This story is a tale of a man who played the piano for silent movies, but loses his job when talking picture movies begin. He shares his stories of playing and traveling with his granddaughter. In the end, the family buys the old man the piano he used to play. The old man then begins to play for his granddaughter.

This is a great story about sharing family time together and passing down stories form generation to generation. I would use this book for all elementary students because it shows how wonderful and how important family tradition is. ( )

The Piano Man is a historical recall of a young girl's grandfather who played piano for silent movies, vaudeville, medicine shows, and ragtime music. After years of playing the grandfather meets the love of his life. and they tour together in various shows. Touring is no longer a part of their lives as they must have more stability now that they are expecting their first child. The Piano Man must settle down and takes his former job playing in the theatre for silent films. Then it happens... talking films. The Piano man no longer plays in the theatre losing his job to talking films. He shares his memories with his grandaughter and she listen with joy. For his 75th birthday his family buys him the old piano from the theatre he use to play in. For old time sake he turns down the familyl television and plays a number for his grandaughter. ( )

I really liked this book. I liked the reverence the narrator gave to her Grandfather and his exciting life in entertainment. The pictures were lively and really brought the story to life. The theme of this book is just a personal history story of a black man in the changing entertainment industry. ( )

Large full page spread pictures are as lively as the music the the words talk about. A real motivational book for children who labor over musical instruments. Presents insight on how jobs come and go and the necessity of adaptability. When talking movies came in grandfather lost his job playing the piano in theatres for silent film. But fortunately his skills enable him to find employment as a piano tuner.