The Four Dog Blues Band, or How Chester, Boy, Dog in the Fog, and Diva Took the Big City by Storm

Chester is a howlin’ blues hound who dreams of being famous in the Big City. With a little encouragement, he sets out on the road to stardom. Along the way, he picks up three dogs as band mates: Boy, Dog in the Fog, and Diva. Together, they become the Four Dog Blues Band, and they take the Big City by storm with a jammin’ performance at the Mississippi Museum of Art’s art ball.

Readers familiar with the museum will recognize paintings by Mississippi artists throughout the book. Original drawings by Maggie Dunlap, daughter of artists William Dunlap and Linda Burgess, help illustrate the musical journey.

In addition to the story of Chester and his band, young readers have the opportunity to learn how to look at art and about various art terms through insightful commentary from a wise owl that makes an appearance by each work of art. With the many colorful and creative components of this exciting book, it’s a story that can be enjoyed time and again.

Lianne K. Takemori is curator of education for the Mississippi Museum of Art. Maggie Dunlap is the daughter of artists William Dunlap and Linda Burgess. She lives in Virginia with her parents and her dog Snitch. Robin C. Dietrick has worked in and with museums and other organizations for more than twenty years as a curator, designer, and editor. She founded Symmetry LLC in 2013 following her tenure as curator of exhibitions for the Mississippi Museum of Art. Bradley S. Klein lives in New York City, where he works as creative director of Acoustiguide.