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The Man with the Violin
Winner of the 2014 TD Children’s Literature Award—now in paperback!
Dylan is someone who notices things. His mom is someone who doesn’t. So try as he might, Dylan can’t get his mom to listen to the man playing the violin in the subway station. But Dylan is swept away by the beautiful music that fills the air as crowds of oblivious people hurry past.
This gorgeous picture book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, a world-renowned classical violinist who famously took his instrument down into the Washington D.C. subway for a free concert. More than a thousand commuters rushed by him, but only seven stopped to listen, most of them children.
Kathy Stinson’s vividly imagined text combined with Dušan Petricic’s illustrations that pulse with energy and movement, expertly demonstrate the transformative power of music. With an afterword by Joshua Bell.
Dylan is someone who notices things. His mom is someone who doesn’t. So try as he might, Dylan can’t get his mom to listen to the man playing the violin in the subway station. But Dylan is swept away by the beautiful music that fills the air as crowds of oblivious people hurry past.
This gorgeous picture book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, a world-renowned classical violinist who famously took his instrument down into the Washington D.C. subway for a free concert. More than a thousand commuters rushed by him, but only seven stopped to listen, most of them children.
Kathy Stinson’s vividly imagined text combined with Dušan Petricic’s illustrations that pulse with energy and movement, expertly demonstrate the transformative power of music. With an afterword by Joshua Bell.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Stinson
60 books77 followersKathy Stinson, author of internationally acclaimed Canadian children's classic, Red is Best and the TD Award Winner, The Man with the Violin, also writes novels, short stories, and nonfiction for young people of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 10, 2017
Both important and engaging. The art isn't 'pretty' but it's a wonderful fit for the text and theme. Well-done. It would make a great gift to a classroom or music teacher.
February 11, 2015
I finished reading this book and immediately started to cry. Music has always been such an important part of my life and to think that such a brilliant musician like Joshua Bell went unnoticed by so many people makes me wonder about all the other beauty we're missing in life because we're in too much of a hurry. I'm fairly certain I would not have been one of the 1,000 people to pass by his beautiful violin playing in the DC metro station that day because music moves me so deeply, but that doesn't mean I'm not missing out on other beautiful life moments because I'm just too oblivious to notice.
September 29, 2013
LOVE, love, love and love some more - This book fast shot to the top of my favourite lists for 2013. WOW! The first page spread is divine. It was a 5/5 book just because of those two sentences and the illustration. And then it just continued to get better. Find, read and treasure this title.
April 29, 2014
I love what Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petrici have done with this story. The illustrations are wonderful and the story's perspective is perfect for a picture book. I love how the little boy in the story notices things and his mother doesn't. The illustration depicting this is great, a variety of things in the boy's line of vision pop with color as he notices them and the mother's line of vision through the path where they've come has been completely erased, it’s totally white.
On a day like any other Dylan goes out with his mother but in their travels he hears music, beautiful music that is telling an exciting story. A man playing a violin is swaying with the music and Dylan wants to stop to listen but his mother keeps moving and they pass by without stopping. Later as the mother is making dinner Dylan hears the music again on the radio. It's the same music and then a reporter telling the story of the famous violinist, Joshua Bell playing some of the most elegant music ever written and no one stopped to listen.
I remember hearing about this incident in the news back when it happened. This story really touched me, and made me sad that we live in a society that is too busy to pause and acknowledge beauty if it doesn't fit into our busy schedules. How can we be that way? What is wrong with us? What are we teaching our children? How will this obliviousness and busyness shape their future?
I'd like to think that if Gene Wintergarten from the Washington Post had set Joshua Bell up to play in the National Arboretum or one of the other parks in DC, that the result would have been different. Instead he set him up outside the metro station and no one stopped to listen to Bell play. Okay, not no one, seven people, seven people out of over a thousand stopped to listen to internationally renowned, Joshua Bell play the violin...crazy.
Thank you to the publisher, Annick Press, and NetGalley for making this book available to me in exchange for an honest review.
On a day like any other Dylan goes out with his mother but in their travels he hears music, beautiful music that is telling an exciting story. A man playing a violin is swaying with the music and Dylan wants to stop to listen but his mother keeps moving and they pass by without stopping. Later as the mother is making dinner Dylan hears the music again on the radio. It's the same music and then a reporter telling the story of the famous violinist, Joshua Bell playing some of the most elegant music ever written and no one stopped to listen.
I remember hearing about this incident in the news back when it happened. This story really touched me, and made me sad that we live in a society that is too busy to pause and acknowledge beauty if it doesn't fit into our busy schedules. How can we be that way? What is wrong with us? What are we teaching our children? How will this obliviousness and busyness shape their future?
I'd like to think that if Gene Wintergarten from the Washington Post had set Joshua Bell up to play in the National Arboretum or one of the other parks in DC, that the result would have been different. Instead he set him up outside the metro station and no one stopped to listen to Bell play. Okay, not no one, seven people, seven people out of over a thousand stopped to listen to internationally renowned, Joshua Bell play the violin...crazy.
Thank you to the publisher, Annick Press, and NetGalley for making this book available to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2013
One morning, Dylan and his mother rush through the train station as they do most mornings. Dylan hears the most amazing sound as they approach the station. The notes swirl and envelope him, he can't get enough of it but his mother is pulling him further into the station to the train. The music stays with Dylan all day.
Later on the radio, Dylan hears about a famous musician who played one of the most valuable violins ever made in a train station and he's transformed back to how he felt that morning.
The musician was Joshua Bell playing a Stradivarius in the L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington, D.C. on January 12, 2007. It was part of an experiment by a Washington newspaper to see if people would stop for one of the world's best violinists dressed in ordinary clothing.
