John Faulkner and Joyce Faulkner with DARNEISHA F. (DAR) AIRHART
Children’s Category
Louder and Funnier by Darneisha F. (Dar) Airhart Is about Alfonso Trent, a piano player and band leader from Fort Smith, Arkansas. It won the 2023 TAZ award for children’s books. The title of the book comes from a song Trent’s group played.
The book tells children about Trent’s success and continued attachment to Fort Smith
throughout his life. It is told in poetry to convey the rhythm of the music.
Information and photos were gathered from the Historical Society of Fort Smith headed by Sherry Toliver for use in the book. Airhart interviewed family members and used the local library for additional information.
By Nadia Lougin
Illustrator Nadia Lougin did an excellent job of the drawings and paintings for the book. They
make it come alive along with Airhart’s words. The entire book is a colorful experience for
children.
It’s a fun book to share with a child and rekindle some of Fort Smith’s history.