Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

This is a fairly simple story with a likeable protagonist. I like that while the fact that she doesn't have arms is central to her character, it isn't the central "issue' of the plot. Like every kid, she expects to be excellent at a thing the first time she tries it, doesn't have patience for learning. THe writing is simple and perhaps a bit stiff but overall a solid read.

This fun early chapter book is the third in the Aven Green series. Based on the middle grade series, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by the same author, this early chapter book brings a fabulous character to younger readers. Aven, a third grade girl who was born with no arms, shows readers that physical disabilities can't stop hilarious, resilient and determined kids like her. At around 120 pages divided into 18 chapters including black and white illustrations, this book is the perfect length for early chapter book readers in the age 7-10 range. The font is large, accessible and well spaced, making this book look less daunting than middle grade texts. I would highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children who are ready for chapter books and looking for a loveable, diverse character. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book!

I've read almost all of Dusti Bowling's books, and I have to say I quite enjoyed getting to know young Aven. It really will set up the middle grade title, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, very nicely for young reader to grow with the character,

Aven may not have arms, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to be a professional musician - she just has to decide which instrument to play.

This is a story of a determined little girl who, with the support of her parents and grandmother, tries a variety of instruments to determine which one she will be able to play with her feet and toes. I love how Aven is matter of fact about not having arms and doesn't let it deter her from anything. The teacher and Aven's third grade peers do not treat her any differently - they just accept that she does things with her feet and that's just the norm.

Aven Green Music Machine is the third book in this series, which is perfect for elementary age children as they are short chapter books. The illustrations support the text nicely and add to some of the humor in the story.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #AvenGreenMusicMachine by #DustiBowling - 5 stars

Another great installment in the early reader chapter book series featuring Aven Green! In this go-round, after her teacher announces an upcoming talent show, third grader Aven decides to learn to play an instrument. With just a week before the show, Aven is determined to choose an instrument and learn to play expertly, even though she's never played an instrument before. After a few false starts along the way, with the support and encouragement of her parents and a few friends, Aven perseveres and proves she's up to the challenge. The author's middle grade books about an older Aven are huge hits with the readers in my school's library and I know this series will become a favorite, too.

Aven Green Music Machine is a fabulous addition to the Aven Green series.
This character is one that kids will want to spend more and more time with as the series develops.
This book in particular focuses on everyone having talents that are unique to them, and how not to give up when trying to learn new things. It's inspiring to me even as an adult, and I know it will have the same effect on students. It's so easy to say "I'm going to ______", hit a little friction, and tell ourselves "oh that's not for me." I love that Aven's parents, teachers and community challenge that human trait and remind us all of the importance of putting in effort and giving things a fair chance. In addition to this lesson, which apparently came just at a time in my life where I was really needing to hear it, this book has humor and highlights relationships- friendship, family, and mentors. This is a series I will continue to recommend, and I can't wait to see how Aven's soccer adventures turn out in the book after this one.

Aven is back ready to inspire a younger group of readers. Eight year old Aven can’t wait to be part of her class talent show. The only issue is finding an instrument she can play with her feet because she has no arms! This is a great story of perseverance.

I received an electronic ARC from Union Square Kids through NetGalley.
Third book in this series for elementary level readers. Bowling shares Aven's story as a third grader so we see her before the Cactus series for older readers. In this story, Aven wants to play an instrument for her class Talent Show. The problem is she has never played one. I appreciate the support her family offers, and the way Bowling shows her learning, giving up, and trying again. Readers take this journey with her and, hopefully, feel encouraged to keep developing their talents too.

This was an enjoyable early chapter book. I loved Dusti's Cactus books, and so was interested to see what these stories looked like.

As with many early chapter books, the stories and situations are all pretty relatable. I liked that no one made a big deal of Aven's lack of arms, she was treated just like any other student/customer/friend, and she had to learn resilience like we all do.

A good series for me to add to our library shelves!

This book is pretty funny! What instrument should Aven play for the talent show with her unique skills?

This book really kept my 3rd grader engaged and was relatableto her. Instrument playing with her feet. How crazy and unique!!

This is a short chapter book that is a perfect reading level for elementary aged kids. It show persistence along with entertaining via funny content.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Dusti Bowling does it again! She is an incredible author of books for young readers, as well as older readers. The Aven Green series is perfect to read aloud to young kids, or for 2nd - 4th graders to enjoy independently. She embeds so many important lessons into every book she writes, and Aven Green Music Machine is no exception. Follow 8 year old Aven as she tackles another challenge: becoming a musician. Aven is determined to become a great musician in time for her school's talent show, which is only a week away. When playing the piano doesn't come easily, Aven has to learn to adapt, adjust, and to take advice from others. A sweet and fun story that I know my students will love!

I was so excited when I saw there was another Aven Green book to read! Much like her other books, Bowling does a good job showing that just because you’re different doesn’t mean that you can’t do the same things as other people, just with your own fun twist.

I also really appreciate that Aven and Emily have a moment where they discuss how Emily hurt her feelings and what she could have said instead.

