The Magic Violin

Violin Picture Book Trio

by Mayra Calvani, K.C. Snider (Illustrator)

Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it's time for a magic dose of self-esteem.

A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman's hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve...

Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magical? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?

"A magical story of believing in yourself, striving for a lofty goal, mixed with the joys of the Christmas season."
--Penelope Cole, children's author

"This is a great read, especially for kids interested in music, mystery, magic during the holiday season, and the beauty of winter."
--Virginia Grenier, children's author

"This is a sweet tale about believing in yourself...MAGIC VIOLIN is the perfect Christmas gift for those who love to play the violin and for those who love a good tale."
--Kim Baccellia, children's author

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2007

About the author

Mayra Graciela Calvani is a Puerto Rican gothic fiction writer, though she also dabbles in picture books. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing and an M.A. in Western Literature, both magna cum laude, and writes fiction inspired by her travels and Lebanese, Spanish, and Corsican heritage.

Her works have won multiple awards, among them the SCBWI “Work of Outstanding Progress” grant and the International Latino Book Award. After having lived in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Turkey, Mayra is now settled with her family in Belgium, where she volunteers as Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI Benelux. She loves “dissecting” movies, collects creepy dolls, and has two cats, one of them a ghost. Mayra is represented by Jolene Haley at the Donald Maass Literary Agency.