Description
"A fantastic music read-aloud to showcase pianos and performances, and maybe inspire some students to prepare for their own recitals.'" School Library Journal
These are the pedals, pressed down to the ground,
under the soundboard where bridges are bound
fixed to the frame enclosed in the case
that lies on the legs with wheels at their base,
to pillar and prop my piano.
Explore the workings of a grand piano through the eyes of a young musician as she prepares for and performs her first recital to a crowd of friendly faces. Using lyrical text and a cumulative structure to introduce the instrument, curious readers will easily develop an appreciation for its beauty and design. But be sure to stick around for the performance, where the music will swell - ripple - flow - up to the very end of the show.
An adorable main character and richly colored spreads will have readers everywhere applauding and asking for more. This is a great addition for any library, music and performing arts learning center, or home bookshelf!
About the Author
Jen Fier Jasinski grew up outside of Washington, D.C. and spent most of her childhood exploring creeks and reading books. She has taught special education for more than ten years, where her favorite part of the school day continues to be Story Time. Jen enjoys spending time with her spouse and kids in the Fairfax County, Virginia area, reading, and playing outside. Her favorite days are when she gets to do all three. Her extra favorite days include cake. Connect with Jen at https: //www.jenfierjasinski.com. Anita is a self-taught freelance illustrator, living in Dorset, the sunniest part of the United Kingdom. Her days are mostly about her neurodiverse family, creating and reading children's books, drinking coffee and raising awareness about climate emergency. ? With her quirky, whimsical illustrations she loves creating mood, telling stories with heart and important messages, stories that spark further conversations, deeper thoughts, and positive change. She is determined to add her art to missing voices, to help children become more confident in finding their own voices. Connect with Anita at https: //www.anitabagdi.com.
Reviews
Written in the cumulative style of "This Is the House That Jack Built," a young girl shows off her piano in rhyme, showcasing a new part of the instrument every repetition. Once she has shown off the piano and quieted her nerves, she then displays her musical talent and performs a great solo recital. Back matter includes a glossary and visuals of all the discussed piano parts, and a lovely author's note on preparing for performances. Jasinski's story is simple to follow and extremely relatable to anyone who has ever played a musical instrument. The text stands out, using repetition to aid comprehension and provide context for some of the more musical vocabulary students might not understand yet. Bagdi's illustrations are also extremely helpful in understanding what part of the piano is being shown. These beautiful illustrations also work with the story to show off not just the piano, but the child's emotions and the music itself. -Together Jasinski and Bagdi have created a recital from start to finish that will leave readers wanting an encore. -VERDICT A -fantastic music read-aloud to showcase pianos and performances, and maybe inspire some students to prepare for their own recitals.
-Margaret Kennelly, School Library Journal Starred Review
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