Swirls of colors contrast with the jarring black zigzags of the everyday city noises of the train and people. It's an amazing way to convey the dreamy sounds of the violin that Dylan hears with the noise of the city.
End notes explain about Joshua Bell, his day playing in the metro station and a note from Joshua Bell, himself.
Later on the radio, Dylan hears about a famous musician who played one of the most valuable violins ever made in a train station and he's transformed back to how he felt that morning.
The musician was Joshua Bell playing a Stradivarius in the L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington, D.C. on January 12, 2007. It was part of an experiment by a Washington newspaper to see if people would stop for one of the world's best violinists dressed in ordinary clothing.
Swirls of colors contrast with the jarring black zigzags of the everyday city noises of the train and people. It's an amazing way to convey the dreamy sounds of the violin that Dylan hears with the noise of the city.
End notes explain about Joshua Bell, his day playing in the metro station and a note from Joshua Bell, himself.
July 31, 2017
Children’s picture books are one of my reading indulgences. I really enjoy the artwork and the great life messages and reminders they contain. Most books are very short and they always provide a quick pick me up after reading a number of more serious books.
I happened upon an article about The Man with the Violin with words by Kathy Stinson and illustrations by Dušan Petričić. Stinson is a Canadian writer and Petričić is a Serbian illustrator and cartoonist born in the former Yugoslavia who lived for about twenty years in Canada before recently returning to his birthplace. Petričić has won numerous North American and International book awards and Stinson is also a well known and respected writer – a multi-award recipient for The Man with the Violin but perhaps best known and loved until now for Red Is Best – a picture book that has been in print for over thirty years.
The Man with the Violin is based upon a true story about Joshua Bell, a famous violinist, who played a free anonymous experimental concert in a Washington D.C. metro station. Stinson had read something about the experiment and was inspired to write a story. It turns out that despite a world renowned violinist playing difficult and beautiful violin music on a priceless Stradivarius, almost no one even acknowledged Bell or paused to listen. More than 1,000 people passed him in less than an hour but only seven people stopped for more than a minute to enjoy the music. No one clapped but they left $32.17 in his violin case. Bell noticed that children seemed enthralled, turning their heads and straining to watch and listen but most were unable to convince the adults with them to slow down and let them listen to the wonderful sounds.
At the end of the book Stinson and Petričić introduce the readers to Joshua Bell using pictures and words. Stinson also includes a summary of the metro station event and there is a very touching postscript included by Joshua Bell.
Stinson’s lyrical prose was perfect for matching the music and the book’s message of appreciating every moment. Petričić’s illustrations are bland and blah at adult eye level but detailed and colourful, from where the little boy named Dylan featured in the story, sees the world. Both the words and the art are perfect for the story and a wonderful collaboration.
Jen Bailey Readerly, National Reading Campaign 2014-01-28 writes that “Stinson's melodious descriptions and Petricic's colourful swirls seem to envelop the reader, captivating them just like the music captivates Dylan.”
The Man with the Violin was greeted with rave reviews, including starred reviews in Kirkus and Quill & Quire. It was also won the 2014 TD Children’s Literature Award (English) – one of the world’s larger dollar awards for Children's Literature. It also received a large number of other awards and nominations too numerous to list. For more details see the following link: http://www.annickpress.com/Man-with-t...
I would recommend this book to both children and adults. It is a perfect book to read together and would make a wonderful gift.
I happened upon an article about The Man with the Violin with words by Kathy Stinson and illustrations by Dušan Petričić. Stinson is a Canadian writer and Petričić is a Serbian illustrator and cartoonist born in the former Yugoslavia who lived for about twenty years in Canada before recently returning to his birthplace. Petričić has won numerous North American and International book awards and Stinson is also a well known and respected writer – a multi-award recipient for The Man with the Violin but perhaps best known and loved until now for Red Is Best – a picture book that has been in print for over thirty years.
The Man with the Violin is based upon a true story about Joshua Bell, a famous violinist, who played a free anonymous experimental concert in a Washington D.C. metro station. Stinson had read something about the experiment and was inspired to write a story. It turns out that despite a world renowned violinist playing difficult and beautiful violin music on a priceless Stradivarius, almost no one even acknowledged Bell or paused to listen. More than 1,000 people passed him in less than an hour but only seven people stopped for more than a minute to enjoy the music. No one clapped but they left $32.17 in his violin case. Bell noticed that children seemed enthralled, turning their heads and straining to watch and listen but most were unable to convince the adults with them to slow down and let them listen to the wonderful sounds.
At the end of the book Stinson and Petričić introduce the readers to Joshua Bell using pictures and words. Stinson also includes a summary of the metro station event and there is a very touching postscript included by Joshua Bell.
Stinson’s lyrical prose was perfect for matching the music and the book’s message of appreciating every moment. Petričić’s illustrations are bland and blah at adult eye level but detailed and colourful, from where the little boy named Dylan featured in the story, sees the world. Both the words and the art are perfect for the story and a wonderful collaboration.
Jen Bailey Readerly, National Reading Campaign 2014-01-28 writes that “Stinson's melodious descriptions and Petricic's colourful swirls seem to envelop the reader, captivating them just like the music captivates Dylan.”
The Man with the Violin was greeted with rave reviews, including starred reviews in Kirkus and Quill & Quire. It was also won the 2014 TD Children’s Literature Award (English) – one of the world’s larger dollar awards for Children's Literature. It also received a large number of other awards and nominations too numerous to list. For more details see the following link: http://www.annickpress.com/Man-with-t...
I would recommend this book to both children and adults. It is a perfect book to read together and would make a wonderful gift.
