Be Quiet, Mike! Leslie Patricelli. 2011. Candlewick. 40 pages.
This is a story about a monkey named Mike, who started drumming as a tiny little tyke. He played with his fingers; he played with his feet--a funky little monkey with a beat, beat, beat.Bing, bong, bing, his rhythms would sing, but poor Monkey Mike heard only one thing...He heard it from his parents; he heard it from his sis; he heard it from the neighbors, and it sounded like this:BE QUIET, MIKE!At first I wasn't sure about this one. It was never a case of liking or not liking; no, it was a do I like this?, do I really like this? or do I love it? Leslie Patricelli is one of my favorite authors for young readers. I've loved--often loved, loved, loved--many of her simpler books like Higher, Higher; Tubby; Potty; Yummy Yucky; Quiet Loud; No No Yes Yes; Baby Happy Baby Sad; The Birthday Box, etc. Be Quiet, Mike definitely has more words than any of those books I just mentioned!
But the more I read Be Quiet, Mike! the more I liked it. And I think it is because of the rhythm of it. It's a simple story of a loud little monkey who has to find the right way to express himself. He finds it through music--a drum set--as you might have guessed. Anyway, there is something musical about Be Quiet, Mike. I'm not saying that it is as musical, as magical, as say Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins (one of my favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite books of all times), but it works. There is something fun about reading this one.
© 2011 Becky Laney of
Young Readers
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart. Elizabeth Rusch. Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. 2011. February 2011. Random House. 32 pages.
When Maria Anna Mozart was a child, her life thrummed with music. Court musicians trumpeted French horns, choruses tra-la-la'ed, and countless fingers skittered up and down scales. "Oh father," Maria pleaded, "please teach me to play!"And so he did.I'm not quite sure what I liked more--the text or the illustrations. Truth is, both are wonderful! I have been a big, big fan of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher for years! But there was something just right about the narrative of this one. I found it quite poetical, quite creative, very rich in description.
It's a picture book biography of Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Mozart. (Did you know that she was just as musical as her brother? Just as talented and charismatic? I've read novels--one adult, one young adult--on the subject. But I was pleased to see this as a subject of a picture book.)
The biography is presented in a unique way--her life is arranged into sonata movements. And the book definitely illustrates and defines many musical terms. For example, The First Movement: Where musical themes are introduced; Allegro: The fast tempo of the first movement; Development: Where the themes of the first movement are explored; Recapitulation: Where the themes of the first movement are reviewed; Coda: An Ending.
I would definitely recommend this one.
© 2011 Becky Laney of
Young Readers
Title:
Frederico, the Mouse Violinist Author: Mayra Calvani
Illustrations: K.C. Snider
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-61633-114-6; 1616331143 Paperback
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-125-2; 1616331259
Reviewed by: Karen Cioffi
Frederico, the Mouse Violinist is an absolutely wonderful children’s picture book. Through a delightful story, the author teaches about the world’s most famous violin maker, Antonio Stradivari, along with various parts of the violin.
But, what has a mouse to do with Stradivari and violins? Well, Calvani cleverly weaved a story that has Frederico living in the home where Stradivari creates his masterpieces.
Loving the violin, the mouse wished he could play. At night while the master slept, Frederico would play among the violins and move the bow across the strings, making sweet sounds. Hearing the music and seeing Frederico’s appreciation for the violin, Stradivari created a special tiny violin for the mouse.
Adding dimension to the story are full page illustrations that are vibrant and fanciful, making
Frederico, the Mouse Violinist an engaging, kids-will-love-it picture book. The book also provides information on Stradivari; a glossary for words related to the violin, such as bridge, peg, and scroll; and two activity pages. It is an enjoyable and fun tool that parents and teachers can use to introduce the violin to young children.
I happen to love the sound of the violin, cello, and other stringed instruments. My appreciation for music came from my musical family, as well as school music education programs. In 7th and 8th grades my school offered violin instruction which I happily accepted.
Research from the 1950s through to today, demonstrates the benefits music has for children and even societies. Here are some of the benefits children can reap from music education:
- Increases memorization capacity
- Improves reasoning capacity and comprehension
- Helps children learn and/or improve time management and organizational skills
- Helps develop team skills, as well as math skills
- Helps improve coordination and concentration
- Is a universal language and encourages self-expression
Aside from the above mentioned benefits, you never know what will spark a child’s appreciation and love for music, it could be hearing a song, seeing musicians play, or learning about various instruments and their creation.
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Other Reviews You May Find of Interest:Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" The Lucky BaseballThe Power of the PennyWorld's Easiest Astronomy BookWhat is Electricity and Magnetism~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Cohan, George M. 2008. You're A Grand Old Flag. Featuring the art of Norman Rockwell. Simon & Schuster.
Norman Rockwell art is paired with the patriotic song "You're A Grand Old Flag" in this beautiful, celebratory picture book. Fourteen illustrations capturing the 'spirit' of America have been chosen to appear alongside George M. Cohan's lyrics. These illustrations span seven decades: the earliest being 1918, the latest being 1971.
It's a book that is enjoyable on several different levels. I love looking at the art. Studying all the details. Imagining the stories-behind-the-art. Rockwell art has a way of making me curious. Of making me want to know more.
© Becky Laney of Young Readers
What a great review, Karen! And I love this book, too. I'm recommending it to everyone I know. Especially when schools are dropping their music classes, this book is a must have for elementary kids! Thanks, Mayra, for writing a real gem.
Great review and the book looks beautiful!
I love all Mayr's books. I'm sure I'll love this one, too.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging writers' resources at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
I loved this book. Even those who don't play the violin will find this one interesting.
Best of luck Mayra.
Cheryl
Wonderful review and wonderful book!
Thank you all for stopping by. I agree this book is a gem.
Great review! I think this book looks and sounds amazing!
April, thanks so much for stopping by.
Karen,
I enjoyed reading the review. Mayra is one talented lady. I have not read her book yet, but can't wait to read it.
Nicole Weaver
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by. You're sure to love Mayra's newest book!