My Piano

by Jen Fier Jasinski (Author) Anita Bagdi (Illustrator)

My Piano
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

These are the pedals, pressed down to the ground,
under the soundboard where bridges are bound
fixed to the frame enclosed in the case
that lies on the legs with wheels at their base,
to pillar and prop my piano.

Explore the workings of a grand piano through the eyes of a young musician as she prepares for and performs her first recital to a crowd of friendly faces. Using lyrical text and a cumulative structure to introduce the instrument, curious readers will easily develop an appreciation for its beauty and design. But be sure to stick around for the performance, where the music will swell - ripple - flow - up to the very end of the show.

An adorable main character and richly colored spreads will have readers everywhere applauding and asking for more. This is a great addition for any library, music and performing arts learning center, or home bookshelf!

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 3--Written in the cumulative style of "This Is the House That Jack Built," a young girl shows off her piano in rhyme, showcasing a new part of the instrument every repetition. Once she has shown off the piano and quieted her nerves, she then displays her musical talent and performs a great solo recital. Back matter includes a glossary and visuals of all the discussed piano parts, and a lovely author's note on preparing for performances. Jasinski's story is simple to follow and extremely relatable to anyone who has ever played a musical instrument. The text stands out, using repetition to aid comprehension and provide context for some of the more musical vocabulary students might not understand yet. Bagdi's illustrations are also extremely helpful in understanding what part of the piano is being shown. These beautiful illustrations also work with the story to show off not just the piano, but the child's emotions and the music itself. Together Jasinski and Bagdi have created a recital from start to finish that will leave readers wanting an encore. VERDICT A fantastic music read-aloud to showcase pianos and performances, and maybe inspire some students to prepare for their own recitals.--Margaret Kennelly

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 
Jen Fier Jasinski

Jen Fier Jasinski grew up outside of Washington, D.C. and spent most of her childhood exploring creeks and reading books. She has taught special education for more than ten years, where her favorite part of the school day continues to be Story Time. Jen enjoys spending time with her spouse and kids in the Fairfax County, Virginia area, reading, and playing outside. Her favorite days are when she gets to do all three. Her extra favorite days include cake. Connect with Jen at https: //www.jenfierjasinski.com.

Anita is a self-taught freelance illustrator, living in Dorset, the sunniest part of the United Kingdom. Her days are mostly about her neurodiverse family, creating and reading children's books, drinking coffee and raising awareness about climate emergency. ​ With her quirky, whimsical illustrations she loves creating mood, telling stories with heart and important messages, stories that spark further conversations, deeper thoughts, and positive change. She is determined to add her art to missing voices, to help children become more confident in finding their own voices. Connect with Anita at https: //www.anitabagdi.com.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781957655161
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Gnome Road Publishing
Publication date
September 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
JUV009110 - Juvenile Fiction | Concepts | Sounds
JUV070000 - Juvenile Fiction | Poetry (see also Stories in Verse)
JUV036020 - Juvenile Fiction | Technology | Inventions
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Stories in rhyme
Concerts
Piano

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