December 28, 2015
It is hard in this day and age to be "present in the moment." This picture book (based on a social experiment) captures the hustle and bustle of life pushing us past the glory of art.
Once upon a time, violinist Joshua Bell stood in a subway station and played one of the most valuable violins in the world. Very few stopped to listen. Yet Bell claims (in his postscript) that it was the children who noticed and strained to see and hear.
That is where this picture book focuses. Dylan is a child who notices things. He hears this marvelous music and is transformed. How glorious are the pictures and descriptions that show his rapture.
And I remembered... falling in love with the violin when I was 7 years old myself. Oh how that music made my soul soar! This book brought it all back to me. This book is a treasure to be shared, just as the music it is based upon. Music and art should not be forgotten or overlooked. They are just as necessary to a child's education.
Once upon a time, violinist Joshua Bell stood in a subway station and played one of the most valuable violins in the world. Very few stopped to listen. Yet Bell claims (in his postscript) that it was the children who noticed and strained to see and hear.
That is where this picture book focuses. Dylan is a child who notices things. He hears this marvelous music and is transformed. How glorious are the pictures and descriptions that show his rapture.
And I remembered... falling in love with the violin when I was 7 years old myself. Oh how that music made my soul soar! This book brought it all back to me. This book is a treasure to be shared, just as the music it is based upon. Music and art should not be forgotten or overlooked. They are just as necessary to a child's education.
March 17, 2014
This book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, one of the country's finest musicians, going largely unnoticed as he played his Stradivarius in DC's Metro subway station. Not even some of the world's most beautiful music caught the attention of most passing adults. Who lingered? Who wanted to listen? Mostly children, who were dragged away by busy parents. In the case of this picture book, only one boy, Dylan, was entranced.
The book ends positively when Dylan finally convinces Mom to slow down and listen to life's music, but how sad is it that our judgments and appreciation of so many things are colored by our mood, by context, by the frenetic nature of our daily lives. How fortunate for us that author Kathy Stinson captured this story as a reminder to "notice!"
The book ends positively when Dylan finally convinces Mom to slow down and listen to life's music, but how sad is it that our judgments and appreciation of so many things are colored by our mood, by context, by the frenetic nature of our daily lives. How fortunate for us that author Kathy Stinson captured this story as a reminder to "notice!"
March 22, 2015
Based on the true story of the day world-class violinist Joshua Bell played in the Washington subway only to be basically ignored by millions of travellers, this lovely book celebrates a child's innate ability to notice things. As adults we get carried away with our schedules, busyness, and often forget to stop and smell the roses. Or stop and hear the world class violinist, as is the case in this story. We could all learn from Dylan and his ability to notice things. This book has won many awards and has some great video to accompany it as well.
January 4, 2024
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.
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.
February 17, 2023
A fictional story of a little boy traveling on the subway in Washington, DC with his mother. There's a man playing a violin and the child is entranced, but the mother is in a hurry and won't stop to listen. The story is based on the actual experience of famous violinist Joshua Bell playing some of the most beautiful and difficult pieces ever written on his priceless Stradivarius violin in January 2007. People pay $100+/ticket to hear Mr. Bell play in music hall concerts, but only children tried to stop when he played in the subway station as an experiment for a DC newspaper. A nice lesson about the importance of music and perception and "stopping to smell the roses," but not a great group read aloud.
September 24, 2019
Wonderful story and lesson for all! Will save this for when my children begin playing an instrument.
February 8, 2016
In response to a world that is constantly on the go and in an endless hurry to get somewhere else, slowing down and enjoying the present moment has become a reoccurring theme in children's picture books. With recent releases like Wait by Antoinette Portis, Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson, and Waiting by Kevin Henkes, this trend has become especially noticeable in the past year. The most recent book that I read with this theme is The Man with the Violin. In this award-winning book, Kathy Stinson and Dušan Petricic also send out a similar invitation to stop and be present. Together, they tell the true story of Joshua Bell and the exceptional event that most passerbys were just too busy to notice.
In January 2007, Joshua Bell, a world famous violinist, performed a free concert in a Washington DC metro station. However, hardly anyone stopped to listen to the musician that was dressed in ordinary clothes but playing extraordinary music. This book is based on what happened that day and told through the eyes and ears of young Dylan.
In the story, Dylan is the only person to notice and actually appreciate the high quality music; he begs his mother again and again to stop and listen. In the postscript of the book, Joshua Bell says this was truly the case that day: "Over a thousand people heard me play my violin in the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in Washington DC. But very few actually listened. Among those who tried were several children, and I clearly remember them turning their heads, straining to listen while their parents dragged them away, hurrying to get to their destination."
This story starts right off with a powerful double spread illustration that speaks louder than any words ever could. Here we see Dylan being dragged along by his mother and in their wake, white strokes show us their line of vision and the things that they notice as they go along. Strikingly, while Dylan notices everything - from the pictures on a newspaper to the interesting objects in the display window - his mother's vision is completely blank. She is utterly unaware of her surroundings and is intently focused on getting to somewhere else. It is easy to imagine what the mother might be thinking (which train do we need to take? I knew we should have left earlier! Do we have enough money on our metro cards?). After all, they are the thoughts that fill many adults' minds as we bustle through the big and little concerns of our daily lives.
I was unfamiliar with Dušan Petricic's work before I read this book, but his unique style truly lends itself well to the words and message of Joshua Bell's story. I love the way he very deliberately creates tension between the fluid vibrant colors of the music and the jagged black impression of noise and meaningless talking. It is also interesting to note the sparse use of color throughout the rest of the story: only the music notes, the musician, Dylan, and Dylan's mother depart from the drab grey of everything and everyone else around. It is a powerful way of conveying how music and art brings beauty to the ordinariness of our lives.
