Reading Library
The Cello of Mr.O – Jane Cutler
We absolutely adore this book! In a war-torn city, a little girl struggles with many emotions. Her father is away fighting, there is no heating oil, and food is scarce.
Each afternoon, in full view of snipers and amidst the bomb bursts, Mr.O sits in the square and plays his Cello. Until one day a shell destroys his instrument. Undaunted, he returns to play tunes on his harmonica. Through Mr.O’s music, the little girl learns to confront fear and build courage. The Cello of Mr.O is published by Dutton Children’s Books (ISBN 0-525-46119-1) and illustrated by Greg Crouch. Buy at Amazon UK
The Harmonica – Tony Johnston
A sobering read. The harmonica is a true story of a boy from Poland who experienced life in a concentration camp during the Second World War. Find out how Henryk survived the holocaust and how central the harmonica was in keeping him alive.
We recommend The Harmonica is read with an adult who can explain the experience of Jewish families in Europe during the Second World War. The Harmonica is published by Charlesbridge (ISBN 978-1-57091-489-8). Illustrations by Ron Mazellan. Buy at Amazon UK
Whale Brother – Barbara Steiner
When a trader visits his Inuit village, Omu swaps his hunting spear for a shiny new harmonica. But Omu’s father is angered by his decision and Omu runs away from home. Paddling out to sea in his Kayak, Omu befriends a pod of Orcas and composes tunes for them on his harmonica.
Read about Omu’s adventures with the whales, and find out how his family responds to his new-found musical skills. Whale Brother is published by Walker and Company (ISBN 0-8027-7460-1). Illustrations are by Gretchen Will Mayo. Buy at Amazon UK
Little Leap Forward – Guo Yue & Clare Farrow
Here’s a musical story which doesn’t have a harmonica! Instead it features a Chinese relative of the harmonica, the Bawu. Although it appears to be a normal flute, the secret of the Bawu is its single, pointed metal reed, which sits inside its mouthpiece. The Bawu is played just like a single reed harmonica with finger holes!
This is an inspirational, spiritual and moving tale. Amidst the bitter repression of communist China, learn about the freedom a young boy called Little Leap Forward and his friends find in music, kite flying and splashing in the river. There are levels of interest here for all ages, plus a YouTube video about the touring stage play. Little Leap Forward is published by Barefoot Books (ISBN 978-1-84686-113-0). Illustrations are by Helen Cann. Buy at Amazon UK
Somebody Loves You Mr.Hatch – Eileen Spinelli
One wintry St Valentine’s day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to the home of humble Mr.Hatch. The note attached reads, ‘Somebody loves you!’. And so begins an emotional rollercoaster which involves brownie baking, harmonica parties and making friends all over town.
But was the package delivered to the right address? Will there ever be a happy ending? This is a great tale of friendship and community, which has been performed as a play in the USA. Mr Hatch is published by Simon and Schuster (ISBN 978-0-689-71872-4) with illustrations by Paul Yalowitz. Buy at Amazon UK
Lentil – Robert McCloskey
First published in 1940, Lentil is a children’s classic set in the small town of Alto, Ohio, where to this day there is a statue of its harmonica-playing hero and his dog.
Lentil is a boy who struggles with music. He can’t sing, or even whistle properly. Saving up his pocket money, Lentil buys a harmonica, which he practices in the bathtub. Find out how he saves the day when a calamity threatens an important homecoming.
You never can tell what will happen when you learn to play the harmonica! Lentil is written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey. Published by Puffin (ISBN 978-0-14-050287-9). Buy at Amazon UK
Daniel and the Harmonica – Rob Dubreuil
This is a hidden gem. On first glance you might pass over Daniel and the Harmonica, assuming it won’t have much to offer. Never judge a book by its cover – you’d be mistaken on two levels. Firstly, this is a great story; secondly it provides a practical introduction to playing the harmonica.
Once again the narrative celebrates the portability of the harmonica and the fun to be had when sharing its music with others. The big bonus is at the end of the book, where you will find a thoughtful compendium of harmonica tabs; ten songs in all. With illustrations by Ginger Nielson (ISBN 978-0880450881). Buy at Amazon UK
Scarebird – Sid Fleischman
Lonesome John is a farmer who lives so far out in the country that ‘crows pack a lunch before setting out‘ to find him. John builds a scarecrow he calls Scarebird, adding clothing and other items from time to time. he also enjoys playing his harmonica each evening. He soon grows very fond of his new scarecrow friend.
John makes another new friend when a boy called Sam comes to visit one day. Sam helps John maintain the farm and he doesn’t mind making the long journey from his own home. Discover the special musical surprise Sam has for John, and how this builds their friendship. Scarebird is published by Greenwillow Books (ISBN 0-688-07317-4). The illustration are by Peter Sis. Buy at Amazon UK
APT.3 – Ezra Jack Keats
APT.3 is a classic urban tale from the 1970’s. In his apartment building, Sam hears all kinds of noises coming from behind closed doors. One rainy day he hears a harmonica.
Sam goes on a search that leads to the Apt.3, where he finds not only the source of the music – but a new friend. APT.3 is published by Puffin Books (ISBN 0-670-88342-5). Available through Amazon (USA).