Jubilee!: One Man's Big, Bold, and Very, Very Loud Celebration of Peace

This is such a fun book! We came across it while studying U.S. history in our homeschool. Out of the many books we read about the 1800s, this is one of the books that my kids enjoyed the most. I loved it too! I couldn't believe that such a big event had happened and that I'd never even heard about it. It's great from the perspective of learning about history, but I also love that it shows one man's relentless enthusiasm being rewarded and finding success, even though his plan was preposterously enormous. It's a great book on so many levels. Beautiful pictures, engaging story, and great encouragement to follow your dreams, even when others think you're crazy. Definitely recommended.

An inspiring, entertaining, witty and beautifully written and illustrated story about a little known historical figure whose passion and message is more relevant now than ever.

As a journalist who has circled the globe in my reporting, I am always amazed to discover enormous, inspirational gatherings of people. Vast inspirational movements of men and women have been a part of American life since the First Great Awakening arose in the 1730s. Thanks to Alicia Potter and the folks at Candlewick Press, we all are now discovering another in the pages of Potter’s delightful children’s book about musician Patrick Gilmore.Patrick Gilmore was a complex man. He was one of the greatest military musicians in U.S. history, AND he was the architect of two of America’s largest peace festivals. During the Civil War, Gilmore’s music and his bands served the Union cause under special arrangement with the state of Massachusetts. In the years after the Civil War, Gilmore became America’s PT Barnum of peace.Today, Gilmore’s contribution to American life is largely missing from our history books. That’s partly due to Gilmore’s own ambivalence toward personal fame. His most famous song, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, was published under a pseudonym. Thomas Edison managed to capture his band in a couple of early wax recordings. A few carefully posed photographs exist of Gilmore, his band and the 1872 event. Artist Matt Tavares used this source material in smart ways for his superb illustrations that are sure to capture eyes—young and old.Something about the man was charismatic—to say the least. For his two peace jubilees, he managed to organize the most famous men and women in the musical world. Think of the great global music events of the late 20th century—Woodstock, the Concert for Bangladesh, Farm Aid—and you’ll envision the sheer star power assembled by Gilmore.Since reading Potter’s book, I’ve now read a whole lot more about Gilmore and I can highly recommend her picture book to all adults who love children and who yearn for peace.

I am shocked I had never heard of this event, and I am so glad I read this book! It's entertaining and informative for both kids and adults, and really beautifully illustrated. The images of the enormous concert really give a feel for how huge the crowds were that attended it! I wish I could have experienced something like that. I'm so excited this book was released and this exciting musical event can be shared with children. Very recommended!

Great