Indeed, along with awareness, music is also celebrated throughout this book. Music lifts Dylan up - literally! It gives him an out-of-body experience that he desires to share with his mother. As Joshua Bell himself says, "Music requires imagination and curiosity - two things that children have in plenty." It is these childlike characteristics that make the young appreciative of the present as well as of music.
If Dylan were like his mom and always thinking about what they next needed to do, he too might have missed the beauty and the awe of the moment. This is a poignant and necessary message in today's active world. Although it is arguably the adults who truly need these reminders, it is incredibly fitting that this theme - which is at the center of the movement known as Mindfulness - is found in children's books. Without the distractions that adults all too often concern themselves with, children are free to be present in the moment. And on the heels of this unhindered perspective comes appreciation for the small joys, gratitude for the gift that is living, and awareness of the extraordinary.
Maybe we should all be a little more like Dylan - someone who notices things.
Reviewed on my blog: http://discoverbookjoy.wix.com/childr...
In January 2007, Joshua Bell, a world famous violinist, performed a free concert in a Washington DC metro station. However, hardly anyone stopped to listen to the musician that was dressed in ordinary clothes but playing extraordinary music. This book is based on what happened that day and told through the eyes and ears of young Dylan.
In the story, Dylan is the only person to notice and actually appreciate the high quality music; he begs his mother again and again to stop and listen. In the postscript of the book, Joshua Bell says this was truly the case that day: "Over a thousand people heard me play my violin in the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in Washington DC. But very few actually listened. Among those who tried were several children, and I clearly remember them turning their heads, straining to listen while their parents dragged them away, hurrying to get to their destination."
This story starts right off with a powerful double spread illustration that speaks louder than any words ever could. Here we see Dylan being dragged along by his mother and in their wake, white strokes show us their line of vision and the things that they notice as they go along. Strikingly, while Dylan notices everything - from the pictures on a newspaper to the interesting objects in the display window - his mother's vision is completely blank. She is utterly unaware of her surroundings and is intently focused on getting to somewhere else. It is easy to imagine what the mother might be thinking (which train do we need to take? I knew we should have left earlier! Do we have enough money on our metro cards?). After all, they are the thoughts that fill many adults' minds as we bustle through the big and little concerns of our daily lives.
I was unfamiliar with Dušan Petricic's work before I read this book, but his unique style truly lends itself well to the words and message of Joshua Bell's story. I love the way he very deliberately creates tension between the fluid vibrant colors of the music and the jagged black impression of noise and meaningless talking. It is also interesting to note the sparse use of color throughout the rest of the story: only the music notes, the musician, Dylan, and Dylan's mother depart from the drab grey of everything and everyone else around. It is a powerful way of conveying how music and art brings beauty to the ordinariness of our lives.
Indeed, along with awareness, music is also celebrated throughout this book. Music lifts Dylan up - literally! It gives him an out-of-body experience that he desires to share with his mother. As Joshua Bell himself says, "Music requires imagination and curiosity - two things that children have in plenty." It is these childlike characteristics that make the young appreciative of the present as well as of music.
If Dylan were like his mom and always thinking about what they next needed to do, he too might have missed the beauty and the awe of the moment. This is a poignant and necessary message in today's active world. Although it is arguably the adults who truly need these reminders, it is incredibly fitting that this theme - which is at the center of the movement known as Mindfulness - is found in children's books. Without the distractions that adults all too often concern themselves with, children are free to be present in the moment. And on the heels of this unhindered perspective comes appreciation for the small joys, gratitude for the gift that is living, and awareness of the extraordinary.
Maybe we should all be a little more like Dylan - someone who notices things.
Reviewed on my blog: http://discoverbookjoy.wix.com/childr...
October 7, 2014
Stinson, K. (2013). The man with the violin. [TumbleBook edition]. Retrieved from Tumblebooks.com.
-Eric Hoffer Award
-Digital Book Award
-National Parenting Publications Award
-2014 Storytelling World Honor Book
-Best Book List, Kirkus Reviews
-Best Bets List, Honourable Mention, Ontario Library Association
-2014 Notable Book for a Global Society
-Best Books for Kids & Teens 2014, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
-2014 Independent Publisher Book Award, Gold
-2014 Next Generation Indie Book Award
-2014 Nautilus Award, Silver
-IndieFab Awards, Honorable Mention, ForeWord Magazine
-Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award finalist
-Book of the Year Award finalist, ForeWord Reviews
-Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award finalist, IBBY Canada
-Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award finalist, Ontario Arts Council
-TD Children’s Literature Award finalist
-Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist
-Georgia Children’s Book Award nomination
-Maine Chickadee Book Award nomination
-Shining Willow Award nomination, Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice
Tumblebook.
Heart-warming and eye-opening true tale about a young boy fascinated with a man playing the violin in a busy subway. He wants to stop, but his mother drags him along, completely oblivious to the music. Once home, her son draws her attention to the radio, where the announcer informs listeners that the famous and talented Joshua Bell was disguised as a homeless man and gave a free concert in the subway, when tickets for his concerts can be $100! Sadly, in his disguise, no one paid Joshua any attention, except for a few children that were ushered along like the young boy in the story. The Tumblebook option truly brought the book to life and made it even more interesting. It was great how the sentences being read were highlighted to make it easy for the reader to follow along. This book could be used to discuss differences in perception: adults versus children, homeless versus celebrities, one culture versus another, and more. Great for pre-k through second, but could appeal to all ages. It made me stop and think about my own personal perceptions.
