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Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: February 9, 2015
Review
Hana's brothers Kenji and Koji ridicule her that she is not ready to perform her violin in the school talent show because she's only had three lessons. Inspired by memories of her summer with her grandfather Ojiichan, a former concert violinist, Hana surprises all with her choice of animal sounds for her performance.
Pencil and digitally colored illustrations are soft and inviting. Asian details such as tatami mats, bowls and chopsticks are worked in flawlessly. The fear of walking onstage and facing the audience is depicted by Hana's small size and the large expanse of space before her. Some details are missing, as her family is not seen in the audience as she takes her final bow, although highlighted in an earlier illustration.
Overall, Hana offers a fine example of the benefits of practicing a musical instrument and belief in one’s dreams.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Uegaki, Chieri
Illustrator: Leng, Qin
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9781894786331
Price: 16.95