Sonata for Fish and Boy

A loving ode to art forms that transcends language. (Picture book. 4-8)

Copyright 2021 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

K-Gr 2--Music has the power to transform life into a vibrant and magical wonderland. A young boy plays his violin on a bench beside a canal, his tune reaching the ears of a fish swimming nearby. When the boy lies down to take a rest, the fish launches itself out of the water, inviting the boy to join him in a whimsical dreamscape. Together, the unlikely pair soars through the air, exploring the far reaches of the universe. Time seems to have no bounds, and their friendship lasts long after their adventure ends. Watercolor and pencil illustrations are the focal points of this wordless picture book. Muted colors give way to richly pigmented hues as the story shifts from reality to reverie, coming full circle by the end. The boy has light skin and lives in a community that includes people presenting many different skin tones. As the title suggests, the progression of this story feels as though it could be depicting a true musical score, encompassing joy and exploration in a beautiful arc. Musical notes appear on nearly every page, emphasizing the sounds emanating from instruments all along the journey. Colorful endpapers set the tone for this visual adventure, juxtaposing the soft lines within the book while emphasizing the many colors seen throughout the story. VERDICT This enjoyable, wordless story is a delightfully accessible tale for readers of all ages.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.

A child and a fish form a lifelong bond over their mutual love of music in this transportive wordless picture book by Pavlovic´. Rendered in colored inks and pencils, the book opens in blue-accented grayscale with a smiling, big-eyed fish that's drawn to the surface by the sound of a child playing violin on a nearby bench. When the pale boy snuggles down for a nap, the fish floats out of the water and awakens him before, together, the duo flies over now vibrantly colored landscapes: past a trio of musicians entertaining dancers in a warm-toned town square; past crooning birds in shades of green, to bounce off planets in a cool-toned cosmos; and more. Returning to the opening palette, the book closes with the child as an older, cane-using figure, playing violin once again for the fish to jump into his arms. An inventive celebration of music, imagination, and friendship. Ages 3-7. (May)