The Magic Violin
by Mayra Calvani; Illustrated by K.C. Snider
Published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Melina yearns to be good at playing the violin. But it requires work, persistence and confidence. Melina is short on confidence and wants to quit.
Her kind and gentle teacher, Andrea, recognizes Melina’s self-esteem problem and decides she needs some magic, which is delivered in the form of a mysterious old woman who gives Melina some interesting advice. But the delightful surprise is the Russian hamster living under the old woman’s hat. He gives Melina an inspiring performance that fills her with hope on Christmas Eve.
But the questions are: Is Melina really playing better because she’s inspired and has gained confidence, or is she in possession of a magic violin? And who is the old woman in the town square and why does she wear the same beautiful emerald ring as her violin teacher Andrea? “Could it be possible? Could Andrea and the old woman be the same person?”
I love children’s books that inspire. And The Magic Violin inspires and entertains. The story is set in Belgium (where the author lives) and is sweet, well-written and zero’s in on a huge problem with many children; self-esteem. The illustrations are all lovely but the cover captivates the reader’s attention. It is so beautiful it could be framed.
Armchair Interviews says: The Magic Violin is a must read, must have for children. They’ll be inspired by the story and the illustrations will delight them.
Author’s Web site: http://www.MayraCalvani.com