I See the Rhythm

After reviewing historical accounts and interviewing participants in African-American music, Wood created the paintings in the book. Igus used Wood's paintings as inspiration for the poems in the book. Children's Book Press, now Lee & Low Books, published the book in 1998.^[2]

Publishers Weekly wrote that the book was a "lyrically memorable tour de force" and "impeccably crafted."^[3] At Kirkus Reviews, the reviewer complimented the illustrations for "broadcast[ing] joy, innovation, and exuberance in the face of systematic oppression."^[4] Multicultural Education wrote that it was an "inspiring celebration of African American music."^[5] Booklist wrote that Wood's illustrations enliven Igus's prose poems, but that readers who understand the text might not be drawn to a picture book.^[6]

The book won the Skipping Stones 1999 award for Multicultural and International books.^[7]