Kwame Alexander’s beloved barnyard jazz characters are making their screen debut. PBS Kids, in partnership with GBH Kids, has launched a new animated adaptation based on Alexander’s picture book Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band. Originally released in 2011 by Sleeping Bear Press and followed by a 2020 sequel, Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie Starring Indigo Blume, the stories are now coming to life through a 20-episode animated series and an hour-long special.
The new series, Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, premiered with a special preview on February 24 on PBS Kids. A second episode aired on April 11, and weekly releases began on May 9. Meanwhile, the standalone special, Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, premiered on May 1. Both the series and the special follow the jazz-loving rooster as he joins a group of legendary barnyard musicians and explores lessons about teamwork, creativity, and musical collaboration. The episodes are also available for streaming on the PBS app.
Alexander’s involvement in the adaptation traces back to 2017 at a party celebrating his YA novel Solo. Animator Kay Donmyer, known for Curious George, expressed interest in adapting the Acoustic Rooster books, prompting Alexander to eagerly join the project. “I always imagined these characters beyond the book, performing on stage,” he shared.
The origin of the book ties back to Alexander’s early fatherhood. When his daughter struggled to sleep, he discovered jazz music helped soothe her. That experience sparked the idea for a children’s book celebrating jazz, one that could entertain both kids and their parents. He blended fun rhymes and whimsical character names like Duck Ellington and Mules Davis as a nod to jazz history.
Serving as executive producer, Alexander worked closely with Donmyer, as well as directors Rachel Stolberg and Ranjit Gill. This wasn’t his first adaptation experience—he previously helped bring his Newbery-winning novel The Crossover to Disney+. From that experience, he learned the value of fostering a collaborative, family-like production environment. “It’s not just work,” he said. “We’re building something meaningful together.”
Alexander had significant input across the board, from writing to marketing to artistic choices. Proud of his hands-on approach, he described himself as a “control freak,” a trait shaped by his upbringing. He credits his father for teaching him to speak up and take ownership as a Black creative. “Even when my skills hadn’t caught up to my ambition, I’ve always been determined,” he said.
The show features 24 original jazz compositions by Juno Award-winning musician Mark McLean, and appearances from jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Amy Shook. A lifelong jazz lover, Alexander emphasized authenticity in the music, ensuring it reflected the depth and vibrancy of the genre.Despite expanding into animation, Alexander remains committed to the book format. Two new board books—Acoustic Rooster and Friends and Acoustic Rooster Sings the Alphabet—were released on April 1. Through these adaptations, Alexander hopes to introduce children not only to jazz but also to American and African American history. “Jazz is a powerful tool,” he said, “to help our kids understand who we are and who they can become.”
