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Publisher: Orchard Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July 18th, 2023
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Google Books | Kobo | Scholastic
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Blurb from goodreads:
From the PW Flying Starts creative force, Gracey Zhang, comes a touching and beautiful story about community, finding your own voice, doing what you love the most, and expressing your passion with FORTE!Rubin loves the beautiful sounds that are played by the orchestra. He wants to learn to play the violin and make his own music. But when Rubin plays, it doesn’t sound like he imagines it should. Rubin goes into the forest to practice alone and despite only getting the violin to screech, he finds an unlikely audience that loves his unique style.
In another inspiring and lyrical picture book that deftly dives into the psyche and heart of a child’s viewpoint and experience, the creator of Lala’s Words , Gracey Zhang, offers confidence to everyone who longs to master something that can be difficult and shows that there is only one way to do something that is to do it your own special way. This is the next book from one of today’s most gifted young creators. Zhang is a Publishers Weekly ‘s Spring 2021 Children’s Flying Starts creator and her debut, Lala’s Words , was the 2022 EJK Award Winner.“Little Lala helps the weeds in the vacant lot blossom into full, gorgeous plants just by talking to them and showing them a little love. This picture book is breathtaking, and Zhang’s use of color really helps the story come alive. It’s like a modern inverse of The Giving Tree .” — Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore
My Thoughts:
“When Rubin Plays” is a delightful story about a boy who wants to make music, his determination to do so, and the unexpected help he receives.
Rubin’s sister plays in an orchestra and he wants to also. He receives a violin, and at first, he’s awful. But he keeps practicing and finds an appreciative audience in feral cats. The cats were a nice surprise. Zhang’s lush illustrations are evocative and peaceful, and enhance the text. The story itself is a joyful paean to music, perseverance, and community. I loved that Rubin received so much assistance, both human and feline, and support, and that he never gave up but persisted. He put in the work to improve his skills. Adults and children alike will enjoy this story.
About Gracey ~
Gracey Zhang is an award-winning illustrator, author, and animator with a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She received the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award for her debut picture book, Lala’s Words. Her clients include, The New York Times, NBC, VICE, and many others. Gracey has also illustrated The Big Bath House, Nigel and The Moon, and The Upside Down Hat which was a recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of 2022.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she has participated in artist residencies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Angoulême, France. Gracey is now based in New York where she can be found working from her Brooklyn studio.
Contact ~ graceyz.art@gmail.com
1 winner will receive a finished copy of WHEN RUBIN PLAYS, US Only. Ends August 1st, midnight EST.
Tour Schedule:
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