The Moon's Revenge by Joan Aiken illustrated by Alan Lee

Seppy is the seventh son of a seventh son. His father is a coach-maker and he expects Seppy will follow this trade but Seppy's first love is music - playing his small, hand made violin. One night Seppy decides to visit an old ruined house in his small seaport town. He has the idea to ask the voices people say can be heard from inside:

"How can I learn to be the best fiddler in the country?"

The reply is strange:

"Throw your shoe at the moon. ... Each night for seven nights, throw your shoe at the moon."

Seppy's family are poor but he does have six elder brothers and his mother has kept all their shoes. They are inside the grandfather clock. 

I love the shoes that Seppy takes down to the beach each night: "a pair of tiny, soft, kid-skin shoes that he had worn when he was one-year old"; a "small rabbit-skin boot"; "a red crocodile-skin slipper that a lord's wife had given his mother"; "a doe-skin boot that a travelling musician had gien his mother in exchange for a plate of stew"; "a shiny calf-skin shoe with a pewter buckle"; "a sheep-skin slipper"; and on the seventh night he threw up one of his hog-skin clogs.

Each time he leaves the remaining shoe on the sea wall. And when he looks up on the final night he sees that the moon is now dirtied all over. Seppy has angered the moon. 

"Yes! I have to give you a wish, you impertinent boy! But you have marked my face for ever, with your dirt shoes, and for that I shall punish you. You must go barefoot for seven years. And until the day when you put those shoes back in the clock, your sister will not speak. And you and all your family will be in great danger, but I shan't tell you what it's going to be. You can just wait and see."

But Seppy does have a sister - or does he?

Things to think about - what does it mean to be the seventh son of a seventh son, and what about the word revenge, and the power of that curse, how the shoes might be linked to this, how Seppy (he is a hero of the story after all) might save the day or save his family and help his beloved sister to speak. And in the end will he gain his heart's desire and become a famous musician?

Here are some illustrations from this book:

I stumbled on an Instagrammer who is posting her favourite picture books from the past. She shared The Mirrorstone by Michael Palin illustrated by Alan Lee a couple of weeks ago. This book was one of two from a series - the other being The Moon's Revenge. I checked my blog and was slightly shocked to discover I had never shared this book here. I have read this book to hundreds of Grade 2 and 3 children in my school library. It is a winner as a read aloud and a terrific way to talk about fantasy stories. I also discovered I did not own this book and so I ordered a copy from Better World Books in the US and one week later my copy arrived. The Moon's Revenge was published in 1987 and so is long out of print. 

The Mirrorstone

Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan

Blurb from Chicken House: Naeli longs to know her English father, who abandoned her when she was little. All she has is his name – and his precious violin. Her chance comes when a ticket to England arrives mysteriously. Leaving behind her beloved India, Naeli embarks on an adventure that will take her from the streets of Victorian London to the wilds of Northumberland to discover the truth of her musical inheritance.

This book contains plot details that act like perfect coincidences:

• On the ship, Naeli meets a boy called Jack who is also travelling to England. On the long three month voyage he is able to teach her English.
• Naeli is taken to work in a bakery when she arrives and her violin is stolen. Then, very mysteriously, she is taken to the house of a wealthy member of parliament - he is her Uncle Daniel and he has the violin. He seems friendly but only at first. But then he turns nasty and demands Naeli play every possible tune on the violin - but why?
• Jack is also in London at a boarding school near Westminster and Uncle Daniel lives close by so when Naeli escapes, she is able to find the school and by chance she finds herself in a laundry room so she can disguise herself as a boy from the school and then in the huge dining hall she is able to find Jack.
• Luckily Jack has money and so they set off by train to the remote country mansion, Swallowfield Hall, in Northumberland. The two servants seem like very shifty characters and clearly they are hiding something - then Naeli and Jack hear mysterious noises in the night and Naeli sees an extra breakfast tray in the kitchen. Who are they hiding? Is her father really dead? Can a tune from her violin help to reunite them? And how lucky to find a map of the estate in the Swallowfield Hall library - because also luckily Jack recognised the clue of 5,3 as a map coordinate. 

Adults reading this book might laugh over all the 'contrived' plot details but I am sure the story will intrigue young readers aged 10+ who have less experience with mystery stories and skullduggery by greedy family members who are desperate for money. 

