The Man with the Violin - by Kathy Stinson (Paperback)

About the Book

"With a postscript by Joshua Bell."--Cover.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the 2014 TD Children's Literature Award--now in paperback!

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. But Dylan is swept away by the beautiful music that fills the air as crowds of oblivious people hurry past.

This gorgeous picture book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, a world-renowned classical 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, most of them children.

Kathy Stinson's vividly imagined text combined with Dusan Petricic's illustrations that pulse with energy and movement, expertly demonstrate the transformative power of music. With an afterword by Joshua Bell.

Review Quotes

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" (09/05/2013)

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" (10/04/2013)

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

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

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" (12/01/2013)

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" (10/01/2013)

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

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

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" (08/21/2013)

About the Author

Kathy Stinson is the author of over 25 books for young people, including the beloved, bestselling Red Is Best. She lives near Guelph, Ontario.

Dusan Petricic is an editorial cartoonist as well as the award-winning illustrator of such children's books as Mattland, Bone Button Borscht, and Mr. Zinger's Hat. His latest book for Annick is Snap! He lives in Zemun, Serbia.