Wednesday, May 6, 2015




THE MAGIC VIOLIN

By Mayra Calvani

Illustrated by K.C. Snider



“The Magic Violin,” by Mayra Calvani, illustrated by K.C. Snider, is another lovely Christmas story. It’s a magical story of believing in yourself, striving for a difficult goal, and the joys of the Christmas season. Melina, a young violin student, struggles with learning a difficult piece by Vivaldi. She’s ready to give up when her teacher, Andrea, suggests she needs a magic dose of self-trust.


Later when she and her family enjoy an outing at the Grand Place, a beautiful old plaza, Melina hears “Winter,” the Vivaldi piece she’s been trying to learn. An old woman, wearing the same emerald ring her teacher wears, is playing on the plaza. When Melina meets the violinist, she sees an amazing thing—a hamster playing “Winter” on a tiny violin! Melina is if she wishes on a shooting star on Christmas Eve, her wish will come true.



This is a delightful story with magical elements. To me, the most important idea is that if you believe in yourself, the impossible becomes possible. Melina believes her violin has become magical, but the magic is in her dedication to learning and playing well, and experiencing the joy in accomplishing a high goal.



K.C. Snider’s beautiful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this magical story. The warmth and joys of the Christmas season are evident on every page. This story, a wonderful collaboration between author and artist, makes you want to pack up and go to The Grand Place to experience such a magical Christmas. Highly recommended for ages 5 to 9.



“The Magic Violin” is published by www.guardianangelpublishing.com



Information about author Mayra Calvani is at www.mayrassecretcloset.com



Information about artist K.C. Snider is at www.kcsniderart.com

Tags:
The Magic Violin, Mayra Calvani, K.C. Snider, violin, practice, Christmas gifts, magic, self-trust, self-confidence, working toward a goal, friends and family, children's book, story book


7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the lovely review, Penelope!

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  2. Hi Mayra, you're welcome. It's a lovely book, a sweet story. I can see why it sells itself! Wishing you continued success.

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  3. Sounds like a great book, and K.C.'s illustrations are beautiful.

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    1. Hi Susan, Yes, it's a lovely book, very inspirational for kids learning a musical instrument or learning anything difficult. Thanks for your comment.

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  4. Your review reminds me that we can think - and read - about Christmas at any time of the year. The book sounds like a good one.

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    1. Hi Jan, Yes, I think the Christmas spirit lives in all of us at all times. I wanted to read about violins since my Crit partner has a violinist in her story, and Mayra's books fit the bill perfectly. It's a lovely, magical story. Thanks for commenting.

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  5. Hi Penny, loved your review. The writing and artistic collaboration have certainly produced a beautiful book.

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