Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!

Narrated by the legendary country music venue itself, this peppy picture book look at the Grand Ole Opry casts the reader as a would-be performer. “Howdy!” the theater greets. “I’m the one place in the world where the past, present, and future of country music come together on the same stage every week.” Frans gives the building a welcoming tone as it guides readers around backstage, interspersing facts and lore. When it’s finally showtime, the Opry reassures, “You’ve got this!” Chapman’s exuberant artwork collages archival photos of famed performers and related artifacts with watercolor, gouache, cut paper, and digital artwork that incorporates starbursts, multicolored spotlights, and a ribbon of blue that hints at the pull of the tunes. The invigorating effect energetically captures the magic of the Opry, while inviting readers to dream big. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Includes a note from Lainey Wilson and a brief history. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)