-Eric Hoffer Award
-Digital Book Award
-National Parenting Publications Award
-2014 Storytelling World Honor Book
-Best Book List, Kirkus Reviews
-Best Bets List, Honourable Mention, Ontario Library Association
-2014 Notable Book for a Global Society
-Best Books for Kids & Teens 2014, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
-2014 Independent Publisher Book Award, Gold
-2014 Next Generation Indie Book Award
-2014 Nautilus Award, Silver
-IndieFab Awards, Honorable Mention, ForeWord Magazine
-Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award finalist
-Book of the Year Award finalist, ForeWord Reviews
-Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award finalist, IBBY Canada
-Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award finalist, Ontario Arts Council
-TD Children’s Literature Award finalist
-Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist
-Georgia Children’s Book Award nomination
-Maine Chickadee Book Award nomination
-Shining Willow Award nomination, Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice
Tumblebook.
Heart-warming and eye-opening true tale about a young boy fascinated with a man playing the violin in a busy subway. He wants to stop, but his mother drags him along, completely oblivious to the music. Once home, her son draws her attention to the radio, where the announcer informs listeners that the famous and talented Joshua Bell was disguised as a homeless man and gave a free concert in the subway, when tickets for his concerts can be $100! Sadly, in his disguise, no one paid Joshua any attention, except for a few children that were ushered along like the young boy in the story. The Tumblebook option truly brought the book to life and made it even more interesting. It was great how the sentences being read were highlighted to make it easy for the reader to follow along. This book could be used to discuss differences in perception: adults versus children, homeless versus celebrities, one culture versus another, and more. Great for pre-k through second, but could appeal to all ages. It made me stop and think about my own personal perceptions.
April 12, 2014
The story of Joshua Bell's performance in the subway is one that repeatedly makes it way around Facebook and other social media sites. It is a true story, and one that serves to remind us to take a moment every once in a while, to really appreciate the world around us. Common cliches, such as "Stop and smell the roses" pop into my mind whenever I read about this story. It's something that we often forget to do as adults, as we feel the pressure to move from Point A to Point B, to hurry, hurry, HURRY!
Children don't operate that way. They are filled with wonder at the world around them, often pausing to take it all in. We used to be that way. And then we were trained to stop being so observant.
This story serves as a reminder to us to stop and listen to what children have to say when they notice something beautiful. It reminds us to appreciate the finer things in life, such as the beautiful music that Mr. Bell creates with his violin. Within all of the hustle and bustle of our modern lives lies so much beauty that we keep missing.
Of course, this book primarily focuses on the music. This is emphasized in the illustrations. Dylan's world is black and white, except for himself and his mother. As the music envelops him, his world becomes brighter and filled with color, demonstrating how music is so enriching. In addition to the visual representation of the music are a lot of descriptive words about the clanging and noise that is stifling the music and adding to the chaos.
This is a picture book that would be great for older children in musical education or biographical studies. For younger audiences, the story itself will probably go over their heads. I would read it to them, anyway, and play some of Joshua Bell's music while doing so. Or, treat them to a video of one of his performances on YouTube afterwards. You may be surprised at the impact such music will have on them. You may also find yourself being impacted more than you know.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Children don't operate that way. They are filled with wonder at the world around them, often pausing to take it all in. We used to be that way. And then we were trained to stop being so observant.
This story serves as a reminder to us to stop and listen to what children have to say when they notice something beautiful. It reminds us to appreciate the finer things in life, such as the beautiful music that Mr. Bell creates with his violin. Within all of the hustle and bustle of our modern lives lies so much beauty that we keep missing.
Of course, this book primarily focuses on the music. This is emphasized in the illustrations. Dylan's world is black and white, except for himself and his mother. As the music envelops him, his world becomes brighter and filled with color, demonstrating how music is so enriching. In addition to the visual representation of the music are a lot of descriptive words about the clanging and noise that is stifling the music and adding to the chaos.
This is a picture book that would be great for older children in musical education or biographical studies. For younger audiences, the story itself will probably go over their heads. I would read it to them, anyway, and play some of Joshua Bell's music while doing so. Or, treat them to a video of one of his performances on YouTube afterwards. You may be surprised at the impact such music will have on them. You may also find yourself being impacted more than you know.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2014
This book is based upon a true story. This book makes you stop and think about how you conduct your life and if you are missing out on the beauty and solace that is all around you because you are always busy and on the go. Dylan, the adorable main character of the book, was with his mom going to the subway when he heard the most beautiful, heavenly music that he had ever heard. He looked around and his eyes locked with the common-looking man, wearing a baseball cap, who was producing that melodious music from his violin. He so wanted to stay and listen but his mom was in a hurry, (as most adults are) and she tugged on him to keep moving or they would miss their train. All day long that music swirled around in his head and made him lightheaded and very happy. When they finally got home that night, and mom was preparing dinner, that same glorious music that he had heard earlier that day floated out from his radio and totally filled their apartment. The radio announcer identified the man who had played so exquisitely in the subway as one of the best violinists in the world. Dylan could not believe his ears and he quickly got his mom's attention. He was so excited and said to her, "See we should have stopped to listen." Realizing her faux pas she grabbed her little boy and together they were swept off their feet as they danced and appreciated the glorious music that was playing from that man's precious Stradivarious on the radio right into their hearts. The artwork in this book is stunning. The illustrator made perfect choices to depict the fluidity and flow of the music and contrasted it to the chaos and noise that usually surrounds us on a daily basis. I highly recommend it.
