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Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
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Summary
Summary
In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only a beginner, and she's had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn't good enough. "It's a talent show, Hana," they tell her. "You'll be a disaster!" Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana's confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it's her turn to perform --- even herself! The Asian American female protagonist in this story offers a unique perspective, and bestselling author Chieri Uegaki has woven in lyrical scenes from Japan that add depth and resonance. The details in the artwork by Qin Leng connect the two places and contain a feeling of melody throughout. In the classroom, this book could serve as a celebration of music and performing arts, multicultural studies or the importance of intergenerational relationships. It is also a fabulous character education tie-in for discussing courage and perseverance. This terrifically inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children who are yearning to master something difficult. Perhaps even more important, it allows children to see that there is more than one way to be successful at a task.
Author Notes
Chieri Uegaki is a graduate of the creative writing department at the University of British Columbia. Suki's Kimono is her first published work. She lives in Sechelt, British Columbia.
Qin Leng was born in Shanghai, China, and later moved to France and then Montreal, Canada. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her twin sister and works as a designer and illustrator. Her books have been nominated for numerous prizes, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-During a summer visit to Japan with her older brothers, Hana Hashimoto listens attentively to the music of her grandfather. Each day, Ojiichan practices classical music he performed as a violist with a symphony, and in the evening, he creates sounds like crickets chirping or raindrops falling on umbrellas. Back home, Hana starts studying violin and after only three lessons signs up for the school talent show. Despite her brothers' teasing, she practices diligently and overcomes last-minute jitters for a unique performance of sound effects that are inspired by Ojichan's playing but that definitely are her own creations. This low-key story melds a number of themes without didacticism. Hana's determination, hard work, and creativity are bolstered by her connections to her grandfather and supportive parents. Even her brothers ask for after-dinner encores following her success. Leng's illustrations incorporate musical notes that link the lives of the grandfather and granddaughter. The illustrations also capture Hana's emotions, particularly during the talent show. First, the stage stretches endlessly before her until she spots friends and family in the audience, then she imagines Ojiichan's encouraging presence. The quiet story would make a fine addition to most libraries.- Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Inspired by her talented violinist grandfather, Hana signs up to perform at the school talent show-never mind that she's only had three lessons so far. Hana's brothers mock her, her parents listen attentively as she practices, and on the day of the talent show, Hana's uncertainty gives way to inspiration. Uegaki (Rosie and Buttercup) and Leng (Norman, Speak!) are a well-matched and complementary pairing. Uegaki's prose is dense with detail-rich imagery-during a visit to Japan to stay with Ojiichan, "the clear, bright notes" of her grandfather's violin "would drift upstairs, through the shoji screen doors to where Hana slept on sweet-smelling tatami mats, and coax her awake as gently as sunshine." Leng's digitally colored pencil drawings have the airiness of a violin solo, while still capturing the emotions Hana wrestles with as her performance looms. When she first approaches the microphone, she's seen crossing an expansive, empty stage, a tiny figure in a red dress against a foreboding sea of gray. Hana's clever triumph is testament to her inventiveness, perceptiveness, and dedication. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.