The Max Motion 4 get an out of the blue call from the Village Vanguard jazz club - they need a replacement act in one hour. The hard bop quartet struggles to get there in time, incorporating their journeys into the music.

Illustrated in vivid acrylic paintings that are meant to evoke the classic Blue Note album covers of the 50s and 60s, "Making the Gig" is a treat for the eyes. As a read, the sentences are very aware of sounds and rhythms. The feel is of a well-constructed jazz solo. And the story is relentless: a rush to make a potentially career-making gig.

Targeted to 4 to 9 year-olds, my 2 year old enjoys the pictures and the SOUND of the words passing by.