A Tuba Christmas

by Helen L. Wilbur, Mary Reaves Uhles (Illustrations)

With a family that loves music as much as hers does, it was only a matter of time before it was Ava's turn to pick out an instrument. Her mother plays the piano, her father plays the violin, and one brother plays the cello while the other plays the clarinet. As soon as Ava selects an instrument, she will be able to join them as they practice for the annual holiday concert. And her family has definite ideas on what instrument Ava should select, from the piano to the flute to the violin. But Ava isn't interested in any of them. Ava wants to play the tuba. And she gets her wish. But playing the tuba isn't as easy as it seems. And there is no place for a tuba in the annual concert. But with the encouragement of her music teacher, Ava finds a place for her and her tuba in a special holiday celebration.

Genres: Christmas, Music, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Family

32 pages, ebook

Published October 15, 2018

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a foregone conclusion that eventually young Ava will play a musical instrument since she comes from a family of musicians. But when she rebuffs her family's suggestions that she take up the piano or flute in favor of an unlikely instrument--the tuba--they are surprised because of its loudness and its size. Ava struggles to master her instrument of choice, but with the support of her teacher, Rodney, and quite a lot of practice, she improves. The text and illustrations highlight her moments of struggle and the teasing she endures at home and at school and how close she comes to quitting. But Rodney has a plan up his sleeve, and a holiday concert allows all the tuba players in the area to shine. This is a joyful celebration of sticking to one's goals, no matter what those around you have to say, and even when it seems that your choices don't align with others' expectations. The story captures vividly just how hard it was for Ava to focus on her instrument with all those naysayers and complainers, but the concert silenced them as they came to appreciate the sounds of a tuba.

[Edward Creter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is a young third grader with a vision. She's part of a musically gifted family who dreams of seeing her pick up an instrument of their choosing. She "should" play a flute or a small violin. But no, Ava wants to play tuba. Her family grumbles, and her only support comes from a guy who shows her not only how to tuba, but how to bear the stigma such a choice brings. This wonderful tribute to empowered female musicians who inspire both sexes to follow their own dreams in defiance of that of others proves that anyone can march to the best of a different drum, or in this case, the blast of their own tuba. And who says a girl can't tuba? I'd be lesser as a man if I didn't allow it, if I never let a strong woman change my own life. You still say girls can tuba. TU BAD!!!
Four stars
The Tuba girl ROCKS!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about doing your own thing! I love that Ava sticks with her choice, even if proves to be unpopular with kids at school, or even her brothers. I also found it wonderful that the whole family is musical, so naturally, Ava gravitated towards playing an instrument. A nice non-preachy lesson about how practice makes perfect, but that even a few wrong notes will not spoil the outcome.

[Rachel O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book for kids that it’s okay to pick something different or odd and to stick with it despite any teasing or adversity you may face. This is the case of the book’s protagonist, a little girl who wants to play tuba, even though most everyone around her is opposed to the idea. A cute book with a Christmas title that is endearing year round.

[Sonia Schoenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up off of a library display, interested because my son played baritone in a tuba Christmas one year. This was a charming story of a young girl who declared she would learn to play the tuba, against the wishes of her parents and the tauntings of her brothers and friends. But when her tuba teacher introduces her to Tuba Christmas, everyone comes around.
Merry Tuba Christmas!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A musical family encourages the youngest member to take up an instrument. She chooses an unconventional instrument and not everyone is happy.

The story is okay. I liked the encouragement she receives from her tuba instructor.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! I love all the detail in the illustrations. A little girl wants to learn to play the tuba, even though her family isn't really on board. A Christmas concert helps her take pride in her instrument.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute ode to tubas, with a brief description of the Tuba Christmas phenomenon in the back. As a former marching band member this book was pleasing in so many ways, from its love of music, to the inherent tuba diversity, to the hard work of learning an instrument.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was an unexpected delight. After reading the author's note in the back I looked up some Tuba Christmas videos on YouTube and now I am determined to attend one in the future! What a fun time.

[Alice Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow your own music.

Yes, play your own song. This is an important lesson for every child to know at Christmas and throughout the year.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun introduction to a wonderful tradition - plus a lesson in perseverance and encouragement.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about knowing yourself and marching to the tune of your own drum, or shall we say tuba!
Note at the end explains the origin of the tuba Christmas.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of encouragement for a child just starting band. Wonderful story.

[Katie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute and tubas rule!