Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved Her

Gr 2–5—This introduction to the jazz great has tons of kid appeal. Capitalizing on her indulgent devotion to her pet dogs, Lady Day is presented with lighthearted whimsy: a little white poodle in her coat pocket; two bottle-fed Chihuahuas; and her beloved boxer, Mister, sporting a mink coat and waiting in the wings at every performance, to name a few. From the little girl who loved to sing along to her favorite recordings to the grown woman who became a star, Holiday will capture the imagination of young music lovers. Even the lowest times of her life are presented in terms of her pups: "…just when her career was at the top, Lady got into trouble. She had to leave home for a year and a day. And Mister couldn't come. Lady knew what it was like to be left, and it made her heartsick." Older children who read the appended biographical note learn that these simple lines refer to Holiday's abandonment as a child and to the drug addiction that would take her life. The generously sized gouache-and-charcoal illustrations capture the glamour and humor of this singer and dog-lover's experiences. Bright colors, full spreads, and collage combine to paint a larger-than-life portrait. Pair this title with Sue Stauffacher's Bessie Smith and the Night Riders (Putnam, 2006) for units on black or women's history or an introduction to jazz and blues.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools