If you're not already familiar with violinist Joshua Bell, but think his name sounds familiar, it might be because of an interesting experiment he participated in about ten years ago, which involved playing his $3.5 million violin in a crowded subway station to see how many people would stop and listen. For more info, search the Washington Post for their article "Pearls before Breakfast."

But that's not what this book is about -- The Dance of the Violin is about Joshua as a young boy, and the story focuses on his decision to play a very difficult piece of music in a competition when he was twelve years old.

What I really like about this story is that it involves him making a mistake, but then stopping and asking to start again. It doesn't focus on "who wins" or on doing everything perfectly (though additional information about the context of this event is given at the end of the book).

I was really inspired as I read about Joshua deciding to try again after his mistake. As a perfectionist, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking I'm better off not doing something than risking a failure (even a small one). Joshua's attitude is commendable and a great example of taking pride and joy in one's efforts (and delighting in music itself) rather than aiming solely for a win -- and that one flub obviously hasn't stopped him from having a wonderful career since then!

(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)

The Dance of the Violin is a beautiful story about the classical violinist Joshua Bell. I related to this story: my son currently in cello, and seeing the music in his head as he plays, I can imagine if he read this book it would be similar to Joshuas experience.

The illustrations are gorgeous, and tell a succinct story from beginning to end.

This is a beautiful non-fiction book for early readers. I highly recommend. One of my favorite picture book biographies.

Kindle Unlimited suggested The Tracker as a book I might enjoy - and I did. I thought Sam was a likeable character: he's a modern-day Horatio Alger hero who has faced hardship and poverty but was fighting for a life other than what he had. From the beginning, the plot grabs you with who, what, why? On just the aspect of the political/lawyer thriller, the plot is good and has some unseen twists and turns. On top of that, Zunker does quite a bit of character building with flashbacks to Sam's childhood and youth. While this book isn't marketed as a faith-based book there are elements of Christianity in the story that I also enjoyed; Zunker added this element in a genuine, raw, grace-filled way instead of as extra fluff or sugary sweetness. I knew that there was the potential for the book to launch a series and that I wanted to see how faith would continue to impact Sam as he grew into adulthood.
When I saw the sequel, Shadow Shepherd, appear on NetGalley, I quickly requested it and was happy to not have to wait any longer to catch up with Sam. With this book, Zunker switches from first person to third person. I tend to enjoy first person less but it didn't drive me crazy like many do. It definitely worked in the first book to show how quickly Sam was having to act and react as the story unfolded. The move to third person added more detail and depth as the story unfolded. It was a nice shift but it does give a slightly different experience as a reader: instead of knowing just a little, you have a broader view. All that to say, I enjoyed the second book as well. The mystery of this book felt a little more disconnected and then suddenly it was the end. I felt a little cheated by the resolution, although I do understand that it's not so much an ending as a pause to transition to the next book. What I really loved about Shadow Shepherd was seeing Sam working as a lawyer and how his relationships with the people in his life are growing/changing/ending. I can't wait to know what's next for Sam and how he is going to continue to grow and face the challenges that are sure to come.

as an individual who practiced the violin at a young age, i was drawn to this book. it’s a beautifully illustrated story with a great message of perseverance. the ending did feel abrupt, however, i loved the lesson which was taught. definitely recommended to any music lover who would love to encourage the love of music in their child as well.

This is a beautiful story! I will definitely be purchasing it for my libraries!

I look forward to sharing this book with young musicians such as my niece and nephew. They will enjoy learning about Joshua Bell as a youngster, appreciate learning that he, too, makes mistakes, and identify with his passion for music.

I chose this simply on the title, as a violist myself. So I was delighted halfway through to realize this is based on the childhood of renowned violinist, Joshua Bell! This was such a great story for children in general, but definitely for those pursuing music - that hard work and practice pays off, that if you make a mistake just keep going, and especially about the magical quality playing music can have. I loved the charming illustrations, in particular the colorful way they interpreted the music (rather than the old standby of just showing notes). Bravo!

I can't wait to purchase this book! The theme of playing for joy and love as opposed to perfection pairs so wonderfully with the idea that mistakes are okay and make us better people. This book would be an excellent picture book to kick start a genius hour class. Thankfully passion doesn't need to equal perfection. Gorgeous book. I also really enjoyed the endnotes where the true story of Joshua Bell was told.

This is a lovely creative read. The illustrations accompany the prose beautifully and it's true story quality adds to a great discussion once finished. I really enjoyed this book. There are some musical terms included, which may require an explanation for younger readers but the similies included make the ideas accessible and visual for younger ones.

There are questions at the end to further the understanding of the story and the main character who is based on a real musician and situation.

I would certainly recommend this as it is a story of perseverance and passion.

An emotional tale of perseverance, second chances and never giving up on your dreams. A great story that will add value to the reader. The images were delightful and beautifully captured emotion and music.

~Disclaimer~
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
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Joshua loved playing music. At a young age his parents bought him a violin. One day he learns of a competition and the price is playing with an orchestra. He must compete. He chooses a very difficult song that even his teacher thinks may be too hard for him. But he loves it so much that he practices, and practices, and practices. He was very nervous for the competition. When it was his turn to preform he makes a mistake and almost leaves to stage. Instead he asks the judge if he could start over and he says "all right". He plays better than ever before.
I think that this is a good book for children to read. It teaches them that everyone makes mistakes and you always have a second chance. Even after messing up Aiden had the courage to stay on stage and try again. I enjoyed how every time the violin was played streams of colour filled the page. I recommend this book to any child especially those who have a hard time with making mistakes.

5/5 ⭐

Classical violinist Joshua Bell enters a competition at only 12 years old. Will he be able to master the difficult piece? I love the way music is illustrated and the message of enjoying yourself and doing your best rather than trying to be perfect.

I loved this cute little book with the character of Joshua Bell, the famous violinist. Great message for children. My children love music and they found this quite fun to read. The pictures are sweet too. We love this author's book, Red is Best, and this one was also a big hit.

'The Dance of the Violin' by Kathy Stinson with illustrations by Dušan Petričić is a read aloud story adapted from the life of famed violin player Joshua Bell.

The story starts with a young Joshua who loved making all kinds of music on all kinds of things, like cardboard tubes and bicycle bells. When his parents bought him a violin, the journey began. I love the image of a star over the young child's head representing learning the song 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.' When he gets older, he learns of a violin competition, and he has to go. He also decides to play a piece of music that his teacher cautions against. What will happen at the competition?

The illustrations are so fun in this book. The lines that come off of the violin and represent the music are really great. I liked the F.A.Q. answering questions I had about the story. It's a pretty cute story, and might inspire young musicians to pursue something they might enjoy.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Every young performer has a moment when they make a mistake, when they freeze. Kathy Stinson captures that moment - and the ones that follow when a young violinist makes a mistake in a big competition. Adults will recognize the violinist's name Joshua Bell; young readers will recognize the embarrassment and will cheer for the young musician who recovers and starts over to play better than he ever has. Highly recommended.

I thought this book might be better, but I was disappointed with the story. I thought that it was too obvious in sending its message.

Joshua Bell loves music and he takes anything he finds around the house and creates music. He’s also learning to play the violin. When he learns of a competition, he chooses a composition many feel is above his head. Does that stop him? No way! When he walks on stage and begins, he makes a mistake. Swallowing hard, he asks the judges if he can try again. Will he embrace his inner musician or will his performance be an utter failure?



Based on the real-life story of Violinist Joshua Bell, The Dance of the Violin is beautiful. Failure is something that all of us can relate to, especially children. Learning a new instrument, especially a violin, can be tricky but when you have a musical heart, it’s a matter of letting the music take over.



This inspirational story of persevering touched me deeply, as much as the colourful illustrations did. There’s a musical lilt to the illustrations that pair wonderfully with the words to create a masterpiece. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who love music.



Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Annick Press Ltd. Via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.



My Rating: 5 stars

Joshua loves making music, even with everyday household items. His parents feed into his passion, buying Joshua a violin. Deciding that he wants to play a difficult piece in a Kalamazoo competition, Joshua practices with his teacher to perfect his performance. Joshua chooses this song because he can hear, see, and feel its captivating story. Once at the competition, Joshua stumbles on his first try, tumbling an imaginary dancer onto her face. The piece falls flat. Not yet defeated and determined, a brave Joshua asks the judge to try again. The music comes alive in his mind, the room disappears, and although the reader never learns the outcome of the competition, the actual winner is irrelevant. Joshua has achieved his goal and demonstrated his enthusiastic talent for music.

Joshua’s ambition and story is based on a real person, Joshua Bell, who is now a talented classical violinist. The Dance of the Violin is an entrancing depiction of his childhood and represents music, beauty, and art with the utmost precision and care. Perfect for kindergarten to third graders, readers can relate to what it is like to feel so strongly about a hobby, topic, or interest and work hard to succeed. Petričić’s illustrations enhance this vibrantly and musically charged story. Pencil sketches paired with watercolors add emphasis to key moments. Although Joshua is mostly painted with white coloring, his golden, spikey hair and pink cheeks suggest that he is a ball of energy. In another scene, the imaginary orchestra is gray and black against Joshua’s full coloring, and as he speeds up his learning, he becomes a colorful blur. The passion in this picture book is contagious and uplifting.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Annick Press for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review*
My Thoughts:
This is the description published (because mine would NOT do this book justice :p)
“As a young student of the violin, Joshua Bell learns about an international competition to be held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He chooses a piece of music, which his teacher suggests may be too difficult, but Joshua is determined. It’s a piece of music he loves. At the competition, Joshua experiences the usual jitters. Once his name is called, he strides to the stage and begins to play, but almost immediately, he makes a mistake. As he is about to walk off the stage, he asks the judges if could try again. They agree, and this time, the playing is impeccable.”
The illustrations in this book were lovely. I loved the way the illustrator used bright color to represent movement and emotion in music. (Sorry everyone, I couldn’t find pics of the illustrations for this one )
The story was beautiful as well. It was quite a surprise to learn that it was a true story. I think that children would love this story and that parents would love the values it teaches their children, namely resilience, perseverance and being brave enough to ask for a second chance. This book made me emotional because it brilliantly captured music and how it can seep into one’s soul, all consuming, and how many of us have the need to capture with music; images, people and feelings.
And the beauty we see and feel when it is captured .

A wonderful book about music, feeling, and never giving up. I really enjoyed that this was a true story.