Gracey Zhang

This book is about the author’s memories of her time spent in Japan. Where big group baths are common. This story is lovingly told and would be fantastic at story time if Americans weren’t such small minded people who bring shame to everything. Because this book has illustrations of naked women. It’s not to glorify and it’s not to be lustful. It’s to say bodies are human, bodies are normal. And that being around others bearing your body is culturally relevant. This book is wonderful and it’s such a shame that some kids will never get to read it.… (mehr)

First sentence: In a small town by a big forest, there was a little orchestra...a little orchestra that played beautiful sounds. Rubin loved these sounds. They drifted around him and lifted him up, warm and light. Rubin felt like flying.

Premise/plot: Rubin LOVES, LOVES, LOVES music. He finds it incredibly emotionally moving. He wants to learn to play the violin. But he needs practice. Lots and lots of practice. The sounds the violin makes when he plays it...well...less than ideal...for a human audience. But he plays to a VERY appreciative audience of cats. When it is time to perform for humans, well, the kitties may just crash the party to the delight of all.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I liked the story and the art. I absolutely loved the color palette of the illustrations. Absolutely beautiful! I was so happy to see all the kitties!!!… (mehr)