Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio

Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio

A review of Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio! by Bïa, Erik West-Millette, and Olaf Gundel

Published on October 30, 2024

This fun musical picture book is the third in the colourful We’re a Possum Family Band series, chronicling the adventures of marsupial musicians Mama and Papa Poss. In this story, the possum parents gather their children around to hear the tale of how they made it big writing a hit song for none other than Elvis Harepiece, recounting their trip to Memphis and all the characters they meet along the way. 

Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio!
We're a Possum Family Band

Bïa, Erik West-Millette, and Olaf Gundel
Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume

The Secret Mountain
$19.95
cloth
48pp
9782898360831

From talent manager Sir Joe Snake to a squawking parrot, dancing ferrets, a beaver bartender, and Elvis’ BFF Arlo the armadillo, each new addition to the story provides a fun learning opportunity for young readers as the Poss family makes their way down the Mississippi to the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.. By adding a little “critter rock” to Elvis Harepiece’s repertoire, Mama and Papa Poss score a hit for the king and pave their way to glory… and the Rodent Hall of Fame.

The brightly coloured illustrations, maps, and dynamic animal characters make for an eye-catching read that’s sure to keep young readers’ attention, no matter their age. This reimagining of musical history provides a fun new way to explore a familiar story with a musical possum twist.

Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio comes with a QR code to access online content, including a narration of the story and three original songs. Readers can follow along with the lyrics at the end of the book, plus learn more about the places, people, and terms used in the story in the glossary. An illustrated dictionary of rock ’n’ roll instruments and 1950s-era performers also provides more insight into the music of the era.mRb

Tina Wayland recently completed her Creative Writing MA at Concordia University, where she won the department’s David McKeen Award in 2022 and 2024. She’s been published in such places as carte blanche, Headlight Anthology, and Soliloquies Anthology, as well as longlisted for the CBC Nonfiction Prize and shortlisted in Room Magazine.

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