Today's read heads in a different direction with the main characters and visits the world of music. I had Christmas in mind when I was flipping through possible read titles, so the winter landscape was the first thing to grab my attention. I found the trees and snow so well done, and just wanted to head out and shake some of that snow off of the branches to enjoy it flopping down around me. (I do love winter!) Then, I saw the violins...maybe, you noticed them first? The hats on the tops had me smiling too. I assume this one will head in the fantasy direction with a little music knowledge goodness...maybe?
Let's dive in and find out!
THE VIOLIN FAMILY PLAYS NEW MUSIC
by Melissa Perley
Illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker
Rootstock Publishing
Picture Book
38 pages
ages 3 to 8
On a cold, snowy day, Celia Violoncello meets her neighbor, Clarence Clarinet, a woodwind who looks and sounds different from anyone in her string family. They spend a wonderful afternoon making new music together. When Celia tells her family about her new friend, it's clear they don't approve. Clarence is a different shape and color, and he doesn't even have strings-how can he make beautiful music?
But when Celia's family overhears them making joyful new sounds as their strings and reeds harmonize, the Violin family welcomes Clarence to play with them and even share in their favorite meal-pancakes and hot cocoa!
Award-winning author Melissa Perley once again shows young readers the power of music to bring people together in this second Violin Family picture book about a friendship that harmonizes instruments from different families.
SPECIAL BONUS: Sheet music of an original composition written for the cello and clarinet-just like the music Celia and Clarence play together-is included! Composition by (c)Tom Frink and Melissa Perley, 2025.
MY TIDBITS
With a touch of gentle, whimsical imagination, problems surrounding odd friendships and holding up against criticism is explored.
It's snowing and Celia Violoncello's siblings are excited to head outside and play in the snow. She's invited to head out, too, but is a little grumpy, since she's always the one making their pancakes and doing things for them. She's just feeling a little down and decides to head out on a walk in the snow by herself. While underway, she meets Clarence Clarinet, who is having fun in the snow and invites her to join in. But she's not so sure. After all, he's different that her violin family, and she's not suppose to mix with instruments, which don't sound the same as her. Giving in, she not only plays outside with him but heads indoors where they make wonderful music together. Now, she just has to figure out how to handle this new friendship when she knows her family won't approve.
This is a magical read in an original way. First, the winter scenes draw in with their beauty, and more than a few readers will wish they could head outdoors and play in the snow. So well done! Then, there's the instruments as main characters. The illustrations bring the instruments across clearly and stays pretty true to their real form while adding just enough of a hint of humanity to bring them to life in a 'human' way. It's unique and also well done. Lastly, the tale addresses the problems surrounding preconceptions and biases. The message is brought across in an understandable way, and thanks to the instruments, keeps a sense of playful imagination the entire way through to keep it from growing preachy. It does, however, offer plenty of food for thought and can be used to lead into discussions surrounding these themes.
While the imagination and plot flow, the author and illustrator also work in light, musical knowledge. The illustrations bring each instrument across clearly in a visual sense, while the text works in a few terms along the way. It's never heavy or obvious, but slides in naturally with the tale.
This flows well and works especially well for ages five and up. Younger more patient listeners will enjoy it as well, and it works as a read-alone for those, who are sure of their words.
And here they are...
Melissa Perley is an award winning children's book author, professional performing and teaching cellist and a sheep farmer. She lives in Vermont with her luthier husband Paul. Her first children's book, The Violin Family, won the 2021 Indie Readers Discovery Award for children's early to intermediate readers, and was a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite.
Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.
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