This story does have overtones of The Secret Garden - there is a mystery; someone is lost; there needs to be healing by a young child; the story starts in India with the death of a parent; and best off all the kids find a key and a secret door!

Here is the scene with the key (spoiler alert the clues were in the pegs of the violin):

"The door was only small, like an opening to a cupboard. ... Naeli's throat was dry. She thought about how long the key had been hidden in the violin and how Uncle Daniel had been desperate to find it. If the key did fit this tiny lock, she was sure it would reveal something important ... "

Read a book extract here. Read more plot details in this post from the Historical Novel Society.

Jasbinder Bilan has created a wonderful fast-paced tale, a mix of adventure, mystery and historical fiction, as we leave behind the traditional Indian world and enter Victorian England, where women are treated very differently of course than they are today. Our heroine Naeli is strong and determined, facing a new life and the many obstacles in her path with determination and courage as the twists and turns of her story unfold. Books for Keeps

Here are four other books by Jasbinder Bilan:

Companion books:

Withering-by-Sea (and sequels)

The Fortune Maker

The Haunting of Charity Delafield

A Case of Grave Danger

The Truth about Verity Sparks

The Ghost of Gosswater

Violin and Cello by Catherine Greer illustrated by Joanna Bartel

Expertise in music takes time. If you look closely at the illustrations in this book you can see the seasons changing as these two children practice their two instruments. They live in an apartment building next door to one another. The boy is learning violin while the girl practices her cello. Then one day the boy sends the girl a message via paper plane - it is a piece of music. I loved the way the full score appears in the book. The piece is called The Mystery Friends part I an allegro piece for violin and cello. The two children practice the new piece and then the cello girl writes her piece - The Mystery Friends part II Adagio. Finally, when the music is perfect they meet side by side on their balconies and begin to play. People in the street below stop to listen to their beautiful music. A beautiful moment of a community coming together.

And "that's how the mystery friends became real friends. Cello from a backpack. Violin from a case. The new friends made music all over the place."

Perhaps these ideas are not original – I am thinking of Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon, but there is so much to like here. The inclusion of the music score (with a link to hear it) and the background details in many of the illustrations. There are some messages in this book but they just feel quite natural not preachy. Here are the extensive teachers notes.

It is the boy who plays the violin (I love the gentle message this conveys) and the boy is wearing glasses as many children do. Their music brings a diverse community together. This reminded me of a book I read recently - The Song for Everyone. 

On the page where the girl practices her cello, I really appreciated the way Joanna Bartel gave her different hair styles – such interesting way to show the passing of time and with her long hair of course it would be in different style each day. The repeated refrain of cello from a backpack, violin from a case also works well to give the text a pleasing rhythm.

If you look closely at their homes you can see the differences in the personalities of the two children. I do like the way one balcony is filled with pot plants and we also see the two families enjoying very different foods. 

The music included with this book is by Alexander Lau. You can see the full score here. And you can listen here. 

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeeker family (Dad, Mum, twins Isa and Jessie aged 12, Oliver aged 9, Hyacinth aged 6, Laney aged 4 and their three pets) live in a brownstone on 141st Street Harlem. The family love their apartment home. On the floor above live Miss Josie and Mr Jeet an older couple who have formed a close relationship with the family. On the top floor lives the landlord - Mr Beiderman. He is a reclusive and angry man so the children have to work hard not to make too much noise in certain parts of the building. It is only five days until Christmas and this should be a very happy time of preparations and presents but instead everyone is sad and distressed because Mr Beiderman has told the family he will not renew their lease and they must leave their home by the end of December.

It is time for action. The children meet and make plans. They devise a series of different ways to make Mr Beiderman, or the Beetleman as little Laney calls him, change his mind. 

I loved the problem solving in this story and the team work and the strong sense of community. I also loved the way each of the children have very different personalities and different skills/strengths. Here are some text quotes to give you a flavour of this book:

"The Vanderbeeker kids glanced around at their home, a brownstone in Harlem, New York City. It consisted of the basement; a ground floor with a living room that flowed into an open kitchen, a bathroom, and a laundry room; and a first floor with three bedrooms, a walk-in-closet-turned-bedroom where Oliver lived, and another bathroom, all lined up in a row. ... 'We've lived here most of our lives ... It's the perfect home."