October 3, 2014
The Man with the Violin
Stinson, K., & Petričić, D. (2013.) The man with the violin. Toronto: Annick Press. (Viewed as Tumblebook from Library of Virginia at http://asp.tumblebooks.com/library/as... )
Kirkus Starred Review
Category: Tumblebooks
Many of us have seen the viral video of acclaimed young violinist Joshua Bell playing anonymously in the D.C. subway. Sadly, a thousand people pass by and few stop to listen, despite the fact that Bell is a virtuoso who regularly plays in the most elite concert halls in the world. Many children do try to stop, however, which is the inspiration for Stinson's story. A young boy named Dylan is one of the passersby, and he is captivated by the music he hears. All day he literally floats on a rainbow of musical memories, though his mother barely even noticed the violinist. At the end they hear about Bell on the radio and his mother finally listens and dances to the music with her son.
The illustrations are very colorful, especially around Dylan and the musician, and the music is represented by a rainbow-colored stream that wafts through the air. (This reminds me of the saying, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.") Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the Tumblebook does not take advantage of the audio opportunity to play music, and the illustrations are rather crudely animated. But this book is a valuable lesson on the importance of music and taking the time to listen and notice the world around you.
In the music classroom, this could be used to introduce kids to the idea of virtuoso soloists, among other lessons.
Stinson, K., & Petričić, D. (2013.) The man with the violin. Toronto: Annick Press. (Viewed as Tumblebook from Library of Virginia at http://asp.tumblebooks.com/library/as... )
Kirkus Starred Review
Category: Tumblebooks
Many of us have seen the viral video of acclaimed young violinist Joshua Bell playing anonymously in the D.C. subway. Sadly, a thousand people pass by and few stop to listen, despite the fact that Bell is a virtuoso who regularly plays in the most elite concert halls in the world. Many children do try to stop, however, which is the inspiration for Stinson's story. A young boy named Dylan is one of the passersby, and he is captivated by the music he hears. All day he literally floats on a rainbow of musical memories, though his mother barely even noticed the violinist. At the end they hear about Bell on the radio and his mother finally listens and dances to the music with her son.
The illustrations are very colorful, especially around Dylan and the musician, and the music is represented by a rainbow-colored stream that wafts through the air. (This reminds me of the saying, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.") Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the Tumblebook does not take advantage of the audio opportunity to play music, and the illustrations are rather crudely animated. But this book is a valuable lesson on the importance of music and taking the time to listen and notice the world around you.
In the music classroom, this could be used to introduce kids to the idea of virtuoso soloists, among other lessons.
Read
January 14, 2014
THE MAN WITH THE VIOLIN
Young Dylan is a boy who soaks in the world around him. He notices pretty much everything. His mother, much like a horse with blinders, notices little--if anything. One day as they hurried through the train station, the sound of violin music captivated him. He felt the song's notes. He wanted to linger, and though his mother and the train wooshed him away, it was the music that lingered in his mind all day.
Kathy Stinson wrote poignant "notes," along with Dusan Petricic's beautifully painted "melody" to tell this story. The book captured my heart just as the sweet music of the violinist captured Dylan's. It is a simple story based on a true one: an experiment performed by Joshua Bell, one of the most accomplished violinists in the world. Music and this book speak volumes about how few people actually stop to "smell the roses," or "listen to sweet music."
A brief bio about Joshua Bell, along with the facts of the experiment itself are included on its last pages. It serves as an inspiration for those who absorb the beauty in the world and a reminder for those who've forgotten how. Though, in all fairness, I do believe that if the experiment had taken place elsewhere, and not in a busy train station where most people were hurrying to catch a train and couldn't stop to listen if they wanted to, the results would've been a bit different. Still--a worthy point made through a story worth being told :)
Kathy Stinson wrote poignant "notes," along with Dusan Petricic's beautifully painted "melody" to tell this story. The book captured my heart just as the sweet music of the violinist captured Dylan's. It is a simple story based on a true one: an experiment performed by Joshua Bell, one of the most accomplished violinists in the world. Music and this book speak volumes about how few people actually stop to "smell the roses," or "listen to sweet music."
A brief bio about Joshua Bell, along with the facts of the experiment itself are included on its last pages. It serves as an inspiration for those who absorb the beauty in the world and a reminder for those who've forgotten how. Though, in all fairness, I do believe that if the experiment had taken place elsewhere, and not in a busy train station where most people were hurrying to catch a train and couldn't stop to listen if they wanted to, the results would've been a bit different. Still--a worthy point made through a story worth being told :)
November 12, 2014
In this 2013 picture book publication about a 2007 event, we learn about the day when the violinist Joshua Bell played in a Washington DC subway. The author, Kathy Stinson has written a charming historical fiction book about a boy named Dylan who notices the violinist and stops to enjoy the music. His mom did not have time to stop long for the beautiful yet sad music that fills the boy with awe. Later in the day, when they return home, Dylan hears the same violin music from the radio. He soars with the sounds as his mother watches and listens with amazement. They finally listen together.
In the afterward, the author gives biographical information on Joshua Bell. We learn that Bell did play on his priceless Stradivarius in L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington DC on January 12, 2007. A newspaper reporter wanted to see what would happen if one of the best violinists in the world performed dressed as an ordinary person in the subway. Bell played for under one hour and earned $32.17 from the people who heard him that day. A couple of commuters did recognize him and stayed to listen but most of the listeners were children!
Not only is this book written in an informative manner with an engaging plot, the soft musical illustrations by European artist Dusan Petricic heighten the joy of listening to music. With a postscript written by Joshua Bell, children can be introduced to a real happening in picture book form. This is a wonderful book!
In the afterward, the author gives biographical information on Joshua Bell. We learn that Bell did play on his priceless Stradivarius in L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington DC on January 12, 2007. A newspaper reporter wanted to see what would happen if one of the best violinists in the world performed dressed as an ordinary person in the subway. Bell played for under one hour and earned $32.17 from the people who heard him that day. A couple of commuters did recognize him and stayed to listen but most of the listeners were children!
Not only is this book written in an informative manner with an engaging plot, the soft musical illustrations by European artist Dusan Petricic heighten the joy of listening to music. With a postscript written by Joshua Bell, children can be introduced to a real happening in picture book form. This is a wonderful book!
May 9, 2014
I remember to have seen the news of Joshua Bell playing violin disguised as a street artist in Washington D.C. in 2007. This is the background for this picture book and we see it through the eyes of a fictitious child, who is mesmerized by the beautiful sound that came from the violin in the metro station. Sadly, many people just passed by without paying too much attention to the artist. Bell reports in the postscript that many children did indeed stop – or tried to – to listen to the music.
The text describes what a child would have felt at that day and how the music would have fascinated her throughout the day. It is the art that stands out though. I love how Petricic connected the beauty of sound with colors, while the noise and the oblivious adults are plain black and white. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all lived colorful lives? If we all stopped to pay attention at the beautiful things around us? This is what life is all about, right?
This is one of those books that are clearly marketed to children, but the message would be much more appreciated by adults. Children already live in the moment. It is us, adults, that need reminders to stop and smell the roses.
Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The text describes what a child would have felt at that day and how the music would have fascinated her throughout the day. It is the art that stands out though. I love how Petricic connected the beauty of sound with colors, while the noise and the oblivious adults are plain black and white. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all lived colorful lives? If we all stopped to pay attention at the beautiful things around us? This is what life is all about, right?
This is one of those books that are clearly marketed to children, but the message would be much more appreciated by adults. Children already live in the moment. It is us, adults, that need reminders to stop and smell the roses.
Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 17, 2014
Stinson, K. (2013). The man with the violin. [TumbleBook edition]. Retrieved from Tumblebooks.com.
Tumblebooks
The Man with the Violin is a fictionalized account of a recent incident in which Joshua Bell, a world-renowned violinist played his violin in a crowded subway and was ignored by those who heard him. In the story, the young boy, Dylan, who wants to stop and listen to the music but is pulled along by his mother, who does not want to take the time for music. The tumblebooks edition included some simple animation that showed the music "moving" through the rooms and highlights Dylan's reaction to the music. The text is highlighted as the narrator reads, which is helpful for beginning readers. This book would be useful in a poetry and music unit in which the students learn about how literature and music tap into reader and listener's emotions. I did not love the story but I felt that the illustrations and animations were very effective, particularly the colors used to show the mundane everyday world and the people that did not want to listen to the music versus the music itself and Dylan.
Tumblebooks
The Man with the Violin is a fictionalized account of a recent incident in which Joshua Bell, a world-renowned violinist played his violin in a crowded subway and was ignored by those who heard him. In the story, the young boy, Dylan, who wants to stop and listen to the music but is pulled along by his mother, who does not want to take the time for music. The tumblebooks edition included some simple animation that showed the music "moving" through the rooms and highlights Dylan's reaction to the music. The text is highlighted as the narrator reads, which is helpful for beginning readers. This book would be useful in a poetry and music unit in which the students learn about how literature and music tap into reader and listener's emotions. I did not love the story but I felt that the illustrations and animations were very effective, particularly the colors used to show the mundane everyday world and the people that did not want to listen to the music versus the music itself and Dylan.
February 19, 2014
Music flows from page to page in wispy swirls of colour, entrancing the young boy, Dylan. While he strains to hear it, the rest of the busy world rushes past this wondrous sound, leaving in its wake a set of harsh noises.
Black, angular shapes representing the raucous city life, contrast with the colourful, flowing lines that come from the violinist. Graceful descriptions seek to capture the essence of this melodious sound, as well as the impact it has on the boy. These words sing in our ears, until the real world crashes in with its onomatopoeic words. All ends well though, for the boy is once again swept off his feet, literally enfolded by the lines of music.
The book is based on a true event, an experiment that showed how, even for one of the finest musicians in the world, most people will not take the time to appreciate it in their daily lives. This realization is sad, however, rather than focusing on this, the author ends on a positive note. Dylan finally convinces his mother to stop and listen.
Black, angular shapes representing the raucous city life, contrast with the colourful, flowing lines that come from the violinist. Graceful descriptions seek to capture the essence of this melodious sound, as well as the impact it has on the boy. These words sing in our ears, until the real world crashes in with its onomatopoeic words. All ends well though, for the boy is once again swept off his feet, literally enfolded by the lines of music.
The book is based on a true event, an experiment that showed how, even for one of the finest musicians in the world, most people will not take the time to appreciate it in their daily lives. This realization is sad, however, rather than focusing on this, the author ends on a positive note. Dylan finally convinces his mother to stop and listen.
March 23, 2014
This is such an interesting book and the pictures were marvelous. I just felt that at the end I was dissatisfied. I think it's because the child wasn't able to stop and listen to the musician and despite dancing around the room with his mother, there wasn't really any closure.
I also didn't think the writing in this book was that great. The words didn't really flow together in a way that is expected in children's books. The story/writing felt choppy and difficult to read.
In the end I would recommend this book for older children; or at least children who are old enough to understand the actual events that inspired the story. It's not a completely dissatisfying book as the pictures are wonderful and it inspires thought; I just found myself slightly disappointed.
I read this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
I also didn't think the writing in this book was that great. The words didn't really flow together in a way that is expected in children's books. The story/writing felt choppy and difficult to read.
In the end I would recommend this book for older children; or at least children who are old enough to understand the actual events that inspired the story. It's not a completely dissatisfying book as the pictures are wonderful and it inspires thought; I just found myself slightly disappointed.
I read this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
May 30, 2014
The Man with the Violin is a Notable Book for a Global Society Award winner. Kathy Stinson tells the story of a boy named Dylan who notices everything around him. One day he is at the metro station with his mom and he hears a violinist playing. He wants to stop and listen, but his mom and everyone else at the metro station was too busy to notice. This book is based on a true story. Joshua Bell is a famous violinist and was participating in an experiment to see how many people would stop and listen to a man dressed in normal clothing in the metro station. Over 1,000 people walked past him in 43 minutes and only 7 people stopped to listen. Joshua himself said among those who tried to stop and listen were children while their parents dragged them away. We can learn an important lesson from this book that we need to slow down and listen to the music.
September 18, 2014
A young boy wants to stop to listen to a world-renowned violinist in disguise who is playing in the subway, but his mother hurries him along. Only later, when they learn that they passed a world-class musician does the boy's mother acknowledge she was in error. The book is based on an experiment in which Joshua Bell took his Stradivarius to play in a Washington DC underground station. Only seven stopped to listen.
In an afterward, Joshua Bell (who had been a child prodigy) notes: "Music requires imagination and curiosity--two things that children have aplenty--and I believe the world would be a better place if every child's innate appreciation for music were fostered both in school and at home." I wish it were so; our schools have moved so far from the warm embrace of the arts. Tests and technology--21st-Century Skills!--are the order of the day.
In an afterward, Joshua Bell (who had been a child prodigy) notes: "Music requires imagination and curiosity--two things that children have aplenty--and I believe the world would be a better place if every child's innate appreciation for music were fostered both in school and at home." I wish it were so; our schools have moved so far from the warm embrace of the arts. Tests and technology--21st-Century Skills!--are the order of the day.
March 31, 2015
The Man With the Violin by Kathy Stinson
Cara W., Spring 2015
“The Man With the Violin” is a book that will delight the younger generations as well as the older. It is a very simple book that takes you on a journey through Washington, D.C.’s subway system where a mysterious man plays upon his violin. This story is based off of violinist Joshua Bell and his “incognito” violin recital in 2007.
This book has a wonderful lesson and teaches children and adults alike to learn to appreciate the music. The illustrations are gorgeous and go well with the book. They are blurry and swirly just like if you were walking in the subway yourself.
I feel this book was beautifully written and it really shows the main character’s emotions. I felt what he felt and I wanted to find out more right along with him.
This book is recommended for those who appreciate art and music alike.
Cara W., Spring 2015
“The Man With the Violin” is a book that will delight the younger generations as well as the older. It is a very simple book that takes you on a journey through Washington, D.C.’s subway system where a mysterious man plays upon his violin. This story is based off of violinist Joshua Bell and his “incognito” violin recital in 2007.
This book has a wonderful lesson and teaches children and adults alike to learn to appreciate the music. The illustrations are gorgeous and go well with the book. They are blurry and swirly just like if you were walking in the subway yourself.
I feel this book was beautifully written and it really shows the main character’s emotions. I felt what he felt and I wanted to find out more right along with him.
This book is recommended for those who appreciate art and music alike.
April 29, 2014
Sometimes...well, really most times... adults don't notice the wonders of the world around them. Because of this, we miss the best things. Not only does this book encourage children to wonder at the world around them, but it also reminds adults to look around, too.
If you do pay attention while reading the book, you'll notice that the color dances around people like music. You'll notice that maybe even though Dylan is the only one wanting to stop, there might be some adults who are touched by the music as well.
I wish that I had been at L'Enfant Plaza that morning. I'd like to think that I would have stopped because I always stopped for the musician at the top of the escalators at the Chinatown stop. I'd like to think that, but I'll never know.
If you do pay attention while reading the book, you'll notice that the color dances around people like music. You'll notice that maybe even though Dylan is the only one wanting to stop, there might be some adults who are touched by the music as well.
I wish that I had been at L'Enfant Plaza that morning. I'd like to think that I would have stopped because I always stopped for the musician at the top of the escalators at the Chinatown stop. I'd like to think that, but I'll never know.
January 29, 2015
The Man with the Violin is a story by Kathy Stinson based on a real event in which a world renowned violinist played his violin in D.C.'s metro on January 12, 2007. The young boy in the story wanted to stop and listen to Joshua play his violin but his mom couldn't/wouldn't take the time. I heard about this book when I listened to a talk show on CBC radio (Canada). The story is thought provoking and wonderfully told and the illustrations add to the book's appeal. Swirls of colour which represent the music are contrasted with black and white graphics for the typical noises that surround us. Life is busy and time is money but this little boy was a reminder that beauty and in this case, beautiful music, cannot be ignored.
March 7, 2018
I loved this one! Music is everywhere and brings so much to any atmosphere - so don't forget to tune in wherever you are, or to turn on some background music in your home so something's playing. Music is incredibly enriching and magical.
And the illustrations are powerful - that first page got me! I felt convicted after really looking at it. Notice what the adult sees as she bustles through her day? Now look at what the child sees. Gulp.
Ages: 5 - 8
#music
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And the illustrations are powerful - that first page got me! I felt convicted after really looking at it. Notice what the adult sees as she bustles through her day? Now look at what the child sees. Gulp.
Ages: 5 - 8
#music
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
December 31, 2021
A fabulously and creatively illustrated picture book (using color to emphasize the story) telling the story of an intriguing event. One can only hope, as they read this story and the author's note at the end, that they might have been one of the few who would have stopped, or allowed a child to stop, and appreciate the beauty of the music that day. A story I will share with students to promote thoughtfulness about rushing through the world and the need to stop and appreciate things around us.
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