I loved this book. The pictures perfectly capture the feel and the flow of the music, as well as illustrating the things Dylan notices that his mom (and the other grown-ups) overlooks.

Living in the DC-metro area, I had heard about the day Joshua Bell played his Stradivarius at L'Enfant Plaza, but I hadn't been there myself. So I was very interested to read this book, and I'm glad it lived up to my hopes.

Note: I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley. ( )

Based on a true story of Joshua Bell playing a Stradivarius in the DC metro during peak commute time; he found that only children paused (or tried to pause) to listen.

See also: Sidewalk Flowers ( )

I liked this book for a couple of reasons. This is based on a true story of the time when Joshua Bell played in the metro station which I thought was very cool. I actually got to meet him when I was younger at a Suzuki workshop! Aside from this, I have reasons I liked this story too. The first is that the illustrations really helped emphasize the emotions and setting of the story. When the lines were smooth and brightly colored it indicated happiness and entrancing music. This contrasted with the harsh and dark colored lines of the metro and the loneliness of the crowds as they walked away from the violinist. The second reason I liked the book is that it shows how being a child is not always something to be looked down upon. The child saw something valuable in the street musician and wanted to stop and listen whereas his mother was rushing to the next stop. However, the story doesn't stop there. Later, when they are at home listening to the radio, they end up finding out that it was Joshua Bell. Then they together get to enjoy the gift of music which shows that music has a bonding and relaxing quality. The mother apologizes to the son and then they get to dance together.
This also emphasizes the main idea that people should stop to enjoy the little things in life. If you are constantly rushing around, you may not be able to appreciate the treasures of the day.
This is realistic fiction since the character is based on the children who wanted to stop to listen. The event is real, but the characters do not necessarily exist. ( )

This is based on a true story when the famous violinist, Josh Bell, played as a busker in a New York subway station. This story is about a young child who heard Josh Bell playing at the station and fell in love with the music. His mother just hurried him along only to find out later on the radio who they had heard at the station.
Ages: 5-7
Source: Personal Collection

Dylan is a young boy who listens and watches his surroundings very closely. He appreciates all the little details around him. On the other hand, his mother rushes through life not stopping to enjoy the little things. One day while walking through the train station with his mom, Dylan heard a beautiful sound. It was the sound of a man playing a violin. His mother did not want to stop and listen to the music. When Dylan and his mom came home he heard the man with the violin playing on the radio. The radio announced that this was a famous violinist that was playing out in the train station but no one was paying attention.