Sister, brother, family An American childhood in music

Told in alternating perspectives from Bobbie and Willie Nelson, who refer to each other as Sister and Brother, this sentimental picture book debut, cowritten by Barton, chronicles the musical siblings' lives. Raised by their grandparents, Mama and Daddy Nelson, in "little Abbott, Texas," Bobbie falls in love with the piano ("The piano felt like a friend"), and Willie has a knack for the guitar ("Six strings seemed just about right"). Together, they play music at church, to comfort themselves when Daddy Nelson dies suddenly, to support the family financially by playing in dance halls, and as they begin storied careers as performers. Prose occasionally hits a stale note ("We had so little money but so much love"), though largely maintains a fondly nostalgic tone. Kyung's subtly textured, vintage stylized images, rendered in dusty hues and portraying a white cast, contribute to the book's Southern charm. A personal-feeling family story that firmly reinforces the power of music as connective tissue in two country stars' lives. Ages 3--7. (Sept.)

K-Gr 4--Country legends Willie Nelson and his sister, Bobbie Nelson, come together in this touching homage to family, music, and a life of connection. In a back-and-forth narrative that could easily be set to music, they describe their bucolic American upbringing of garden-picked vegetables, joyful church services, and unlimited love from the grandparents who raised them. Education was paramount in their home--books and music were as important as hard work. Willie and Bobbie felt such passion for music that it felt like another family member. It healed them, filled them with joy, and connected them in a way that nothing else could. The illustrations are infused with muted colors, evoking a sense of nostalgia and providing a backdrop to let the lyrical prose take center stage. Realism fills the illustrations with authenticity, so fans of these siblings will feel that they are getting to know this legendary duo from a whole different perspective. VERDICT A sentimental purchase for Willie's fans rather than children. Purchase where Willie reigns supreme.--Kate Davis, Fort Lupton Public & School Lib., CO

This story of how siblings Willie and Bobbie Nelson became lifelong musical partners focuses on how the two grew up together in Abbott, Texas. Many fans know the story of the redheaded stranger Willie Nelson, the songwriter and performer who, at age 88, continues to perform and release music. But far fewer know the story of Nelson's sister, Bobbie, a pianist and gifted singer who has played with her brother since the two were young children. "My first piano was one we made from cardboard, with a keyboard drawn in crayon," Bobbie says in the alternating narration. "We loved music. Music loved us back. It provided for us and protected us and supported our family's soul," Willie says. The family's rural life is portrayed as loving and idyllic as the two are raised by their grandparents until their grandfather dies. From there it's a short, abrupt journey from playing in church and in front of their first crowds to playing to huge audiences, as shown in a collection of ticket stubs that bookend the storybook. This picture book feels disconnected from its putative child audience. By softening rough edges and by focusing only on the siblings' childhood, the story pins itself to an old-fashioned past. The serviceable illustrations that seem intentionally faded and muted likewise don't concede much to a modern kid audience. (This book was reviewed digitally.) More a cute collectible for established fans than a children's book that invites new curiosity. (Picture book/memoir. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.