GBH Boston, "the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America" (and, as with all public broadcasting, under grave threat), is known for producing great children's programming, some based on children's books (Curious George, Arthur, Martha Speaks, Pinkalicious, Time Warp Trio). Their latest, lively, book-to-show offering is Acoustic Rooster based on the 2011 picture book by Kwame Alexander (who acts as an executive producer) and is streaming on PBS Kids.

The show debuted on May 1 with the 45-minute Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, which serves as something of an origin story. The jazz-loving, guitar-strumming, somewhat cocky ("I know jazz. I feel jazz. And it's smooth and easy as 1, 2, 3") young protagonist thinks it'll be a snap to play with the likes of barnyard legends Duck Ellington, Ella Finchgerald, and Mules Davis. Sure, he's got ambition and talent, not to mention "panache," but he needs to learn and internalize three important "jazz band skills": 1. Feel the music and follow the beat; 2. Call and response; 3. Improvisation. Along the way, the rooster — and viewers — learn a good bit about cooperation, perseverance, and how to play jazz!

A series of twenty video shorts, or "Jazzy Jams," are rolling out, along with a kid-friendly music game, "Groovin' with Acoustic Rooster," and a tie-in series of new board books and picture book reissues. See also Kwame Alexander's How Sweet the Sound, illustrated by Charly Palmer and starred in the March/April 2025 Horn Book Magazine; and don't forget books and links for International Jazz Day (April 30).

Support your local public media station and show your support for public media country-wide at this critical time.