crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me smile so much. Hana has started taking violin lessons after spending time with her grandfather in Japan who plays. Now she feels she is ready to be in a talent show. Her brothers are not so sure since she has only had three lessons. She has a surprise for them though as she practices sound effects with her violin and shows them off. This is a wonderful book to use with primary children particularly in a music class.
pwbalto's review against another edition
5.0
"Ojiichan played every morning. From his study, the clear, bright notes would drift upstairs, through the shoji screen doors to where Hana slept on sweet-smelling tatmi mats, and coax her awake as gently as sunshine."
Hana's grandfather plays classical music, folk songs, and melodies inspired by nature. But Hana has only had three lessons, and her big brothers tell her that her performance at the school talent show is sure to be a disaster! In sprightly ink and watercolor art, we see Hana practice for her parents, for the dog, and in front of a photo of Ojiichan, until, with consummate courage, she takes the stage.
Reviewed for the Baltimore Sun, March 2015.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/maryland-family/bs-lt-paula-willey-librarian-picture-books-20150319-story.html
Hana's grandfather plays classical music, folk songs, and melodies inspired by nature. But Hana has only had three lessons, and her big brothers tell her that her performance at the school talent show is sure to be a disaster! In sprightly ink and watercolor art, we see Hana practice for her parents, for the dog, and in front of a photo of Ojiichan, until, with consummate courage, she takes the stage.
Reviewed for the Baltimore Sun, March 2015.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/maryland-family/bs-lt-paula-willey-librarian-picture-books-20150319-story.html
misspentdays's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book. Hana demonstrates sticktoitiveness and a love of family in this lovely picture book. Honoring her grandfather, an excellent musician, is more difficult than Hana anticipates, but her love of music can't be stopped by a lack of skill- or the groaning of her brothers.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful story of persistence and working hard for something you want to do.
gillianalice's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
I once attended a music recital with brand new violin students, so I was a little bit suspicious about this book's premise, but the author pulled off the concept in a convincing and enjoyable way. I appreciated the gorgeous illustrations, elements of Japanese culture, and emphasis on Hana's relationship with her violin-playing grandfather. This was lovely.
sean67's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful book about young girl learning violin signing up for talent show, with a clever twist on things at the end, the book is engaging and a positive family affirming book, with the grandfather always in hr heart and mind. Another winner from the Asian Pacific awards winner book list I was looking at.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Although Hana is not teased by the children at school, and does not wish to change her name, her story reminds me of Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. Hana has just begun taking violin lessons. She was inspired by her grandfather's music while she was visiting him in Japan and her parents have agreed to the lessons. The problem is that Hana has signed up for the school's talent show and she has only had three lessons so far. Her brothers nearly fall out of a tree as they laugh at her announcement, but Hana just keeps practicing. On the day of the show, she is nervous and even wishes she could disappear, but she does her best - and it is a surprise to everyone, even the reader!
This is a wonderful story for so many reasons. It illustrates perseverance, courage, and the bond between a grandchild and grandparent. But it also would make a wonderful model text to share while studying descriptive writing. The imagery is so rich, and there are similes - "her brothers laughing like monkeys in the tree," adjectives - "oceanic roar" or "indigo evenings" and other great word choices to discuss. Whether you are looking for a read-aloud to help students become better writers, or just want to share a book about someone pursuing a talent and not giving up, read Hana's story to someone. You will be glad you did.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This is a wonderful story for so many reasons. It illustrates perseverance, courage, and the bond between a grandchild and grandparent. But it also would make a wonderful model text to share while studying descriptive writing. The imagery is so rich, and there are similes - "her brothers laughing like monkeys in the tree," adjectives - "oceanic roar" or "indigo evenings" and other great word choices to discuss. Whether you are looking for a read-aloud to help students become better writers, or just want to share a book about someone pursuing a talent and not giving up, read Hana's story to someone. You will be glad you did.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.