“Trombone Shorty” Andrews (with an authorial assist from Taylor) and illustrator Collier bring to life another compelling, true story of Andrews’ early life.

As a young boy, Shorty loved playing music with his friends so much that they created the eponymous band (so named because they practiced at 5:00 after finishing homework and chores). In this picture-book account, Troy becomes so caught up in playing his own music that he arrives late for the band’s performance and planned parade to discover that they left without him. Disappointed with himself, Troy wonders how he might ever become a bandleader after letting down his own band members. Crestfallen, he journeys through town, looking for his band. On his way, he encounters three New Orleans institutions—musician Tuba Tremé; Queen Lola, Creole chef; and a troupe of Mardi Gras Indians—who help him understand the ingredients for success. Collier’s characteristic collage illustrations effectively represent Troy’s emotional struggle for self-improvement, and the level of detail in the images portrays the liveliness of New Orleans well. Backmatter includes extensive notes from the author and illustrator and information about the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which exists to “preserve the rich musical culture of New Orleans.”

An excellent story about a man who remembers the community he came from and actively works to ensure its future success. (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review

The 5 o'clock band is written by Trombone Shorty himself. This book follows Shorty on his way to find his band. Shorty has big dreams of becoming a bandleader. Throughout his journey to find his band, he runs into a few people who give him some words of wisdom that help him keep going. From the Tuba player in the Quarter, to the Creole Queen cook, and lastly the Mardi Gras Indian, they made Shorty realize that in order to be a good bandleader, he needs "dedication, tradition, and love." This book really shows readers that if you stay true to yourself, work hard, and never give up, then anything is possible. ( )

This book is awesome! It tells the story from the point of view of young Shorty.The author went through Shorty's day. He's in a band and missed the meet up time. He went all around time trying to find the bad. Throughout that time he saw the many different people who made New Orleans what it is. He saw musicians, cooks, Mardi Gras Indians and more. The illustrations of this book were great!!! ( )

Stories are more meaningful when told by THE PERSON ... great story!! ( )

In this sequel to Trombone Shorty, Troy Andrews continues his reminiscences of childhood in New Orleans, and the after-school band he and his friends formed when he was a boy: The 5 O'clock Band. He and co-author Taylor have slightly fictionalized the story to emphasize the values of the Tremé neighborhood: the traditions of music, love, hospitality, and dedication to their art. Collier’s pen and ink watercolor and collage portray the moral vividly. ( )