Music and Silence: The Passion & Protest of Pablo Casals from Eerdmans Young Readers Books

Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals (Incredible Lives for Young Readers) by Christy Mihaly & illustrated by Mariona Cabassa

ISBN: 9780802855510
Hardcover $19.99 USD
Eerdmans Young Readers Publications

My thoughts:  I just love for young children to have access to the stories of real people and what they do and where they live. Picture book biographies can set the stage for young children to read non-fiction books as they grow in life. I think picture books are important; and to incorporate these two, picture books and non-fiction, into one tool of reading is a superb method of education. Authors and illustrators of the biographic picture book genre are to be commended and appreciated!

In Music and Silence the author and illustrator have created a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary musician and person. Coming from a musical family, Pablo Casals had the opportunity to hear and learn music at an early age through the skilled hands and care of his own father. His parents had the opportunity to take him for intensive musical education in another city where he stayed until he mastered the cello.

As we read the text of Christy Mihaly as she narrates the story of Pablo, one is drawn by the flow of words and the descriptions as she tells of the worn torn land of Spain, France, and Catalonia. The music performed by Pablo Casals and his cello flowed through the land soothing the misplaced persons, the torn by war hearts, and the saddened souls. Their own country's wars and that of WWII torn the land to pieces and Pablo played on. 

Beautifully told and artifully illustrated this story is one to share and should be in every public and school library collection and bookshelves of caring parents.  I highly recommend.

About the book: An inspiring picture book biography of a UN Peace Medal recipient who used his songs—and his silence—to fight fascism, oppression, and violence. 

One day in Catalonia, Spain, eleven-year-old Pau Casals was captivated by the cello—setting him on a path toward international fame (as a cellist) and extraordinary courage (as an advocate for social justice). 

Playing the cello would take Pau all over the world, performing in palaces, concert halls, even the White House. People called him Pablo Casals now, and he was famous and beloved. But when the events of Spanish Civil War and World War II left his homeland ruled by a dictator, Pablo made a dramatic he would silence his music until Spain was free. Would the world ever hear his cello sing again? 

Illustrated in vibrant, joyous color by Catalonian artist Mariona Cabassa, Music and Silence introduces children to a man who was not just a master of the cello, but a remarkable model of sacrifice and artistic protest. After the story, readers can learn more about Pablo Casals through creator notes, historical notes, a timeline, a bibliography, and links to performances and interviews.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman from Peachtree Books

9781682637272 

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman & illustrated by Isabelle Follath 

ISBN: 9781682637272
Hardcover $19.99
Peachtree Publishing

My thoughts:  Lovely shades of blues and pinks are used throughout the book to present the story of Beatrice's delight in the garden at night and the sweet song of the Nightingale bird. Feminine and gentle illustrations speak of grace and loveliness that the spirit feels when experiencing beautiful music - that of the cello or the Nightingale. Just as hearing bird song brings a bit of beauty to the listening mind and heart, soothing and enriching, relaxing and bringing a calming spirit deep within the being, so does the beauty of blooms, gardens, and kind beings we meet. Beatrice would be one of those kind people and she would be the bringer of the beauty of music to people. And then tagging alone with Beatrice's music would be the song of the Nightingale that Beatrice found so sweet and enriching.

This story is lovely. It is encouraging to someone desirous of pursuing musical richness. It is one that children can benefit from hearing. Picture book biographies are a delight and a source of much enrichment for children.

Backmatter about Beatrice is included and sure to aid parents, and older readers, in learning more about this rare event and charming personality.

Of note: Beatrice came from a musical family and lived surrounded by music. This provides a good environment for children to develop their own interest in and talent for musical skills.

About the book: In 1924, an audience of more than one million listeners across the world listened in amazement to the first live radio broadcast of a nightingale accompanying the young cellist Beatrice Harrison.

