Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin

"The Perlmans' tiny apartment seemed ordinary.... Yet a little kitchen radio transformed this simple home." More significantly, this particular radio transformed the world by inspiring young Itzhak Perlman, renowned violinist and beloved public figure. Newman conducts readers through Perlman's childhood in Tel Aviv, revealing his resilience in the face of obstacles, including, at age four, a bout of polio that left him reliant on crutches or braces. "Running around the block, riding a bicycle, jumping off a diving board--all these ordinary things Itzhak would never be able to do. But Itzhak... knew the melody inside him gave him a different gift." After growing serious about the violin, the boy performs at age six and solos by age 10. Newman's appealing story culminates with the teenage Perlman's life-changing 1958 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Halpin's colorful illustrations of a young Perlman, ribboned by swirling staves of musical scores, reflect his vivid inner world and warm-hearted life. Includes a timeline, notes, and bibliography. Ages 4-8. (May)

K-Gr 4—This appealing picture book biography concentrates on the childhood of violinist Itzhak Perlman. Born to Polish Jewish parents living in Palestine in 1945, Perlman first heard music from a radio in his family's small apartment. He began studying the violin at age five and became a worldwide sensation after appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1958. Dismissed by some people as a novelty act, Perlman accepted a scholarship to Juilliard to continue his training, ultimately resulting in an illustrious performing and teaching career, winning 16 Grammys and four Emmys. Detailed back matter includes author and illustrator notes, a time line, and an extensive bibliography, and fills in details about the virtuoso's life. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, finished digitally, show bars of music swirling around Perlman to demonstrate how completely sound is woven into his existence. VERDICT Newman's text paired with Halpin's effective illustrations and design offers an intriguing glimpse into the life of this musician and advocate.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA