My Violin

This is the backplate from which sound unfurls,
Under the f-holes carved into curls,
It rests near my chest,
Cuddled close to my chin.
My vibrant and fine violin.

Explore the parts and the process of playing a violin through the eyes of a young musician as he watches his grandfather handcraft a violin for him to learn and play. Readers can share in the musician's joy in hearing the beautiful ZING and ZUM of his violin as he discovers the rewards of patience, practice and the art of making music with others. Using the same lyrical writing and cumulative structure found in their first picture book together, My Piano, author Jen Fier Jasinski and illustrator Antia Bagdi introduce a new magical story that honors the tradition of making violins and adding your own note to the musical universe.

Packed with vibrant illustrations, relevant backmatter, diagrams and definitions of each part of the violin, and the magic of being part of a musical group, this picture book will have readers everywhere applauding and asking for an encore. This is a great addition for any library, music and performing arts learning center, or home bookshelf!

Jen Fier Jasinski spent much of her childhood reading books and imagining new worlds. Unwilling to let go of Story Time, she grew up to become a teacher, mother, and author. Now Jen writes stories with elements of humor, heart, and above all, play. She is the author of Sidewalk Chalk, My Piano, My Violin and Because of You, I'm a Sister. My Piano earned a starred review from School Library Journal.

When she's not writing, Jen can be found on the sidewalks of Burke, Virginia either running or playing with her kids. Jen invites you to visit her online at www.jenfierjasinski.com.

Anita is a self-taught freelance illustrator, living in Bournemouth, the sunniest part of the UK. Her days are mostly about her neurodiverse family, creating and reading children's books, drinking strong coffee and raising awareness about the climate emergency. With her quirky, whimsical illustrations she loves creating mood, telling stories with heart and important messages, stories that spark further conversations, deeper thoughts, and positive change. She is determined to add her art to missing voices, to help children become more confident in believing themselves.

Anita's first book with Gnome Road Publishing, "My Piano", received a starred review from School Library Journal, and more recently, her picture book with Husna Rahman, "I Lost Something Very Special" won The Best Children's Picture Book Award from DayBreak Press. In her spare time, Anita creates illustrations for climate campaigns with Our Kids Climate that raise awareness and urge climate action. Her visual messages travelled as far as to the Chair of Lloyds of London, COP26, COP27, and many other countries as part of numerous climate art exhibitions.

You can follow Anita online through her website at www.anitabagdiart.com.