On May 19, 1924, a duet between a young cellist and a male nightingale was broadcast across the British Commonwealth as far away as Canada, India, and Australia to over one million listeners. It was an unprecedented collective experience made possible by the invention of the radio and a new microphone that picked up sounds of nature.

Beatrice Harrison, considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and a musical prodigy, was that cellist. This biography describes Beatrice’s singular dedication to music from a very early age.

At the age of eighteen months, Beatrice attended her first concert. Catching sight of a cello and hearing it for the first time, she was bewitched and immediately began asking to play it. She got her first cello when she was about eight years old. Later, her parents moved the family to Germany so Beatrice could study with one of the best cello teachers. There, at age seventeen, she was awarded a prestigious prize, the youngest artist and only cellist to win at that time.

Back in the UK, the family moved to Surrey, England and Beatrice’s career flourished. One evening while Beatrice was practicing her cello in the garden, she heard a creature repeating the music she was playing. It turned out to be a nightingale. She played many nights with the bird and was completely enthralled. Wanting to share the experience, she convinced the head of the newly formed BBC to take a chance on a live broadcast from her garden. The resulting duet was a smashing success and Beatrice received more than 50,000 letters in response. Overnight, she became known as the Lady of the Nightingales and for twelve years thereafter the cellist and the bird were broadcast annually to BBC listeners from her garden in Surrey.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.

The Curious Life of Cecelia Payne from Eerdmans' Young Readers Publications [Review]

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars (Incredible Lives for Young Readers) by Laura Alary and Illustrated by Yas Imamura - reading age 7-12

Eerdmans' Young Readers Publications
ISBN: 9780802855152
Hardcover $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  A bright child. A girl. Raised in a single parent - mother - home. Exposure to and association with smart, strong, gifted, educated women. Opportunity. These are elements that made it possible for Cecilia Payne to achieve greatness during a time when women were not included in academic, scientific, professional circles. (Information from book's back page notes.)

In The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars we see how as a young girl she was curious about the world in which she lived. Curious about nature and her environment. She questioned, studied, explored. Her desire for knowledge was insatiable. She attended college in England but went on to America and Harvard University where she studied and eventually became a professor.

In this picture book biography, readers will be introduced to what a life of curiosity directed at scientific matters can lead the young mind to achieve. Parents can be encouraged to provide opportunities for their child to pursue their interest in the world around them by exploring their ideas and visions.

About the book: An incredible picture book biography about how the trailblazing astronomer found her people — and figured out what stars are made of. 

Cecilia Payne loved learning to see nature's wonders, even things other people called impossible. While studying at Cambridge, she dreamed of becoming a great astronomer like the ones she read about in the library. But too many people thought women didn't belong among stars or atoms. 

So, Cecilia packed her bags for Harvard, where she could surround herself with women who also loved astronomy and physics. These "Harvard Computers" shared their treasures with her—thousands of photographs of starlight. Cecilia found a way to read the patterns in these photos and started asking big questions.  Could these photos show her what stars are made of? What if they showed Cecilia something all the great astronomers called impossible?

With stellar gouache and watercolor art and thrilling scientific details, this biography is a loving tribute to the joy of curiosity, the value of community, and the struggle to find confidence in your own voice. Extensive back matter helps readers learn through an author's note, timelines of Cecilia's life and of discoveries that led to hers, a list of Cecilia's honors and awards, and resources for further reading.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers Publications, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Introducing inspiring young children's biography "Do Great Things for God" series of Christian women [Review & Giveaway]

Find all titles at: TheGoodBook
Suitable for ages 4 to 7
Free downloadable activity sheets, etc. available on site.

Let me introduce you to The Good Book biography series featuring Christian women. This review will feature three titles: Susannah Spurgeon, Fanny Crosby, & Queen Elizabeth II.

