Zakir and His Tabla

A picture book about the childhood of the best tabla player in the world, Grammy Award-winning Zakir Hussain

Just a day and a half old, the very first words Zakir hears from his famous father, Allarakha, are bols — rhythms played out on tablas! These rhythms sing and dance in his head, on Amma’s cheeks, on pots and pans... The author follows these beats, stringing together little vignettes from his life. From a childhood around music to the highs of a performer who took the tabla to the world, this joyous story introduces children to a musical genius, whose busy fingers and flying curls make him the inimitable Zakir Hussain. The illustrations add their own magic with fine artistry and a subtle but striking use of colors.