(For some fun I recommend checking out Dusti Bowling’s FAQ page)

This is the third book in the Aven Green series, and once again, Aven Green with her determination and pluckiness, shows us that she can do just about anything. When Aven’s teacher announces a talent show, Aven knows she wants to play an instrument, and when she tries a keyboard her best friend says it’s the worst song she’s heard. Aven becomes discouraged. Her parents try to encourage and even her teacher says “ all we can do is our best.” Aven’s parents come up with a surprise. Will it give Aven an idea and convince her to try out for the talent show?

Such a cute book! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review! I will definitely be suggesting this one to my students!

ARC Copy...I did like the slice of life approach narrative and Aven is just like her appearance in the books is not mournful + "pity me" about her "condition". Rather she gets creative and adapt to the situation which in this cause is how can one produce music with no arms.

This was such a cute and touching story for children to read. I love how you just like Aven more and more as the story goes on.

The story really touches on healthy friendships and boundaries with yourself.

Aven Green is a character I would definitely recommend getting to know. You won’t regret it.

Aven Green is a lovable, confident and tenacious third grader determined to learn an instrument for the talent show.
I’ve been searching for new chapter books for my kid as their reading advances, and I loved the message and representation in this book. I loved the supportive family and experiences Aven goes through in order to grow and maintain the natural confidence she has. The illustrations added a fantastic visual representation to the story and were well done.
Thank you NetGalley and Union Square Kids for the advance ARC.

Review to come Late July/closer to release day on my blog and goodreads and amazon.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

There were two reasons why I picked up this book. The biggest reason was the amazing and cute cover that I just adored. The second reason was that I just adored the rep, a girl without arms doing everything with her legs. I will talk about the cover in a bit, as that well... turned into a bit of a disappointment.

Man, I want to be in a school in America.. well OK, maybe just in this story. XD It sounds like there are a lot of fun musical events in school. I was very eager to meet Aven, this is my very first book with her and I was curious to see what instrument she would play and also if she could work it out. Because Aven isn't your standard MC in a book, oh no, Aven doesn't have arms so she has to do everything with her feet/legs! I just loved how spirited she was and how she didn't let anything stand in her way. Now she just needs to learn that you cannot learn everything in just one go, it takes a long time. ;) Though I definitely can understand, I remember my first lessons with the flute. LORD I was bored. I am glad that people around her told her that and tried to make sure she understood. And I loved the surprise her parents arranged for her! That is so amazing! And even her grandma is there for her. She has a wonderful family and I was just smiling. 

I did think her friend was pretty rude and I just wanted to give her a big old shake. Be proud of your friend! Keep some thoughts hidden. 

I loved the talent show and I loved reading about what each person in the class (and we also find out about the school) was planning on doing. I am kind of glad we didn't have talent shows here, maybe one though, I cannot remember, haha. But I have terrible stage fright, so I would definitely NOT go on a stage, haha. But I do love reading about and seeing talent shows. See what everyone can do, though that spaghetti idea? Mmm... maybe not that. XD I loved that the teacher kept checking in on the students to find out if they still wanted to do their things, asked how it went, and more. 

The art was pretty nice. I had to get used to it, but now at the end I can say I like the style! 

So as I said, I fell in love with the cover. I just know that it is an illustrator I love, though I cannot think of the name, and so I was eager to see their art inside. HOWEVER, the art inside is by someone totally different. While that art is fine, if you compare it to the cover.. you can imagine that I was like, oh. I do think it is horrible that the publisher didn't even care to credit the cover illustrator and instead just tell they take the credit. No. Just no. So for both the cover art and the art inside being different and then also not crediting, I am giving the book 0.5 less. 

All in all, I definitely want to check out the other Aven Green books and see what else she does! I would recommend this book to all!

***MARK THIS DATE: 9th August, 2022.
You know! Got the ARC and I have never read a book this soon as soon as I got it! Who are we kidding here? It's Dusty Bowling's latest book! One my all-time favourite authors! I am so glad and feeling blessed now.

And it's a chapter book I can read to the young and the beginners; recommend to schools and libraries; even the local bookstores here. Yes, I am this hyped!

I haven't read another author who writes about a sensitive specific topic like Dusty Bowling this good with well-represented young characters. The writing is amazing as usual. The character representation is so well done. Even the side characters are noteworthy.

This is the story of Aven Green who's trying hard to get a big chance to make her musical dreams come true. The supportive parents, the friends and an unlikely inspiration that she gets would help her in her journey. And yes, that ending made me hug my iPad so hard. Yes, I am still crying happy tears. I am so proud of you, girl.

The illustrations! Who are you, artist? I need to see more of your work. Hues of black and white in the illustrations go so well with the theme and the story which I find it really surprising! What an amazing artist can do, you know!

Go for this book. Grab it when you see it. It's so good. I love the family so much! All the good vibes!

Thank you, Union Square Kids and Sterly Publishing, for the advance reading copy.