The Man with the Violin

"In January of 2007, over a thousand people heard me play my violin in the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in Washing-ton, D.C. But very few actually listened," writes musician Joshua Bell in a postscript to a picture book based on that event. According to Bell, a few children tried to stay and listen, but were hustled along by their parents--which is exactly what happens to a (fictional) boy in this story. "Dylan was someone who noticed things," writes Stinson (Red Is Best). Petricic (Mr. Zinger's Hat) provides a wonderful visual representation of Dylan's attentiveness as boy and mother dash through the dull, gray metro station. White contrails streak behind them, and Dylan's highlights colorful objects and people that have caught his eye (his mother's contrail, meanwhile is blank). Swirls of colors show how Bell's music enchants Dylan, and at times the boy is literally born aloft by the music he hears and remembers. In a world of sounds that aren't always as pleasant as a Stradivarius, Stinson and Petricic remind readers young (and especially old) to stop and listen to the arpeggios. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--World-renowned violinist Joshua Bell began playing at the age of 4 and performed at Carnegie Hall at 17. On January 12, 2007, he accepted a challenge from a Washington, DC, newspaper reporter to play at a train station dressed like an ordinary street musician. Despite his expertise, he was largely ignored, except supposedly by children who wanted to stop and listen but were rushed along by impatient adults. In this fictionalized account, a young boy who is captivated by the music begs his mother to stop, but is literally yanked along. The music stays with the boy all day, and later, back home, when he hears the same music on the radio, he is able to get his mother not only to stop and listen but also to dance with him. The art reinforces the text nicely. The first spread reads, "Dylan was someone who noticed things. His mom was someone who didn't." The illustration features a man reading a newspaper upside down, a man whose suit jacket is misbuttoned, a cat chewing on a dog's bone, etc. Dylan sees it all, but Mom's line of vision is only blank white space. This is a fine reminder of the old adage to stop and smell the roses, and a good impetus for a discussion of using one's powers of observation.--Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

There's plenty to ponder in this melodious tale. It's a story that's bound to get kids thinking about the importance of listening. And, of course, the power of music.—Julie Hale"Book Page" (08/21/2013)