Susannah Spurgeon: The Pastor’s Wife Who Didn’t Let Sickness Stop Her by Mary K. Mohler & illustrated by Cecilia Messina

My thoughts:  A lovely telling of the conversion of Susannah under the minstry and preaching of Charles Spurgeon. She later became his wife. The book shows how her life as his wife supported his ministry. She even established a "book fund" to collect funds for the distribution of Spurgeon's books to those who could not afford them.

Her health was poor and a frequent challenge creating hardships for her. She persisted in living out her life as a devoted pastor's wife.

The illustrations are charming and will capture the attention of young readers. This book, as with others in the "Do Great Things for God" series, has free online activities that can be downloaded. I am so glad to see this story included in the series. 

 

About the book: The true story of Susannah Spurgeon, the wife of British pastor Charles Spurgeon.

Susannah was married to a very gifted and busy preacher, who could not have done all he did without her support. Susie experienced poor health for much of her life but she did not let that stop her from serving. One key way that she served the wider church was by creating the Book Fund, which gave free copies of Charles' books to poor pastors who could not afford to buy them. Secret word: biographies

Fanny Crosby: The Girl Who Couldn't See But Helped The World To Sing by Laura Wickham & illustrated by Jess Rose

My thoughts:  I absolutely love this children's biography of Fanny Crosby. The illustrations are superb and the story so very sweet and informative. Fanny Crosby's life could have been so sad and filled with desperation. But it wasn't. It was filled with life, poetry, joy, music.

Her hymns have brought a spirit of worship to my heart and to untold millions of others as well as shaped and instilled an understanding of our connection to God. We have found joy and assurance, peace and contentment, and promise of God's faithfulness in the words and musical compositions from this beloved lady. 

I am delighted with this series  and that young children, especially girls, can enjoy learning about Christian women's lives.

About the book: The true story of one of the world’s most famous hymn writers. Frances—or Fanny, as everyone called her—was blind for most of her life but rejoiced that the first thing her eyes would see would be "the face of Jesus in heaven.” Fanny used her extraordinary musical ability to write hymns we still sing today, such as "To God Be the Glory" and "Blessed Assurance".

This beautifully illustrated children's biography of Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) is part of a series designed to show kids that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen Who Chose To Serve by Alison Mitchell & illustrated by Emma Randall

My thoughts:  For many people around the World, Queen Elizabeth II has been "their" lady, queen, monarch, and source of respect and pride. For others, such as myself - an American, she has been a respected and admired figure head of a major peaceful country with which America is allied. But she has been much more. She has been a gracious, admirable lady. And even more so, she has voiced her dependence on Almighty God, His Son, Jesus and lived her life as a strong advocate of Christianity.

This little biography of Queen Elizabeth II balances her life and the times in which she lived beautifully. The illustrations are lovely and showcase a myriad of personages with whom she interacted through the years. She truly had a remarkable reign.

Truly an interesting and good book to share with young girls.

About the book: Princess Elizabeth never expected to be Queen. But when she was ten, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated and everything changed… Her father took over as King, but after 15 years on the throne, he died. So when she was just 25 years old, Elizabeth was crowned Queen and became the longest-serving monarch in British history.

This inspiring children’s biography of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) chronicles key moments in her life. It also highlights her Christian faith, in particular what she has said in her Christmas Day speeches.

Young children will learn more about the incredible life and faith of Britain’s longest-serving monarch and they will be inspired about the great things they can do for God.

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

I, Vivaldi by Janice Shefelman & illustrated by Tom Shefelman

My thoughts: I just read a delightful children’s book about composer Vivaldi. My children played some of his piano compositions as they advanced in their piano studies. I love this book and I found some of Vivaldi's music YouTube. (Published by Eerdmans Books for Young readers ISBN:9780802855862)

The story is well written and tells of young Vivaldi's physical limitations that prevented his ability to run and play like other boys. It also told of the influence his father's musical career had on young Vivaldi. 