"The kids exhibited an eclectic mix of  physical characteristics and loved comparing which traits they got from what parent. Isa inherited her mother's stick-straight black hair, which Isa always wore in a sleek ponytail or an elegant French braid, while her twin Jessie had Papa's wild, untamable hair, which she never bothered to do anything with. Oliver had Papa's unruly hair but Mama's dark eyes. Hyacinth got Mama's nimble fingers but Papa's large feet. Laney was an exact blend of both of her parents ..."

"So I've been thinking ... that the key to winning the Beiderman over is to play to our strengths."

Hyacinth is crafty, Isa is a musician (violin), Jessie is a scientist, Oliver is a thinker and Laney gives fabulous hugs! Laney is my favourite character and I also want to eat some of the delicious cookies mentioned in the story and the bakery goods from Castleman's Bakery especially those cheese croissants. 

"The kids transferred the remains from the morning's coffeepot into the teapot; then Oliver dumped three generous spoonfuls of sugar into it and Isa added milk. After Jessie stirred it, Isa placed the teapot on the tray and Hyacinth artfully arranged the pastries from Laney's bag. To their knowledge, the Beiderman had never experienced the joy of breakfast in bed, and they were certain that Oliver's excellent idea would win him over."

This plan ends in a disaster - I just exclaimed out loud when the precious teapot tipped off the tray and shattered outside Mr Beiderman's closed door.

I do enjoy books that include maps:

Image Source: Illustrator Jennifer Thermes

I am very late coming to this book as it was published in 2017. I kept seeing this book mentioned in book lists and blog posts but I wondered if it was just too "New York" for an Australian reader. It is not - this is a fabulous book for ANY reader. I read the whole book, 293 pages, in one sitting. An Australian child will have no idea about a brownstone but you can see this architecture on the cover and there are terrific line drawings by the author inside the book too. Oddly Ms Yingling did not enjoy this book. You can read her plot summary and comments here. 

A heartwarming story about family and community that will appeal to readers who also enjoy an old-fashioned feel. Kirkus

This debut novel reads like a joyous, heartwarming Hallmark movie. The conclusion seems inevitable, but the journey will fill listeners' minds with unique pictures of a loving family. School Library Journal audio book review

Here is something fun - a character interview by Karina Yan Glaser with her character Oliver. Here is an audio sample.

Awards:

• - A New York Times Notable Children's Book
• - A Junior Library Guild Selection
• - An American Bookseller's Association Kids' Indie Next List Title
• - A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Children's Fiction Book
• - A Southern Living Best Children's Book
• - A Nerdy Book Club Award Winner
• - A Massachusetts Children’s Book Award Finalist
• - A Georgia Children’s Book Award Finalist
• - A Bank Street Children's Book of the Year Selection

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street was a debut novel for Karina Yan Glaser. There are now six books in the series. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street; The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden; The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue; The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found; The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish; and The Vanderbeekers on the Road.

The Vanderbeekers reminded me of the Hazel Green book series by Odo Hirsch and also View from the 32nd Floor which is a book I often think about and wish with all my heart had a better cover!

Children of Stone City by Beverley Naidoo

 

Publisher blurb: Set in a world where Adam and Leila and their friend Zak live as Nons under the Permitted ruling class. Then, when Adam and Leila’s father dies unexpectedly, their mother faces losing her permit to live in the Stone City with deportation to where she was born. Before music-loving Adam can implement his plan to save Mama, Zak is arrested for a bold prank that goes wrong, with far-reaching repercussions for them all . . .

This book is filled with the most dreadful undertone of fear. Adam loves to play his precious grandfather's violin. Each day he and his sister walk to school and then then walk to their music lessons but all the while they must be so careful not to meet the police and not to come face to face with Permitteds. 

Permitteds can simply take the homes of Nons and without the right paper work Nons can be banished from the city.  Adam and Leila's mum could be sent away so as the story opens we read that their father is working on gathering all the necessary papers to stop this happening then suddenly and tragically he dies. A few days later Adam sees the home of his neighbour has been taken by Permitteds and all the family possessions are strewn on the footpath. Adam is carrying his precious violin coming home from his music class when he stumbles on the scene.

"Fearing it would break open and Grandfather's violin would crash to the ground, Adam let go. He watched the stubby fingers push open each catch and lift the lid. The man's eyes rested briefly on the violin before shifting back to Adam ... what if the man just took it?"

For Adam, music is everything. It is his connection to his family history, it is his solace and he hopes his music can save his mother. He works hard with his teacher to perfect Vivaldi so he can play perfectly it at an important concert which is just one month away. 

