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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10 Comments on Frederico, the Mouse Violinist - a Review, last added: 1/22/2011
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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!