Song of Middle C - Alison McGhee

Illustrated by Scott Menchin
Candlewick, 2009
Ages 5-8
Rating: 4
Endpapers: colonial blue with musical notes

"Hoo boy!" I've got to get this book for Dede. It's a wonderful story for anyone who takes piano lessons and enjoys them enough to practice, practice, practice.

Told in the first person, our nameless heroine practices and practices and practices "The Dance of the Wood Elves" for her recital. She knows it. She owns it. She is ready. Her piano teacher, Miss Kari says, "True artistry requires great imagination." But she's nervous, so for the recital she wears her lucky hat, shoes, and underwear. She's the last to perform. "Hoo boy!" And what happens? You guessed it - she forgets everything she's practiced. So she improvises, to everyone's great delight. And now Miss Kari says, "True artistry requires great imagination....and great improvisation!"

Colored pen and ink drawings go perfectly with the story.