What do you think?
Rate this book
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano
Eleven-year-old Fiona isn’t allowed in the Fermata woods. And though its unique trees are fascinating, Fiona has no problem following her mother’s rules. That is until the trees begin to sing.
Suddenly, it feels as though long forgotten memories are being unlocked in Fiona’s mind. As she nears the woods edge, the trees fall silent, so silent even the leaves stop rustling. Fiona will finally break the rules and venture into the woods. She’ll soon find herself traveling through portals to undiscovered worlds. And she’ll have to trust her instincts and her quirky new friends to bring back the music or she may get lost within its notes.
Suddenly, it feels as though long forgotten memories are being unlocked in Fiona’s mind. As she nears the woods edge, the trees fall silent, so silent even the leaves stop rustling. Fiona will finally break the rules and venture into the woods. She’ll soon find herself traveling through portals to undiscovered worlds. And she’ll have to trust her instincts and her quirky new friends to bring back the music or she may get lost within its notes.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Kate DeMaio
2 books16 followersKate grew up in Salem, Massachusetts surrounded by ghost stories and witch tales. As a microbiologist, she studies the tiny worlds of bacteria, viruses and antibodies. As a writer, she creates magical worlds of her own. Kate now lives just outside of Boston with her husband, son, dog and cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 30, 2024
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a delightful story that I'm eager to read to my elementary school student. It has the standard fears of children (getting in trouble with your parents, doing wrong, getting lost from home!) while still maintaining a captivating plot that even adults can enjoy. There's surprises strewn throughout and unbelievable worlds that are so creative and distinct I am abundantly impressed by Kate's ability to come up with them.
Fiona is a brave little girl who ends up with peculiar friends who I am absolutely in love with. The colorful Ferris (frog) who is at times grumpy and bossy yet abundantly good, and the sweet axolotl Nori who is my absolute favorite. She's just adorable!
I love finding chapter books that are entertaining for adults as well as kids and this really hits that spot.
This is such a delightful story that I'm eager to read to my elementary school student. It has the standard fears of children (getting in trouble with your parents, doing wrong, getting lost from home!) while still maintaining a captivating plot that even adults can enjoy. There's surprises strewn throughout and unbelievable worlds that are so creative and distinct I am abundantly impressed by Kate's ability to come up with them.
Fiona is a brave little girl who ends up with peculiar friends who I am absolutely in love with. The colorful Ferris (frog) who is at times grumpy and bossy yet abundantly good, and the sweet axolotl Nori who is my absolute favorite. She's just adorable!
I love finding chapter books that are entertaining for adults as well as kids and this really hits that spot.
November 12, 2024
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano is extraordinary. This middle grade novel takes the reader on a most unexpected path through a succession of worlds so very different than our own. Kate DeMaio has done a beautiful job of bringing these places to life in the reader’s mind.
Young Fiona lives on the edge of a mysterious forest that she is banned from entering. When she finds a talking frog and misplaced piano key in her garden she sets out on a dangerous daring mission. Along the way she meets eccentric characters, encounters threats, meets new friends, and learns to accept herself in a whole new light.
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano is an imaginative, magical and unique book, one that will not be forgotten so quickly after completion.
Young Fiona lives on the edge of a mysterious forest that she is banned from entering. When she finds a talking frog and misplaced piano key in her garden she sets out on a dangerous daring mission. Along the way she meets eccentric characters, encounters threats, meets new friends, and learns to accept herself in a whole new light.
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano is an imaginative, magical and unique book, one that will not be forgotten so quickly after completion.
February 12, 2025
What a charming debut from Kate DeMaio! I was transported to so many fantastical and unique worlds alongside our brave MC, Fiona, and her A+ cast of friends, including Ferris the frog, Nori the axolotl, and my fave, Yip, a dog-like character.
I'm in awe of the author's magical brain. I loved the concept of the story and how fresh, dynamic, and different each of the worlds felt.
In short, this is an addictive read that has me wanting way more. The ending leaves the door open for many more sequels and I hope we get to travel to more of the 88 worlds in the future!
I'm in awe of the author's magical brain. I loved the concept of the story and how fresh, dynamic, and different each of the worlds felt.
In short, this is an addictive read that has me wanting way more. The ending leaves the door open for many more sequels and I hope we get to travel to more of the 88 worlds in the future!
February 4, 2025
An Alice-in-Wonderlandesque adventure with themes of empowerment and friendship? Umm. Yes, please! This book was so much fun to read.
December 21, 2024
Fiona is a charming little girl with a variety of habits. She befriends a frog and learns that he's actually from another world, so naturally, she follows him to the forgotten piano. When she plays the right note, it opens a portal to somewhere else. Only they can't find the right key to get the frog home, so they decide to go looking for it together.
This absolutely charming tale wanders through a variety of creative worlds where Fiona and her froggy friend must solve puzzles and learn new things about themselves but eventually discover that they had what they needed inside all along. I love the writing and the creativity, and I don't know that I've ever read such a lovely first line.
This absolutely charming tale wanders through a variety of creative worlds where Fiona and her froggy friend must solve puzzles and learn new things about themselves but eventually discover that they had what they needed inside all along. I love the writing and the creativity, and I don't know that I've ever read such a lovely first line.
June 29, 2025
I saw this cover on Threads and piqued my curiosity. I finished reading it a few weeks ago. The story was fun to read. It had a lot of whimsical elements and musical aspects too. It gives me Alice in Wonderland vibes with a touch of Pippi Longstocking. You will see what I mean when you read it. I give 3.5 stars (wrap up to 4 for some things I didn’t feel it was necessary) Like I said it is a fun read and perfect for young readers who love fantasy and music.
February 17, 2025
A modern musical Alice in Wonderland. It was wonderful seeing timid, follows-the-rules Fiona grow in confidence throughout the story. Ferris the frog was a perfect companion and everyone Fiona met was memorable. (Stand on your head for better thinking was silly and fun!) There were many music references in the locations and characters that was easily explained in the narrative. Perfect for musicians and non musicians alike! The worlds visited were beautifully described and I can’t wait to read the next installment. Until then, I’ll be reading this one out loud to my 6 year old.
eligible-in-2025
January 8, 2025Tip of the hat to our friends at From the Mixed Up Files of Middle-Grade authors. https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/wndmg...
November 14, 2024
Such a cute little adventure! Big fan of animals friends and we get a lot of them (a frog, an axolotl, a dog), I also love the treasure-hunting theme of adventure as Fiona sets out to find keys to open the door to other worlds. I had so much fun reading this book!
April 13, 2025
Remember being a kid and flopping down on your bed to get completely lost in a book? One that transports you someplace magical, and you forget where you are until your parents call you for dinner.
FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO is one of those books. This captivating Middle Grades tale packs a ton of imagination for readers of all ages.
Fiona is a young piano student who finds herself in a dimension completely different from home. Each place she goes offers strange and wonderful new sights, and piano keys are her ticket to unlocking each realm. Find the right key and you can go to the place you want. Of course, finding these keys requires some skill, courage, and ingenuity on Fiona’s part.
Thankfully, she makes some good friends along the way. My favorite is Ferris, a talking frog with an oversized personality! Ferris is one of many highlights you’ll encounter as you journey with Fiona.
If you are looking for a fun fantasy read for yourself or a kid in your life, FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO is one to keep in mind! Highly enjoyable.
FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO is one of those books. This captivating Middle Grades tale packs a ton of imagination for readers of all ages.
Fiona is a young piano student who finds herself in a dimension completely different from home. Each place she goes offers strange and wonderful new sights, and piano keys are her ticket to unlocking each realm. Find the right key and you can go to the place you want. Of course, finding these keys requires some skill, courage, and ingenuity on Fiona’s part.
Thankfully, she makes some good friends along the way. My favorite is Ferris, a talking frog with an oversized personality! Ferris is one of many highlights you’ll encounter as you journey with Fiona.
If you are looking for a fun fantasy read for yourself or a kid in your life, FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO is one to keep in mind! Highly enjoyable.
October 21, 2024
I read this book in almost one sitting! Think "Alice in Wonderland" meets "Narnia" with a musical mashup. Fiona, a timid eleven-year-old, is held back by fear of her very prominent freckles, but they don't stop her from investigating when she follows an unusually-marked frog into the forbidden forest outside her house. There she finds a huge piano that can open portals to parallel worlds and hopefully help her get Ferris, the frog, back to his world. But she opens the wrong portal and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime that will help her break free of those insecurities holding her back. I particularly like one twist in the end. A great novel for the middle grade genre. I would've loved one like this when I was an eleven-year-old taking piano lessons.
Incidentally, I'll be using this as a comp novel when I start querying my MG that has a parallel world. So glad I ran across it! I hope the author writes more about this character.
Incidentally, I'll be using this as a comp novel when I start querying my MG that has a parallel world. So glad I ran across it! I hope the author writes more about this character.
November 3, 2024
What a beautiful, heartfelt story this was! Not only was the messaging beautiful for adults and children alike, but the colorful cast of characters and the sheer imagination Kate DeMaio put into her world left me spellbound. One moment, I was in a futuristic techno-universe, and then next I was transported in something resembling Paper Mario...AND I LOVE PAPER MARIO.
Though, this Paper Mario was a little scary, not gonna lie.
Fiona grew throughout and I cheered her on the whole time. Ferris holds my heart (he's that sweet little frog sitting on her left shoulder on the cover), and I wished I could carry him around in my pocket to listen to his little quips all day. And the ending??? Surprising, yet inevitable. I loved this story!
Though, this Paper Mario was a little scary, not gonna lie.
Fiona grew throughout and I cheered her on the whole time. Ferris holds my heart (he's that sweet little frog sitting on her left shoulder on the cover), and I wished I could carry him around in my pocket to listen to his little quips all day. And the ending??? Surprising, yet inevitable. I loved this story!
February 8, 2025
Fiona is a sweet, curious heroine who embarks on an adventure through portal worlds against mysterious enemies. Readers will love her relatability: she's shy due to not looking like other kids and is expected by adults to fall in line. Her journey brings out her bravery, independence, and selflessness to help a grumpy, adorable frog (Ferris, the true star of this story and my heart). This would be a perfect story to read and enjoy with your young reader.
March 7, 2025
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano is a magical adventure that hits all the right notes! As a huge Narnia fan, I was excited to get lost in new worlds, and author Kate DeMaio did not disappoint. I especially loved Ferris the frog—my new favorite sidekick!
April 9, 2025
Fiona will pull you into the story and every character that is introduced will make you want to dive more into the magical worlds they all traverse together. This beautiful book is funny and heartfelt, the perfect combination for an immersive middle grade read.
October 23, 2025
My daughter finished it and was so upset there's not a second one yet! Now she's begging me to read it so I can experience it, too. I can't wait!
August 22, 2025
Like a Modern Alice in Wonderland, But With Music!
I had a basic idea of what to expect, but this book really blew it out of the park for me! Not completely life-changing, but it was fun and imaginative, and I found it a great read for children and young teens. The one thing I could complain about is that it never fully explained the villain’s motivations; I wanted to know more about the interference they chose to enact. Plus, the story reminded so much of a mix between Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, and the trees from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Familiar concepts, but a unique way to interact with them!
This book follows Fiona in third person limited. Very briefly it switches to other characters, but the main focus is our main character, who is eleven years old. Her mind is open to things around her even if she doesn’t know what everything is, and the writing reflects that.
Fiona is a timid girl at the beginning of the book, but I love how her adventure emboldens her character and helps her evolve. The first real friends she has, Ferris, Arti, Nori, Coda, and others, all help her grow and learn. Such a diverse and interesting cast of characters, providing a bunch of learning opportunities for young readers.
