Move the Crowd

by Eric BARRIER (song lyrics), William Griffin (song lyrics), Kirk Parrish (Illustrator)

Innovative illustrator Kirk Parrish brings the iconic song "Move the Crowd" to life for the first time as a children's picture book.

Move the Crowd is the latest from LyricPop, a children’s picture book collection by LyricVerse and Akashic Books.

With knowledge of self, there's nothing I can't solve
At 360 degrees I revolve
This is actual fact, it's not an act, it's been proven
Indeed and I proceed to make the crowd keep moving . . .

Innovative illustrator Kirk Parrish brings the iconic song "Move the Crowd" to life for the first time as a children's picture book. The lyrics to Eric B. and Rakim's hit song provide the inspiration for this instant classic.

Follow along as Parrish pairs the lyrics with colorful illustrations about a boy being absorbed into his stereo and dropped into a colorless world where the music is dull and the people uninspired. The ensuing transformation he brings to the crowd with his music is one that the whole family can enjoy together.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Picture book adaptation of Eric B.'s and Rakim's song Move the Crowd. It was great to see a rap get the song-to-picture-book adaptation treatment. It feels like most of the songs that get adapted this way are often those sappy songs that parents love of a very particular style (think You Are My Sunshine or What A Wonderful World). It is nice to see a tiny bit more diversity.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a unique concept to me, but it's such a simple idea that I'm sure it's been done before. Really cute illustrations, and I loved the lyrics, it just wasn't my favorite kind of picture book.

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cool to look at this while listening to the song!

[Alicia Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

For: readers looking for a colorful book with lots of rhythm.

Possible red flags: lots of references in the lyrics, including other musicians and Allah, to name a few.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awkward as an independent read and I imagine it would be challenging to get the rhythm and flow down if you read it out loud. Also not sure how this would be used , except maybe in a music class.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As part of a lyric-t0-picture book series, this book follows a boy and his boombox as he inspires others with his beat. I love the lively illustrations by Kirk Parrish.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.