The Dance of the Violin - a bookwrap

The violin is a wooden string instrument in the violin family. ... The violin typically has four strings tuned in perfect fifths, and is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings, though it can also be played by plucking the strings with the fingers (pizzicato).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violin

Unwrapping...

"The Dance of the Violin"

Authored by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Dušan Petričić 

Ages 5-8

Unwrapping some amazing illustrations for you...

About the book...

Joshua Bell, a true to life classical violinist, once was a little boy who had an innate passion for playing the violin.  When he was twelve years old he entered the Stulbert International String Competition for the very first time.  He convinces his mom and dad to drive him to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the competition.  He has loads of practising to do before his performance date.  He chooses a piece of music that his teacher suggests is too difficult for even some adults to play.  Joshua is adamant that that is the one he wants so his teacher agrees to let him go forward with the piece.

Joshua is knowingly nervous the day of his performance and he makes a mistake early on in his delivery and almost crumbles. Oh my!  But wait should he be bold and ask for a reprise?  That's just what this brave little guy did.  He steps forward and asks the judges for a reprieve.  Luckily for Joshua the judges graciously agree and his second attempt is pure heaven.  He gets carried away in his imagination and with his music creating magic to the ears of everyone in that room.  

What does Joshua learn that day?  What valuable life lesson can he pass on to his readers?  He understands that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and what he encourages you to remember is to be focused in the moment, give it your very best effort and be happy with the final outcome.  Wise words of wisdom indeed!!

The whimsical illustrations are full of imagination and wonder.  They swirl and move and draw you into Joshua's music.  Joshua is such an adorable little character you just want to hug him... hug him when he is brave enough to step out of his comfort zone and raise the bar high on his selection of music,  hug him when he is so scared and intimidated at his competition, hug him when he valiantly asks for a re-do and HUG, HUG, HUG him when he plays so brilliantly.   I highly recommend this book. 

Storywraps rating.... 5 HUGS!!!!! and beyond....




About the author...

Kathy Stinson grew up in Toronto, sorted mail, taught school and waited tables before figuring out, while at home with her two children, that what she really wanted to do was write. In the years since, she has published more than 30 titles – picture books, young adult novels, historical fiction, short stories, biography, and other non-fiction. She’s proud of the fact that many of her books have attracted award nominations and in 2014 The Man with the Violin actually won the TD Children’s Literature Award! Mother, stepmother, and grandmother, Kathy currently lives in Rockwood, Ontario with her partner, Peter Carver.

About the illustrator...

Dušan Petričić was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and grew up in Zemun, an old city located just across the river (and now a part of Belgrade). As a boy he did all the forbidden things that children do, but what Dušan loved most was to draw.

He started drawing at age four and, encouraged by his parents, he never stopped. He found inspiration in everything, and drawing became a way to communicate with the people around him. Two books that were very important to his childhood were an old encyclopedia with lots of pictures and The Boys from Pavel’s Street by Ferenc Molnár. Early on, he was moved by the drawings found within the encyclopedia. As he grew older, he adored many artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer, and Picasso.

Dušan has been illustrating children’s books for many years. He has received numerous honors and awards for his work, in North America and internationally.

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