Nathaniel's Violin. Alison Lohans. Illustrated by Marlene Watson. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers, 1996. 32 pp., paperback, $7.95. ISBN-1-55143-064-9. Subject Headings: Music-Juvenile fiction. Violin-Juvenile fiction. Farm life-Juvenile fiction. Kindergarten - grade 3 / Ages 5 - 8. Review by Michele Kallio. *** /4

Nathaniel's Violin is a brightly illustrated picture book that tells a delightful story.

      Nathaniel is an only child living on his parents' farm. Though lonely, he enjoys helping with the farm chores. Life goes on with little excitement until one day a mysterious old woman comes to the farm to buy a dozen eggs and a pint of cream. As she is leaving, she pulls a beautiful violin from her cart and hands it to Nathaniel saying "This is for you child."

      Nathaniel plays a squack/squack sound on the violin and his father tells him to practice in the barn. He practices and practices until one day he finds himself playing real music. Soon his mother notices that when Nathaniel plays his violin, the flowers grow brighter in colour, the hens lay bigger eggs, the cows give more milk, and just about everyone feels happier.

      Then as all children do, Nathaniel grows up and moves away. Still, the magic of his violin continues on, and one day, many years later, the violin returns, this time in the hands of Nathaniel's own daughter.

Recommended.

Michele F. Kallio is a former teacher/librarian living in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © 1997 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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