The Doll Violinist

Violin Picture Book Trio

by Mayra Calvani, Amy Cullings Moreno (Illustrator)

Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it is been sold, but the shopkeeper, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together? Suggested ages for readers: 4-8"

Genres: Christmas

26 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2011

About the author

Mayra Graciela Calvani is a Puerto Rican gothic fiction writer, though she also dabbles in picture books. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing and an M.A. in Western Literature, both magna cum laude, and writes fiction inspired by her travels and Lebanese, Spanish, and Corsican heritage.

Her works have won multiple awards, among them the SCBWI “Work of Outstanding Progress” grant and the International Latino Book Award. After having lived in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Turkey, Mayra is now settled with her family in Belgium, where she volunteers as Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI Benelux. She loves “dissecting” movies, collects creepy dolls, and has two cats, one of them a ghost. Mayra is represented by Jolene Haley at the Donald Maass Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Roxanne]

Feel good book

Short book with warm fuzzies. Enjoyed seeing the little girl happy at the end and with the possibility of a foreverhome.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis]

This is a sweet story, perfect for Christmas.

[Maureen Timerman]

I was given the opportunity to review this beautifully illustrated book...The Doll Violinist by
Mayra Calvani (Author), Amy Cullings Moreno (Illustrator)
The book is about a little girl Emma, who lives in an Orphanage. She slips out every evening to go to a nearby Toy Store. She has spotted a doll that she really wants, but you know she will not be able to have?
I think the imagination of the young ones at this time of the year will be able to understand that some children are not as fortunate. They will also be asking questions about the ending and be able to add their own!
There are lessons being taught in this beautifully illustrated book, wonderful, timely book!


I received this book from the publisher Guardian Angel, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Wendy Hines]

In this sweet story, a little orphan girl named Emma watches the storefront window as doll after doll is bought. Even though the shopkeeper keeps chasing her away, she keeps returning in the hopes that her favorite doll won't be bought. It's a special doll that holds a violin and reminds Emma of the mother she lost.

It's funny how a simple children's story can really touch your heart. This is a touching Christmas tale that will appeal to both young and old. It didn't take me long to read it, but it stuck with me long after I finished. The story of both Emma and the shopkeeper brings out what the holiday spirit is really about.

The artwork by Amy Moreno is just beautiful. It's detailed, touching and descriptive. Amy's artistry helps you capture the full depth of the simple tale.

[Krazybooklady]

Emma has a special connection to a beautiful doll with a violin. Every day she checks to make sure the doll is still in the shop window. Emma is an orphan and has no way to buy the doll, but she still hopes that she will get it. This is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the true meaning of Christmas. It is beautifully written and illustrated. This will appeal to all little girls, who will probably want this read to them over and over. Definitely one to add to your reading list for Christmas.

This is a reprint from my blog, Krazy Book Lady

[Lisa Ard]

The Doll Violinist offers an old-fashioned story of longing and love seen through a child's eye. Emma spots a beautiful doll in a shop window and escapes the orphanage each day to admire it. As all the dolls are taken from the shop window by Christmas shoppers, Emma hopes that "her doll" will remain. Kids will enjoy the anticipation building within the story. The design and illustrations within the book are colorful and evoke an earlier time, perhaps Paris in the early 1900s. The illustrative style is rough, almost expressionistic, reminding me of a much older book.