you.