Fredrico: the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani; illustrated by K.C. Snider. Guardian Angel Publishing, 2010.
ISBN: 9781616331139 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9781616331252 (eBook)
ISBN: 97816163314116 (paperback)
Frederico is a mouse interested in music, specifically violin music. He lives in the house of famous violinmaker, Antonio Stradivari, in 17th-18th century Italy. One night, curious Frederico explores a violin while Stradivari sleeps. Frederico discovers a talent for the stringed instrument. As the story progresses, he teaches himself to play and is secretly observed by Stradivari himself. When Frederico unboxes a special gift created especially for him by Stradivari, he is in musical heaven.
This delightful story combines the magical element of an anthropomorphic mouse with a famous historic musical figure. Vocabulary words and interesting facts are woven into the story, making this an educational as well as entertaining read. Illustrator, K.C. Snider’s artwork hits all the high notes as well. Her depictions of the intrepid Frederico bring the story to life with vivid and colorful details. Additional information and activities—including a matching pictures game, glossary, and word search—encourage young readers to explore the book’s content in greater depth. The book is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook versions.
Congrats to Ms. Calvani on another endearing children’s tale.
Hi all,
The Magic Violin has garnered yet another rave review, this time by the popular Stories for Children Magazine.
"Mayra makes this storyline and its backdrop magical, with just the right hint of mystery to it. Her characters' "voice" comes through loud and clear. Accompanied by the crisp, detailed, and lifelike illustrations of K.C. Snider, this book is a "keeper". This is a great read, especially for kids interested in music, mystery, magic during the holiday season, and the beauty of winter."
Read the full review
here.
Cheers!
Mayra
Nina’s Waltz
by Corinne Demas
Illustrated by Deborah Lanino
Orchard Books
ISBN: 0-531-30281-4
Copyright 2000
Children’s picture book, 32 pages, $16.95
Author's website: www.corinnedemas.com
Early one morning in the serene landscape of the countryside, Nina and her Dad take a trip to a fair, where a violin contest will take place. The prize is two hundred dollars, money they need, as they’re a poor family. Her dad, who in Nina’s eyes is the best player in the whole world, plans to play a tune he wrote especially for Nina, “Nina’s Waltz”. Once at the fair, however, a wasp stings his hand and he’s unable to play. Who will take his place? Will Nina do it? But how, when she’s petrified by the idea of playing in public?
This is a charming tale about the magic of violin music and the loving bond between father and daughter. The author, using simple yet softly lyrical prose, shows us a glimpse into a young girl’s life and her resolution not to let her dad down. This is also a story about the power of self esteem and believing in oneself. The illustrations are beautiful and even dream-like at times, bringing to life the countryside, Nina, and the ethereal magic of violin music. This would make a lovely present to any little violin player, especially a girl.
I feel sorry when books like this go out of print. Copies are still available from ‘Other sellers’ at Amazon.com.
Hello everybody,
First of all, I would like to say THANK YOU to all the people who made The Magic Violin virtual book tour a success!
Thank you to all the nice people who took time out of their busy lives to host my tour and leave comments on my tour stops. I really appreciate it! Some people commented on my every stop--really, I'm so very grateful and wish I could send you all gifts!
And now, the winner of the $20 Amazon gift certificate is......................
lisalmg !!!!!!!!
Have a WONDERFUL Christmas, everybody!
Mayra
THE MAGIC VIOLIN
SAINT LOUIS, MO – Mayra Calvani’s first children’s picture book, THE MAGIC VIOLIN, has just been released in ebook and paperback by Guardian Angel Publishing, becoming one of the few picture books in the market today focusing on violin playing.
Book’s Blurb:
More than anything, 8-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it’s time for a magic dose of self esteem. A mysterious, old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman's hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve. Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the plaza, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?
The message of The Magic Violin is that real magic lies in believing in oneself, and that if we trust ourselves, we can accomplish anything. The story, written for 4 to 8 year olds, shows how being compassionate and generous can have its rewards. It also introduces children to the violin and other countries--Belgium, in this case.
“The story combines violin music, magic, Christmas, and the charm of 19th Century Europe,” says Calvani, whose passion for the violin has led to several stories and novels since she began playing four years ago. “This is a book that little girls who are learning to play the violin will be able to identify with. The violin is an extremely difficult instrument to learn—probably the most difficult instrument there is, and sometimes learning a new piece can be quite disheartening. Hopefully my book will motivate young players to persevere and have self trust. Above all, I want my love for the violin to come through the pages and inspire children to try this incredible instrument.”
Author’s Bio:
Mayra Calvani is a multi-genre author whose short fiction, articles, and reviews have appeared on many print and online publications in the States, England, and Puerto Rico. She hails from San Juan, P.R., but now resides in Brussels, Belgium. Visit her children’s book website at
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/. Her official website is
http://www.mayracalvani.com/.
THE MAGIC VIOLIN is distributed by Follett, the largest distributor of ebooks to schools and libraries. The paperback version is available from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Gardners and Bertrams in the UK, most online retailers, and on order from any brick and mortar bookstore.
For review copies and/or interview requests, please contact the publisher, Lynda Burch, at
[email protected].
Title: The Magic Violin
Author: Mayra Calvani
Format: Paperback
Reading Level: 5-8 years old
ISBN-13: 978-1-933090-49-8
Publication Date: November 2007
Pages: 32
Price: Ebook $5.00, Paperback $10.95
To Order: 314 276 8482, or
[email protected]---30---
Last month, the Extended Day Girls and their teachers, Stacey Shubitz and Christina L. Rodriguez, were our guests on Book Bites for Kids. We talked about the new book the girls wrote recently called Deal With It!
Today I received exciting news from Stacey Shubitz. Here’s what she said:
“Up to the Minute (www.uttm.com) picked up one of my students’ press releases about the book, DEAL WITH IT! Powerful Words from Smart, Young Women, they published this month.
They’re bringing in that student, Amanda Sevilla, and me for an interview. The interview will run on Up to the Minute (which is a national CBS overnight news broadcast) on FRIDAY morning, 6/29, sometime between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. It may get picked up on affiliates or other CBS shows, but if you want to catch it, please set your VCR or TIVO.”
How exciting for Amanda, Ms. Shubitz, Ms. Rodriguez, and all of the Extended Day Girls. Find out more about the girls and their book, and listen to their guest appearance on Book Bites for Kids, here.
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Thank you so much, Cynthia for the wonderful review!
Happy holidays!
Best,
Mayra