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The Man with the Violin Library Binding – Picture Book, September 1, 2013

by Kathy Stinson (Author), Dusan Petricic (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 186 ratings
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Who is playing that beautiful music in the subway? And why is nobody listening? This gorgeous picture book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, the renowned American violinist who famously took his instrument down into the Washington D.C. subway for a free concert. More than a thousand commuters rushed by him, but only seven stopped to listen for more than a minute. In The Man with the Violin, bestselling author Kathy Stinson has woven a heart-warming story that reminds us all to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Dylan is someone who notices things. His mom is someone who doesn’t. So try as he might, Dylan can’t get his mom to listen to the man playing the violin in the subway station. With the beautiful music in his head all day long, Dylan can’t forget the violinist, and finally succeeds in making his mother stop and listen, too. Vividly imagined text combined with illustrations that pulse with energy expertly demonstrate the transformative power of music. With a postscript explaining Joshua Bell’s story, and afterword by Joshua Bell himself.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    6 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    36 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD620L
  6. Dimensions
    10 x 0.63 x 8 inches
  7. Publisher
    Annick Press
  8. Publication date
    September 1, 2013
  9. ISBN-10
    1554515653
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1554515653
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Children and adults should both read this book, for it affirms the former while chastising the latter—like Dylan and his mother, there are plenty of children who pay attention while adults do not. Loosely based on the true story of Joshua Bell, who played his Stradivarius in a D.C. train station and was barely noticed, this begins with Dylan noticing and being quite moved. The music stays with Dylan, coloring his drab day and, to his utter delight, reappearing on the radio later on. The story is simple, but the language has its own musicality, replete with alliteration, onomatopoeia, and sentences that linger and float, abruptly halt, and quickly resume. Petricic’s gorgeous illustrations in graphite and watercolor are as light and lucid as they are satirical. Featureless, careworn adults drift through life, while Dylan’s world is always transformed by Bell’s music into a rainbow of color and imagination. This reminds us all to look at the world through the eyes of children and be delighted by the serendipitous moments that surround us. Grades K-1. --Amina Chaudhri

Review

There's plenty to ponder in this melodious tale. It's a story that's bound to get kids thinking about the importance of listening. And, of course, the power of music. (Julie Hale Book Page 2013-08-21)

I think it's very important that we all pay attention to this wonderful book! (Sally Bender Sal's Fiction Addiction 2013-08-28)

Here's a much-needed reminder that we all need to slowwwwwwwwwww down. (Terry Hong Smithsonian BookDragon 2013-08-11)

This compelling story has a clear message for young and old, and features an inspiring young talent as a role model. It also provides the possibility of an enriched read aloud experience thanks to the links provided for musical accompaniment. The Man with the Violin captures the reader's imagination just as the violinist's music enthralls its young protagonist. This story reminds us that there is much in life to appreciate, if we can just pay attention. (Robin Sales Canadian Children's Book News 2013-12-01)

A brilliant portrayal of the sensitivities of children and the sad loss of that wonder by most adults... [In] 2007, [Joshua] Bell played his 1713 Stradivarius for transit goers for 45 minutes. Only 7 of over a thousand people stopped to watch...[but] every single time a child walked past, he or she tried to stop and watch. And every single time, a parent scooted the kid away. Kathy Stinson takes this astounding demographic and tells the story of a child who becomes enthralled by the music that he hears as his mother pulls him along on her way to work... Only when he hears the same music on the radio can Dylan get his mother's attention and take her along on his magical musical ride... Kathy Stinson's simple but powerful representation [is a] convincing message of the capacity of music to enrich our lives and the wisdom of children that is too often and too easily disregarded. (Helen K CanLit for Little Canadians 2013-09-05)

In the hands of such skilful creators, who have many books to their credit, this captivating tale is a beautiful balance between a simple but powerful text and illustrations that are full of vitality and rhythm. (Reesa Cohen CM Magazine 2013-10-04)

The drawings almost dance off the page. (Mary Lavers Cozy Little Book Journal 2013-10-10)

This is a phenomenal book. (goodreads.com 2013-10-01)

I want to read it over and over again. I want for others to read it. I want for schools and libraries to use it to teach music appreciation. I want it to get attention, lots of attention, because that's what it deserves. (Reading and Sharing 2013-10-01)

This book is a celebration of music and a great reminder to take the time to appreciate beauty that surrounds us. An interesting account of the real event is provided at the back. This was such an interesting story and one that I can see would be the starting point for some excellent class discussions. I can't wait to share this with my students. Love it! (Readingpowergear.com 2013-09-02)

This is a fine reminder of the old adage to stop and smell the roses, and a good impetus for a discussion of using one's powers of observation. (Grace Oliff School Library Journal)

There's a lot to see in here--for your child and you, both. (Terri Schlichenmeyer Simcoe County 2013-10-14)

This book allows children and adults alike to appreciate little day-to-day wonders, to find solace in a rushed world, and to discover the joys of music. (ABQLA Bulletin (Quebec Library Association))

This important picture book will remind each of us to enjoy and savor our surroundings. (National Parenting Publications Award Gold Winner)

The Man With the Violin--a beautiful new children's book worth cherishing this season--is based on a true story. (Vi-An Nguyen Parade 2013-12-02)

Stinson's melodious descriptions and Petricic's colourful swirls seem to envelop the reader, captivating them just like the music captivates Dylan. (Jen Bailey Readerly, National Reading Campaign 2014-01-28)

IndieFab Awards Finalist (Foreword 2014-06-01)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Annick Press; Illustrated edition (September 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Library Binding ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1554515653
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1554515653
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD620L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.63 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 186 ratings

About the author

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Kathy Stinson

Kathy Stinson

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Born in Toronto many years ago, Kathy sorted mail, waited tables, and taught elementary school before finally figuring out that what she really wanted to do was write.

As well as writing picture books, novels, short stories, biography, and other non-fiction, Kathy has led writing workshops across Canada and in Liberia. She's also a regular volunteer reader and technician at the CNIB Recording Studio.

Mother of two, stepmother of two, and grandmother of six, she lives in a small town outside Toronto with her partner and their dog.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
186 global ratings
it tells you who joshua bell is get the book
5 Stars
it tells you who joshua bell is get the book
i love the book
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Top reviews from the United States

Sherry Ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Story with a Lesson That's Not Just for Kids
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2013
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Dylan, like most little boys, is a kid who notices things: mismatched boots, an upside down newspaper, a cat eating a bone, and a backwards number "5." His mom, like most grown-ups, notices very little. She rushes through life, going from place to place, trying to get through an endless list of things to do. When Dylan and his mom go into a crowded subway station, Dylan hears beautiful music. It's coming from a violinist. He wants to stop and listen, but of course Mom is too busy for that. She whisks him home, and only much later realizes what a wonderful thing she has missed.

The Man with the Violin is based on the true story of an experiment that violinist, Joshua Bell, did in a Washington D.C. subway station. The story is told in a charming way with language a child would enjoy. Words like, "grr-rumble," and "ro-o-oar," and "patter, " and "clatter," bring sounds to life throughout the book. Probably the strongest aspect of the book is the illustrations. Illustrator, Dusan Petricic visually creates the sounds of music through swirling, colorful lines, and the noise of the station is depicted as sharp, angular, dark lines. Also, the objects Dylan observes, are cleverly illustrated in color while what the mother observes is drawn in dull, boring shades of gray. Children will enjoy picking out the humorous items, such as the mismatched boots, and seeing the splotches of color on things Dylan has noticed.

While the story is written for children, the inherent lesson in the book is one that would most benefit the adults reading it. Namely, that one should not rush through life, but rather pause to enjoy it.

The Man with the Violin is a book that would appeal to children ages 4-8. Fans of Joshua Bell would also enjoy this book, as there is a brief description of the actual experiment and a postscript written by Joshua Bell. As noted on the back cover, a portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to a charity that promotes engagement with music among young people.
23 people found this helpful
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Marina Poplavskaya Guedouar
5.0 out of 5 stars Must have collectible book.
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2021
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Is a true story and is said in a simple way, that depicts our modern reality. Great for smaller kids as well as for adults.
Josh is a great human being and a great musician that has everything to do with kind living. Book fits his character very well.
One person found this helpful
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Saralou Z.
5.0 out of 5 stars At 71 years young I was impressed with the books content.
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2013
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My nephew used to work for Josh's dad in Bloomington Indiana and my dad loved violin music so it is only natural that I feel he is a master. I purchased the book to share with my granddaughters. Music is one of the most important elements for us and I was astounded at the book's message. They watched the performance in the station and it really made an impression. I plan to take the book to their school which is a magnet school for the performing arts and teaches violin. I feel this book should be in every pre-school and elementary library.
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Retired Teacher
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the young children who notice things
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2014
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This is a delightful picture book for all the young children who notice things and listen. It is based on a true, and well-publicized event in January 2007, when the virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, dressed as a street musician, played his Stradivarius violin for 43 minutes in L'Enfant Plaza Subway Station in Washington, D.C., as part of an experiment. Over 1,000 people walked past, barely noticing, never clapping. Whenever a child passed, he or she tried to stop, but an adult always rushed the child along. Dylan, the boy in the book, could have been one of those children. This is also a book for the adults who care for and teach young children, to remind them not to be too busy to listen when the children are trying to tell them something, and for the adults to encourage the children to observe even more. I was aware of the 2007 event, but didn't know about this book, until, in September 2014, Joshua Bell played another concert in Union Station in Washington, which had been announced, to an audience of hundreds. It was through reportage of this concert, that I learned of the book.
2 people found this helpful
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jeane c.
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming book
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2013
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How often do we go about daily routine and miss life around us? This book is about that. Joshua Bell, young violin virtuoso, played his Stradivarius, in a busy subway station and the majority of people passed without noticing him. Most who noticed were children.

This precious book tells that story. Although it's a book for children, it's also a "slow down and enjoy", lesson for all of us. I had to do some research to find a copy and I'll share it with others now.

I went to a Joshua Bell website and saw the video of his performance in that subway station. Amazing.
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Charles Dickens
4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2014
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I have a copy of the newspaper account of Joshua Bell playing in the subway, and I have been fortunate enough to have seen him in concert. This is a very nice little book about a great musician, and is an encouragement to all to get involved in whatever you are interested in - whether it is football, ballet -- or playing the violin!!
One person found this helpful
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Dragon_ball_dub
5.0 out of 5 stars interesting idea for music inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2013
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I will go ahead and give this 5/5 because there is no real way to improve on the story with loosing the child-friendly appeal.

once upon a time famous violinist Joshua Bell participated in an experiment where he played in a NY subway and pretty much no one payed any attention. (with a few exceptions of course.)

This is the story of one little boy who was inspired by the music even though everyone around him barely even noticed. It is a simple story that can be read to kid or used as a teaching tool.
4 people found this helpful
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Melinda C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2014
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I first read about the story of Joshua Bell in the subway as part of someone's sermon, and I watched the video. So I was pretty excited to see this book. The pictures are beautiful do a great job of telling the story from the little boy's point of view. It's in our play room, and my 8yo, who has been playing violin for over a year, enjoys picking it up and reading it on her own, or to her little sister.
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Top reviews from other countries

Wilf Janzen
5.0 out of 5 stars great kids book
Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2022
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Nothing else
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Giulia Tesoriero
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations, lovely story.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2013
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I'm a big fan of Joshua Bell, and the story is a lovely way to pass on the love of music and appreciation for the beautiful things on to the children.
One person found this helpful
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Mumathome
3.0 out of 5 stars Not one we'd read over and over
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2017
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Lovely use of senses with nonfiction at the end that I found very interesting - my 6 year son didn't though
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Eleanor McLeod
5.0 out of 5 stars I gave this book to my grandson and a curious ...
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2015
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I gave this book to my grandson and a curious thin happened. My daughter, rushing to her job one day, after having read the story to her son, rhe night before, stopped herself in the busy underground world of the Toronto subway, to listen to a musician playing there. A lovely book which reminds us to let our minds be quiet and just listen.
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Faith Vint
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a beautiful book about the beauty and magic that music brings ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2018
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It's a beautiful book about the beauty and magic that music brings into our lives. It is also beautifully illustrated to show the music "flowing" around the passersby as the man plays his violin. My heart warmed to know it is actually a true story.
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