Books published by publisher Akashic Books

Otis Redding and Steve Cropper's timeless ode to never-ending days is given fresh new life in this heartwarming picture book.Sittin' in the mornin' sunI'll be sittin' when the evening comesWatching the ships roll inThen I'll watch 'em roll away again, yeah(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay is a charming picture book set to one of the King of Soul's™ greatest hits. The song was one of the last Redding recorded, and ranked number four on Billboard's year-end Hot 100 chart, going on to win two GRAMMYs and be certified triple-platinum.With lyrics by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper and illustrations by Kaitlyn Shea O'Connor, this picture book imagines a lonesome cat fishing off a dock and hoping the fish will bite soon. (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay is the perfect picture book for parents wanting to share a classic song with their children, allowing both to find joy in it along the way."What [Otis Redding's] voice conveyed to listeners was an immediate, almost unparalleled connection; he could wring inconceivable intensity and complexity out of a minimal phrase and returned, most often, to the basic, raw power of love."--New York TimesThe Otis Redding Foundation: Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth. He provided scholarships and summer music programs which continued until his untimely death on December 10, 1967. Today, the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. To learn more, visit: otisreddingfoundation.org.

Otis Redding's classic song "Respect"--as popularized by Aretha Franklin--becomes an empowering picture book exploring the concept of mutual respect through the eyes of a young girl.R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to meR-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care, TCBOh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)A little respectRespect is a children's picture book based on lyrics written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin's iconic rendition of the song later peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1967. Redding's lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.With lyrics by Otis Redding and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this irresistible book shows a young girl, her brother, and her parents conjuring as many positive futures for each other as they can dream. Packed with playful vignettes as they imagine a life full of possibility, Respect provides families an opportunity to explore themes of mutual respect--while revisiting one of the greatest songs ever written.The Otis Redding Foundation. Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth. He provided scholarships and summer music programs which continued until his untimely death on December 10, 1967. Today, the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. To learn more, visit: otisreddingfoundation.org.

Lee Hazlewood's tough-talkin' hit song (popularized by Nancy Sinatra) is adapted into a playful children's book about the inner life of a jealous cat.These boots are made for walkingAnd that's just what they'll doOne of these days these bootsAre gonna walk all over youThese Boots Are Made for Walkin' is an adorable story of friendship and family set against the backdrop of Lee Hazlewood's iconic song. While there have been numerous recordings over the past several decades, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" was originally recorded by Nancy Sinatra and released in early 1966 to instant success. A #1 Billboard hit in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia that was nominated for three GRAMMYs, Hazlewood's song continues to be embraced to this day.With lyrics by Lee Hazlewood and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this captivating picture book tells the story of a boy and his extremely attached and very jealous cat who must adapt to the introduction of a new family member--a puppy. The funny story line and delightful images are sure to have the entire family curled up and laughing together, pets included!"'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' is one of the most famous pop songs of all time."--New York Times"The hit written by Lee Hazelwood took pop to places it had only previously fantasized about...This oddball song was a tough-talkin', heavy-stridin', even fetishistic assertion of grrrl power..."--Financial Times

Otis Redding's classic song "Respect"--as popularized by Aretha Franklin--becomes an empowering picture book exploring the concept of mutual respect through the eyes of a young girl.R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to meR-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care, TCBOh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)A little respectRespect is a children's picture book based on lyrics written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin's iconic rendition of the song later peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1967. Redding's lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.With lyrics by Otis Redding and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this irresistible book shows a young girl, her brother, and her parents conjuring as many positive futures for each other as they can dream. Packed with playful vignettes as they imagine a life full of possibility, Respect provides families an opportunity to explore themes of mutual respect--while revisiting one of the greatest songs ever written.The Otis Redding Foundation. Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth. He provided scholarships and summer music programs which continued until his untimely death on December 10, 1967. Today, the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. To learn more, visit: otisreddingfoundation.org.