The story has potential that isn't quite reached. It's pretty short, even for a children's book, and some of the story seems disjointed. We're introduced to the mouse and immediately it's "The boat is late this evening". What boat? And how is that relevant? I mean, it gets there, but not in a smooth manner. I think that could be confusing to a young reader. I'd like to know more about the mouse. I'd like the story about Mozart and his sister playing for the crowd to be more fleshed out (and longer than a page). Even just a wordless page of a nice illustration of the crowd lost in the music. The whole story seemed rushed with gaps in the plot and timeline. I asked to review this so I could consider recommending it to my piano students (I have a feature where I recommend a music-themed book each week), but this book will not be making the cut to recommend it.

A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley.
This book is adorable! It is a part of a series of books called Little Stories of Great Composers. This story is about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was a musical genius from an early age. This book tells the story from the perspective of a little mouse living dockside. This is a great way to introduce children to music and classical composers.

In this volume of Little Stories of Great Composers, music loving Minim is waiting at the docks for a new ship to come in. He and his family are anxious to go in search of some tasty cheese, but this ship in particular is taking longer to unload. While trying to calm his growling stomach, Minim notices a strange box being unloaded. What could it be? And when the box opens, a young boy appears on the scene, giving a spontaneous concert. Who else should that boy be, but Amadeus Mozart.
This delightful series of picture books introduces young readers to some of the great composers. Our little guide, Minim, is sweet and endearing. He's a perfect blend of curiosity and humor for little ones to relate to. The story is short and sweet, with enough information to introduce Mozart without being overwhelming. And the illustrations are beautiful. This book also includes a code for downloading recordings of Mozart's work to delight the reader. That's My Piano, Sir! is a great book for introducing young readers to the classics.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

That’s My Piano, Sir! is part of the Little Stories of Great Composers Series - this volume dedicated to young Mozart. Due out 1st March 2021 from The Secret Mountain, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is an engaging and very well illustrated story from Mozart's early life told from the point of view of a little music (and cheese) loving mouse narrator named Minim. The illustrations are full of small details which will provide a lot of fun for reading-time to hunt and find. There are a number of human characters as well which will give ample opportunity for lots of voices during reading-time with the small humans.

Music is such an enriching and important part of our lives and an early introduction to great music will provide lifelong rewards. This is a sweet story which everyone can relate to. The book also includes a short timeline with highlights from Mozart's life.

Five stars. Lovely little book. Recommended for public & classroom acquisition, library activity groups, gifting, and home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

That's My Piano, Sir! by Ana Gerhard is a delightful picture book that is part of the Little Stories of Great Composers series. This time, the spotlight is on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his spontaneous dockside concert as witnessed by a tired and hungry mouse. Playing for the weary travellers and customs officers, young Mozart brings light and joy to the pervading gloominess of the dock, dressed in his white wig and red velvet coat.

This is a beautifully illustrated story that will introduce children to one of our greatest composers when he himself was a young child doing his part to share the transformative gift of music. A brief history of Mozart's life is also included at the end of the book to engage children in further discussion. I look forward to reading more of this lovely and informative series. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for an ARC of this title.