Monika Bang-Campbell

Little Rat hits her stride here in her third book. Little Rat starts violin lessons and discovers it's not as easy as it looks to make beautiful music. Molly Bang's illustrations, done in pencil, gouache, and watercolor, add humor to the story as we see Little Rat's first note represented by a seagull and a squawk. There are some great turns of phrase that introduce early readers to figurative language ("getting herself to [practice] was like wrestling with a goat"), but in terms they show more understand. The depiction of learning to play the violin is spot on as well. show less

Little Rat makes Music is a captivating beginning reader that is genuinely a good read! It focuses on frustrations that many children go through when struggling to play their first instrument, play their first sport, or otherwise extend themselves beyond their comfort zone. The lesson that is learned is that practice pays off, which is important for all of us to remember.

Little Rat's parents have signed her up for sailing lessons without even asking her and she's scared! Slowly over the course of her summer of sailing lessons, Little Rat learns to deal with her fears. The fears don't go away by any means, but Little Rat learns to handle them. While some more adventurous children may not understand Little Rat's trepidations, this is pitch perfect for those who approach life with a little more caution. The illustrations add lots of fun details too as when the show more text described Little Rat as making herself as small as possible and all we see are her ears sticking out from behind a rock. However, I was annoyed by the passage in which Buzzy Bear "rounded up three other students" besides Little Rat and then the illustrations show Buzzy Bear and three students total including Little Rat. I think kids will notice this sort of thing and deserve better; it's sloppy. Still, good enough to recommend to some beginning readers who are just reaching fluency. This would also be good for children who are just being introduced to sailing. show less

Little Rat loves music and her family is all musical. So she's thrilled when her parents ask if she wants to play the violin....but it's not as she imagined. It makes ugly sounds, it's hard work, and her teacher is really tough. But her family and teacher won't give up on Little Rat, even when she's ready to quit. With some extra tutoring and inspiration, she'll discover the hard work is worth the final result.

This easy reader tells a story of music - the difficulties and rewards - with a show more determined but normal young heroine. Perfect for children who are struggling to get past that initial practicing stage in playing an instrument - or reading!

Verdict: This title won't appeal to everyone, but if you have parents who want books about perseverance, this is a good recommendation.

ISBN: 0152053050; Published August 2007 by Harcourt; Borrowed from the library show less