Piano Piano

by Davide Calì, Éric Héliot (Illustrator)

Cling! Clang! Clong! Every day at 3:00 sharp Marcolino practices his scales. His mom insists that Marcolino practice so that one day he can become . . . a grand pianist! But Marcolino has other plans. With help from Grandpa, Marcolino shows his mom that he has another grand idea.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Davide Calì is a Swiss-born Italian writer of picture books and graphic novels, primarily for children and young adults. He lives in Italy. His work has been published in twenty-five countries and translated into many languages.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is a great reminder for parents, but I don't see the point of reading it with kids except that it will remind them of some activity they're "forced" into by their parents and then spend time complaining about it.

Plus, the mom's boobs are super pointing and distracting. Kind of an awkward book for many reasons.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like music then you will like this book. By Maggie - age 8

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another over-bearing mother story?

[Lynne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the MC didn't have a lot of agency in this story, I did really like the outcome which was satisfying, with a bit of humor, thanks to Grandpa! LM

[Anne with Violets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adults who remember how they felt when they were children make good parents.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn to the cover of Piano Piano. Heliot's strong opening image of a kid running down a keyboard just, well, struck a chord.

Marcolino practices the piano for several minutes a day. He would rather be doing ANYTHING else than playing the piano. When his mother tells him of her own missed opportunity of becoming a grand pianist, Marcolino practices for her. A visit with his grandfather reveals an interesting truth about his mother's piano dreams and helps him find the musical instrument that really defines him.

Héliot's illustrations give the story the perfect comic touch. His seemingly simple drawings convey the character's emotions perfectly. Marcolino's face as he sits at the piano is very familiar.

This story brought back such memories of my own childhood piano lessons and adult regrets of wishing I had practiced more. It also evoked parental memories of herding my own children back to the piano bench.

This book is for kids who are looking for their own musical instrument and parents who express their own dreams through their children.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

A translated book originally published in France. Students will be able to relate to this story because all too often students have to do things that there parents say they have to do. I'm sure many students have had to practive their instrument to get good at something. I like the way the author has a peaceful resolution and in the end the main charcter has learned how many different things there are to choose from.

[Jacqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

Children who are playing an instrument due to parental influence but not enjoying the instrument will be able to relate to this book. The idea of playing an instrument because your parent(s) want you to is a theme that I have to assume is international.

I do not feel the need to have this book in my classroom library.

[sab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book my son will sit and listen to me read to him the whole way through! Pictures are great and the sentiments are real. This is all about figuring out who you are with music as a way of expression to boot! As both a mom and "grand pianist," I think this book is a treasure. Thanks to cousin Harriet for sending it (along with the other amazing kid books!)

[Andrea Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story that every parent should read! It shows parents how important it is to let children do what interests them, not what you want them to do. Great lesson for all the parents who push children into activities they are not interested in!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that this shows children to pick something they are interested. This book could be shared with parents to start a discussion of other options children can do that they enjoy. The pictures are very entertaining... I like that his hair is long and sticks straight out of his head.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

in print, 2012

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...