Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Nora, inspired by the beautiful melody wafting from her neighbor's violin, wants to learn to play the instrument herself. Anticipating weeks of violin squawks and screeches, however, her family tries to dissuade her. Dad suggests a xylophone, and mom declares "The banjo…would surely be worthwhile." Her sister Kate also nixes the "screeching violin" idea. But Nora wins out, and under Mrs. Yamamoto's tutelage, starts practicing. Days of "twang[s], "shriek[s]," and "squeak[s]" ensue. Her supportive parents suggest Nora practice outdoors, Kate dons earmuffs, and even the cockatoo needs a heavy towel over its cage to keep out the noise. But Nora perseveres. Finally, the big day for which she has been practicing all month arrives, and she plays "Happy Birthday" (musical notation appears on the final page) for her mom, "every note…true and strong." Wells's familiar watercolor illustrations appear within thinly framed rectangles on white ground and occasionally stretch across double pages. Her mouse characters are full of expression, from the family's open-mouthed anticipation as Mrs. Yamamoto unveils Nora's violin to their paws-over-ears eye rolls as she practices. Seven humorous vignettes depict Nora at her daily practice, leg sometimes raised in effort, oblivious to the unpleasant sounds coming from her violin. VERDICT Nora's fans will enjoy this offering, and readers who have experienced difficulty learning something new will be inspired by her successful efforts.--Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Cambridge, MA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
After hearing the beautiful notes of "Clair de lune" float down from her violinist neighbor's window, little mouse Nora dreams of learning to play the violin herself.With all the enthusiasm and determination a young child can muster, Nora takes her family to the music store, where they all suggest different instruments for her. Maybe a xylophone? Banjo? Anything but a "screeching violin!" opines big sister Kate. But Nora is dead set on a violin, so her excitement is palpable when her music teacher, Mrs. Yamamoto, shows up for her first lesson. As expected, there are a lot of twangs, shrieks, and whines to be heard before a tune begins to be found. But Nora has a goal in mind, so she keeps at it to meet her Sept. 1 deadline and surprise her family. The theme of practice and hard work paying off in the end, coupled with the support of a loving family (albeit with slightly annoyed siblings), makes this a lovely read with kids. With one significant and uncharacteristic hiccup, the rhyming text flows easily and in exactly the same pattern as Noisy Nora's eponymous debut (1973), making it a solid read-aloud. It is full of bright, cheery, and funny illustrations in Wells' familiar style, but her decision to dress Mrs. Yamamoto in a kimono has the unfortunate effect of exoticizing her in this otherwise Western setting.A sweet book for budding musicians. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
