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Summary
Summary
Little Rat can't wait to make music like the violinists she sees at concerts in the city. But her biggest obstacle is practicing. It's boring . It's hard . And her violin squawks a lot . Luckily, Little Rat's teacher believes she has talent. And her new tutor agrees. With their encouragement--and some fine-tuning--Little Rat hits all kinds of high notes. But most important, she discovers where beautiful music really comes from.
In this third book of Little Rat's celebrated tales of triumph, Monika Bang-Campbell and Molly Bang prove that with a bit of pluck, patience, and practice, anything is possible.
Author Notes
MONIKA BANG-CAMPBELL is the author of the Little Rat series. She lives on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts.
MOLLY BANG has written and illustrated more than twenty books for children, including three Caldecott Honor recipients: When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry . . . ; Ten, Nine, Eight; and The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher . She lives near the ocean in Massachusetts.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Little Rat comes from a musical family and wants to learn an instrument of her own. After hearing other kids playing melodious notes on the violin, she is determined to do the same. To play the violin well, however, requires a lot of practice. With the help of Kitty, a tutor, Little Rat begins to make beautiful music. Kids will be able to relate to Little Rat's impatience with practicing and find many moments humorous. The jewel-toned watercolor-and-gouache artwork will help keep readers engaged. A realistic and meaningful look at the satisfying results of hard work and perseverance.-Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
(Primary) In the third easy-reader collaboration from this mother-daughter team (Little Rat Sets Sail, rev. 7/02; Little Rat Rides, rev. 5/04), the small, determined heroine takes on a new challenge: violin lessons. Of course, Little Rat's dream of making beautiful music on the first try is quickly dashed. Her teacher (a stern-faced rabbit wearing a pince nez and Birkenstocks) hears some potential, but Little Rat avoids practicing because it's ""BORING."" When Kitty, an older student, tutors her, Little Rat starts to improve, finally buckling down when she's given a chance to take part in a recital. Bang-Campbell's text is divided into eight short chapters and sets a matter-of-fact tone that allows her flashes of humor to shine more brightly. For the most part, the text is upstaged by Bang's stunning illustrations, which go way beyond the obligatory visual clues needed for an early reader. Deep jewel-toned colors provide a rich counterpart to the homely settings and the drabness of the rats' fur. Both text and art make seemingly incongruous situations (such as a small rat cleaning a huge litter box) completely believable by treating their subjects with respect. Bang's spot-on visual representation of music is worth special note, particularly the scratchy beginner sounds Little Rat makes on her violin, shown as a jumble of dark jagged lines. In the end, Little Rat discovers the joy of making real music while the reader basks in an elegantly orchestrated mother-daughter duet. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
In the third early-chapter book to detail her adventures, spunky Little Rat tackles violin lessons. Her heart set on making beautiful music, Little Rat is sorely disappointed that in her first lesson she makes no music at all. She learns only how to care for her instrument. Once she finally does begin playing, hours upon hours of onerous practicing cause her to grow increasingly discouraged until her violin teacher hatches a plan to help her overcome her obstacles. Presented in eight short chapters, the story is told in interesting and varied language sure to expand a young reader's vocabulary. Bang's illustrations emphasize and add to the charm and vibrancy of this story about the rewards of perseverance. Case in point: Streams of color pour from Little Rat as she imagines making beautiful music when she plays her violin for the very first time. On the facing page, as Little Rat actually plays her first note, Bang draws a large, angry seagull springing out of her violin. An excellent choice for those readers in transition from beginning readers to chapter books. (Fiction. 6-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
