I and I Bob Marley
A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.
Born in the Jamaican countryside in 1945, Bob Marley seemed special from birth. The curious, intuitive boy had an extraordinary gift for absorbing and interpreting the world around him.
Influenced by his biracial heritage, his island home, and the injustices he observed in everyday life, Bob went on to become a musician and messenger; a poet and prophet of reggae culture. His music echoed from Jamaica all the way across the globe, spreading his heartfelt message of peace, love, and equality to everyone who heard his songs.
Brimming with imagination and insight, I and I Bob Marley, is a multifaceted tribute befitting this international musical legend. Soulful, sun-drenched paintings transport readers to Bob Marley's Jamaica, while uniquely perceptive poems bring to life his fascinating journey from boy to icon.
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Tony Medina is the author of six beloved books for young readers, as well as multiple volumes of poetry for adults. A Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and a professor of creative writing at Howard University, Dr. Medina is a two-time winner of the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. He lives in the Washington, DC area.
Jesse Joshua Watson is a fine artist and illustrator whose work has appeared in galleries, on CD covers, and more recently in children's books. An avid traveler, Watson's artwork reflects the cultures and people he connects with along the way. Watson lives with his wife and their sons in Port Townsend, Washington. Chess battles with family members are a favorite pastime. His website is jessewatson.com.
* "[A] rare, soulful tribute." -- Booklist, starred review
"[T]he poems resonate with the artist's message throughout. . . Anyone interested in reggae music and its major voice will find this volume intriguing." -- School Library Journal
"This lyrical picture-book biography of the reggae icon tells his story in verse, from humble beginnings in a small Jamaican village to his glory days as an influential musician." -- Publishers Weekly
"Thoughtful and adept. . . Watson's acrylics capture Marley's public magnetism as well as private, introspective moments." -- The Horn Book
"I and I Bob Marley is artistic and adept in both its verse and visuals, and perhaps most importantly, it can be used to reinforce positivity--the ultimate message of Bob Marley's life." -- Multicultural Review
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