#BookReview - Lulu & Rocky in Nashville

Lulu & Rocky in Nashville (Our City Adventures)

By: Barbara Joosse
Illustrated by: Renee Graef
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: March 2020
ISBN: 978-1534110656
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: March 2020

In book 3 of the Our City Adventures series, it's time for Lulu and her cousin Rocky to go on another trip - this time to the exciting city of Nashville.

Lulu has received a letter from her Aunt Fancy. She has invited Lulu to Nashville to see her Uncle Sparky perform with his band, the Jumpstarts. Lulu's cousin Rocky received an invitation too. Lulu and her friend Pufferson quickly pack and head to Nashville where they soon meet up with Rocky. The group next boards Uncle Sparky's tour bus and start a vacation they won't soon forget.

The group visits the Country Music Hall of Fame, they stop for ice cream at the Goo Goo Shop, and even meet a real country music star! There are lots of other things they get to see and do before it's time to see the Jumpstarts perform at the Ryman Auditorium. 

I haven't read the other two books in the Our City Adventures series where Lulu and Rocky travel to Milwaukee and Detroit, but that's not necessary to enjoy this book. Lulu and Rocky in Nashville is easily a standalone story as the author introduces the reader to the main characters on the first few pages and explains their relationship. I've also never been to Nashville so it was fun to see the various sites through the eyes of Lulu, Rocky, and Pufferson. While the adventure jumps around to various sites in Nashville, it reads more like a tourist guide to the city than a story that will hold young readers' attention. I suspect some readers will lose interest mid-way through the book. In addition, there are a few more advanced words (concierge, kaleidoscope) that some youngsters may struggle with. Overall, the book would be a good read for families planning a trip to Nashville so youngsters can learn about the fun they will have in Music City.

Quill says: A good story about the sights in Nashville although it may have trouble holding the attention of less attentive young readers.