I like that the two main characters don’t get along well right from the start. They’re friendly, but they have some rough patches to work through. It shows that you can help someone even if they’re mostly a stranger. Fiona is mainly timid and friendless because of her freckles, which are large and bright red, leading many “normal” people to believe she has a horrible disease. When she starts on her adventures, she learns that not only are they not bad, but they’re a beautiful part of herself. Her new and strengthening relationships teach her that.
DeMaio’s writing is great for young audiences: no complex or unfamiliar words, fun and engaging, witty, and sometimes silly. She’s clearly a writer of open thoughtfulness, including a vast range of people and creatures and lifestyles, and ways of thought. I enjoyed the natural inclusivity of her writing and the way it makes you think about what’s possible.
As I mentioned, this book flew by! It was a shorter novel, only about 50,000 words, but the plot rolled along almost seamlessly from one thing to the next. One complaint is that by the end, it steamrolled a bit too fast, in my opinion. I personally would’ve liked more explanation about the villain once they’re finally revealed. It also felt like a very open ending, which makes me excited for a potential sequel, but also not open-ended enough to get my hopes up, haha.
Highly recommended for children and parents of children! Encourages creative thinking, inclusivity, and innovation.
I had a basic idea of what to expect, but this book really blew it out of the park for me! Not completely life-changing, but it was fun and imaginative, and I found it a great read for children and young teens. The one thing I could complain about is that it never fully explained the villain’s motivations; I wanted to know more about the interference they chose to enact. Plus, the story reminded so much of a mix between Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, and the trees from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Familiar concepts, but a unique way to interact with them!
This book follows Fiona in third person limited. Very briefly it switches to other characters, but the main focus is our main character, who is eleven years old. Her mind is open to things around her even if she doesn’t know what everything is, and the writing reflects that.
Fiona is a timid girl at the beginning of the book, but I love how her adventure emboldens her character and helps her evolve. The first real friends she has, Ferris, Arti, Nori, Coda, and others, all help her grow and learn. Such a diverse and interesting cast of characters, providing a bunch of learning opportunities for young readers.
I like that the two main characters don’t get along well right from the start. They’re friendly, but they have some rough patches to work through. It shows that you can help someone even if they’re mostly a stranger. Fiona is mainly timid and friendless because of her freckles, which are large and bright red, leading many “normal” people to believe she has a horrible disease. When she starts on her adventures, she learns that not only are they not bad, but they’re a beautiful part of herself. Her new and strengthening relationships teach her that.
DeMaio’s writing is great for young audiences: no complex or unfamiliar words, fun and engaging, witty, and sometimes silly. She’s clearly a writer of open thoughtfulness, including a vast range of people and creatures and lifestyles, and ways of thought. I enjoyed the natural inclusivity of her writing and the way it makes you think about what’s possible.
As I mentioned, this book flew by! It was a shorter novel, only about 50,000 words, but the plot rolled along almost seamlessly from one thing to the next. One complaint is that by the end, it steamrolled a bit too fast, in my opinion. I personally would’ve liked more explanation about the villain once they’re finally revealed. It also felt like a very open ending, which makes me excited for a potential sequel, but also not open-ended enough to get my hopes up, haha.
Highly recommended for children and parents of children! Encourages creative thinking, inclusivity, and innovation.
April 25, 2025
A great read for your little ones around middle school grade level. The story starts off very whimsical, where you meet lots of characters and enter many new worlds, before it throws you into an page-turning mystery.
You start to feel like Fiona and learn to trust your gut, since for a moment you might also feel you don't know which characters to trust even though the answers are rightly obvious -- and this is me reading as an adult! Overall, a fun story filled with new worlds and fun facts.
You start to feel like Fiona and learn to trust your gut, since for a moment you might also feel you don't know which characters to trust even though the answers are rightly obvious -- and this is me reading as an adult! Overall, a fun story filled with new worlds and fun facts.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews