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(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jessica Meserve.
Lucy really wants to join Songwriting Club but instead goes to self-centered neighbor Scarlett's Craft Club. Scarlett tricks Lucy into doing all the work and blames Lucy when things go wrong. Eventually, Lucy learns her lesson--and also how to play the ukulele. This charming story of a kid who still loves being a silly, messy kid has spot illustrations that support readers transitioning to longer chapter books.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7084-9$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Benji Davies.
This lighthearted storytelling primer explains that every story begins "with nothing" before introducing a character who desires something and must somehow "earn it." A tale then develops about a ukelele-playing octopus and a spaceship, but the resolution is left up to budding storytellers (a.k.a. readers). The rich-hued digital illustrations and the characters' speech-bubble text echo the yarn's zany tone.
(4)
YA
Her mom doesn't get her and she's never known her dad, but Minerva has always found refuge in songwriting and in her best friend, Fin. Eager to buy a new ukulele, Minerva and Fin become children's party entertainers and Minerva falls for their coworker, Hayes; meanwhile, Minerva discovers that her father has moved back to town. Though well written, the story can be melodramatic.
82 pp.
| Holiday
| August, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2863-2$16.95
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Amanda Haley.
This cheerful story about a third grader who finds her talent, and then uses it to organize a band (and save the school's music program), will appeal to independent readers who like everyday, undemanding school stories with a peppy heroine. The happy ending ties everything up in a neat bow. Black-and-white wash illustrations break up the chapters. Ukelele-playing tips are appended.