When Rubin Plays
by Gracey Zhang (Author) Gracey Zhang (Illustrator)
From the PW Flying Starts creative force, Gracey Zhang, comes a touching and beautiful story about community, finding your own voice, doing what you love the most, and expressing your passion with forte!
Rubin loves the beautiful sounds that are played by the orchestra. He wants to learn to play the violin and make his own music. But when Rubin plays, it doesn't sound like he imagines it should. Rubin goes into the forest to practice alone and despite only getting the violin to screech, he finds an unlikely audience that loves his unique style.
In another inspiring and lyrical picture book that deftly dives into the psyche and heart of a child's viewpoint and experience, the creator of Lala's Words, Gracey Zhang, offers confidence to everyone who longs to master something that can be difficult and shows that there is only one way to do something right: that is to do it your own special way.
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Publishers Weekly
Inside a one-story building shaded by a palm forest, children play stringed instruments, an adult conducts, and a small boy, Rubin, listens, enraptured. Broad strokes of sunny yellow paint surround Rubin with warmth as he listens to the orchestra, and to his sister, Isabel, practicing the cello. When Rubin asks if he may learn to play, the maestro gives him a violin, but it's not so simple. (Rubin's cacophony is scrawled in black ink: "eeeeeeiiiieoooih.") "Practice, Rubin," the maestro tells him, "and you'll soon play with us at the concert." Rubin rehearses "quietly, quietly" at the back of the room, supported by his bandmates, but playing in the forest is better. The shrieks of his violin don't bother anyone, and his yowling instrument attracts a clowder of cats that yowl back ("Miiaaoooo"). When the night of the concert comes, and Rubin joins in, his sound results in a magnificent whirlwind performance. Spreads and text from Zhang (Dear Mr. G) pulse with joy ("Forte forte forte his heart beat") as the whole community acknowledges Rubin's unique contribution ("Magnífico, Rubin," Isabel sighs) in this wondrous tale of trust in self and collaboration. Protagonists are portrayed with brown skin. An author's note concludes. Ages 4-8. Agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (July)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
GRACEY ZHANG is an illustrator and animator with a love of storytelling and verse. She is the author and illustrator of Lala's Words and the illustrator of The Big Bath House, Nigel and the Moon, and The Upside Down Hat. She was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and received her degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Gracey is now based in Brooklyn, New York, where she can be found window watching from the train when she's not scribbling away at her desk. You can visit her at graceyzhang.com.
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039000 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | General
Picture books
Violin
Forests and forestry
Orchestral music
Self-instruction
Violin music