BUT (you knew there would be a but) one day Adam and Leila meet up with their old friend Zak who has been in hiding since the eviction. While the friends are playing on Zak's skateboard at the park there is an incident with some Permitted youth. Things escalate and Adam and Zak are arrested and subjected to dreadful torture by the cruel, sadistic police. These scenes are dreadful - so I suggest his book is for mature readers aged 11+. There were times reading this book when I just had to stop and take a rest from these horrible scenes.

Beverley Naidoo says

"My concerns about this division between Permitteds and Nons stems from being born in South Africa, where I was classified at birth as a 'Permitted'. My birth certificate states 'Race: European'. Had I been born in occupied Europe in 1943m with my Jewish mother, I would have been classified as a 'Non'."

I have spent a few days in Melbourne exploring book stores. I picked this book up at a splendid store called Younger Sun. Children of the Stone City is a new book published in 2022. The story completely gripped me from start to finish.

I do have to say I do not like the US cover:

Kirkus said: Naidoo presents an evocative, heartbreaking dystopian story reflective of current and historical prejudices and injustices, addressed in her thoughtful, nuanced author’s note. Though the plot is heavy and full of trauma, the racially ambiguous characters use music, stories, and poetry to maintain hope and pursue freedom. Themes of equality, human rights, and justice prompt readers to reflect on how they can improve the world.

I absolutely loved two other books by award winning author Beverley Naidoo - The other side of Truth and Journey to Jo'Burg.

The man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson illustrated by Dušan Petričić

Young Dylan and his mother are walking through the subway. A man is playing the violin and Dylan is swept away by the beauty of the music but his mother is rushing and will not stop to listen. Later at home Dylan hears the same music on the radio. It is the man from the subway - Joshua Bell and he was "playing some of the most elegant music ever written, on one of the most valuable violins ever made." 

Imaginatively illustrated and beautifully written, this offbeat ode to the power of music is a winner. Kirkus Star review

Stinson’s text, brimming with life, is filled with onomatopoeia that places the reader in the subway station with the bustling crowds. The text centres on sounds Dylan hears throughout the day, as interpreted by Petricic's watercolour illustrations. The violinist’s music, the noise of the crowd, the roar of a train, the buzz of the radio – all are represented as sweeping lines, squiggles, zigzags, and ribbons. Quill and Quire

This book is based on a true story. Musician Joshua Bell played his violin in a Washington DC metro station on 12 January, 2007. Not just any violin a Stradivarius. It was part of an experiment to see what would happen if one of the best violinists in the world performed dressed like an ordinary street musician. He played for 43 minutes, 1000 people walked past and by the end $32.17 had been placed in his violin case. Most adults just hurried past but children tried to stop and listen. All of this gave rise to this gentle, bitter sweet story.

Just look at all the prizes this book has won:

• Winner, Digital Book Award 2014
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2014
• Joint winner, Independent Publisher Book Award, Gold 2014
• Winner, TD Children’s Literature Award 2014
• Runner-up, Nautilus Award, Silver 2014
• Joint winner, Next Generation Indie Book Award 2014
• Joint winner, White Ravens Collection, International Youth Library, Munich 2014
• Joint winner, 100 Best Canadian Kids’ Books, Today’s Parent Magazine 2014
• Joint winner, National Parenting Publications Award 2014
• Commended, Best Bets List, Honourable Mention, Ontario Library Association 2014
• Joint winner, Best Book List, Kirkus Reviews 2014
• Joint winner, Storytelling World Honor Book 2014
• Commended, Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award, Honorable Mention 2014
• Joint winner, Notable Book for a Global Society 2014

Listen to Joshua Bell while you read this book which was published in 2013 - I hope you can find it in a well stocked library. Be sure to check the library catalogue because it might be shelved with the music books at 813. 

Ave Maria

Estrellita

Song to the Moon

The Man with the Violin is published by Annick Press from Canada. They always produce fabulous books. Dušan Petričić, from Serbia, is the illustrator of Mud Puddle. Here is an interview with Kathy Stinson where she talks about this book and you can hear the illustrator Dušan Petričić too. 

Here is the sequel which tells the story of Joshua Bell's early musical experiences.

Kathy Stinson is the author of The Lady with the Books which is based on the work of Jella Yepman founder of IBBY.

The Man with the Violin reminded me of these books where young children also notice things which are missed by their adult companions: