Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it's time for a magic dose of self esteem. A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman's hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve. Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?

REVIEW

I love children's books that inspire. And The Magic Violin inspires and entertains. The story is set in Belgium (where the author lives) and is sweet, well-written and zero's in on a huge problem with many children; self-esteem. The illustrations are all lovely but the cover captivates the reader's attention. It is so beautiful it could be framed... The Magic Violin is a must read, must have for children. They'll be inspired by the story and the illustrations will delight them.

Reviewed by: Andrea Sisco, Armchair Interviews
www.armchairinterviews.com

EXCERPT

Melina loved Friday afternoons. That's when she had her violin lesson. Her teacher, Andrea, came from an exotic country called Rumania. Andrea had lively green eyes and a mysterious accent. She also had a large, square-cut emerald ring on her right middle finger. Andrea never took it off.

Today, however, the lesson wasn't going well. Melina had to learn a new piece of music that was difficult-the second movement of "Winter", written by an Italian composer named Antonio Vivaldi.

"I'll never be able to play this!" Melina complained, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Of course you will," Andrea said, her voice patient and kind.