Growing up in a musical family, Vivaldi's love for music, its composition and performance, and above all, its absorption into Vivaldi's life was shown throughout the book. His mother's insistence on his studying to be a priest, and how even though he complied, his music still became his primary focus.

I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. (Turn your sound on for the short video clip.)

 

About the book: In this picture book inspired by the life of Antonio Vivaldi, the composer himself narrates how a creative, determined boy grew up to create masterpieces like “The Four Seasons.”

Despite his mother's vow for him to become a priest, young Vivaldi is only interested in music. He soon grows from a feisty, violin-obsessed boy into a stubborn young man who puts his musical training ahead of his studies for priesthood. Beautiful, ornate artwork portrays the spirit and splendor of Vivaldi's hometown of Venice. A historical note, musical score, and glossary will help readers more fully appreciate the composer’s Baroque context and his enduring genius. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Biographical picture books from Candlewick Press: Ben Franklin & Alfred Russel Wallace [Review/Spotlight & Giveaway US/CANADA]

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen and illustrated by Matt Tavares

ISBN: 9781536201215
Hardcover | $16.99
Candlewick Press
Ages 5-9

My thoughts:  Another superb early reader's biography that will promote interest in reading non-fiction books. A Ben of All Trades recounts in prose the young reader will find easy enough to read, well constructed, and informative enough that it will capture their attention providing entertaining education.

This is a retelling of information gleaned from Ben Franklin's own memoirs. While history aptly records the famous and varied life of Mr. Franklin, A Ben of All Trades provides a look at the activities and likes and dislikes that shaped the young Ben. It also, subtly, provides a look at life in general for a young boy of that time in history.

The artistry of Matt Tavares is beautifully done capturing the period and joy and disappointments of young Ben. I love the entire layout of the book and the pleasant, classic sense of illustration.

I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Young Benjamin Franklin wants to be a sailor, but his father won’t hear of it. The other trades he tries — candle maker, joiner, boot closer, turner — bore him through and through. Curious and inventive, Ben prefers to read, swim, fly his kite, and fly his kite while swimming. But each time he fails to find a profession, he takes some important bit of knowledge with him. That tendency is exactly what leads him to become the astonishingly versatile genius we remember today. Inspired by The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Michael J. Rosen’s wry tale captures Ben’s spirit in evocative yet playful language, while illustrations by Matt Tavares follow Ben from the workbench to the water in vivid detail. A love story to the value of variety, A Ben of All Trades sheds light on an unconventional path to greatness and humanizes a towering figure in American history.

Darwin's Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion and illustrated by Harry Tennant

ISBN: 9781536209327
Hardcover | $24.99
Ages 10 & Up
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  Fully recognizing that this picture book biography is about a man's search and endorsement of Darwin's evolution, I still believe that I, who does not embrace the evolutionary concept, can benefit from reading about early scientists and their discoveries. I also think that in non-evolution households that children should be able to learn from books such as this.

The travels and experiences of Alfred Russel Wallace were daunting when he pursued his search for beetles and they are daunting to read about today causing one to marvel and, yes, appreciate the obstacles  encountered and his tenacious spirit to forge ahead through various wildernesses throughout the world and make discoveries and comparisons of his findings.

Not only were his travels fraught with discomfort, hardship, and dangers he did not have a wealth of scientific tools with which to work or much scientific basis and discoveries on which to build. It was new. It was hard. It was astounding. He marveled at his findings. 

The illustrations are nicely done and representative of Wallace's discoveries.

About the book: Everyone knows Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who proposed a theory of evolution. But not everyone knows the story of Alfred Russel Wallace, Darwin’s friend and rival who simultaneously discovered the process of natural selection. This sumptuously illustrated book tells Wallace’s story, from his humble beginnings to his adventures in the Amazon rain forest and Malay Archipelago, and demonstrates the great contribution he made to one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.

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Ends July 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses

(No P.O. Boxes & NO business addresses)

Canadian winners must provide phone number
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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.