Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince

An exuberant picture book about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community.



It’s the weekend, first in June;


speaker’s blasting out big tune!


Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends,


pack the house and fun begins.



Shane is shy, but loves to dance—


and all year long, he’s picked up cans


to earn some money toward his goal:


high-tops with a pump-up sole.



But then the speaker blows—it’s done!


Will this stop his family’s fun?


Can Shane come through to save the day


and bring back Big Tune Saturday?



Set a vibrant Caribbean-American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black-boy joy that touches on determination, the confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude.