44 Tiny Secrets

by Sylvia Bishop

Betsy Bow-Linnet is determined to become a world famous concert pianist like her parents. There s just one problem: no matter how hard she practises she doesn't share their musical talents. So when a mysterious letter arrives from a woman claiming to know of an unusual method that will make Betsy s playing stupendous , Betsy jumps at the chance. There's just one condition: she must keep the method a secret.

But it isn't just one secret it's forty-four tiny secrets in the shape of a boxful of pygmy mice! Betsy is mystified how are they going to help her play the piano and more importantly how on earth can she keep them all a secret?

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2020

About the author

Sylvia Bishop spent an entire childhood reading fiction, dreaming up stories and pretending. She then tried very hard to get to grips with the real world by studying politics and going in to social science research. This was a shock. Thankfully, she discovered improvised comedy at university, which allowed her to carry on making up stories for at least 30% of her waking hours.

Now she writes her stories down, preferably by lamp-light with tea. She only ever really writes the bad ones: the good ones write themselves without warning, generally when she was planning to go to bed.

Sylvia now lives in London, where she continues to work in research, and is one half of improvised comedy duo the Peablossom Cabaret. Her first book for young readers, Erica’s Elephant, was published by Scholastic in 2016, followed by The Bookshop Girl in April 2017. Sylvia’s third novel, The Secret of the Night Train, is out now.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book.

[Christina Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! I already had an inkling that I would like it as I have loved all of Sylvia Bishop's Previous books and have enjoyed Ashley King's illustrations in the Witch for a Week series by Kaye Umansky.
This story is so original and I loved the relationship between Betsy and her grandfather. Full review to come on the blog soon!

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
A strange mix of a cute child’s story of learning, with the inclusion of very necessary animals, and a Mike Leigh film with family… I did half expect Spall to vocally appear crying about secrets and lies… that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to try the chef based one though - I’m hooked on the continuation of the concept now

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little book. Betsy is the daughter of two talented pianists but doesn’t have the skill of her parents. When a letter arrives advising that an anonymous person can help teach her she leaps at the opportunity.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful musical adventure for readers of 8+. My full review can be read here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...

[Amber-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 10 years old and I really enjoyed this book.

[Lauren Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an addictive book loved listening to it !

[☆ Iga ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super książka dla młodszych, ale nie tylko 😉, z cudnymi ilustracjami i ważnym przesłaniem. Polecam ja i mój 8-letni brat 💚

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun tale about family, honesty and being true to yourself

[Zosia De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bardzo mi się podoba

[Antonina Sankiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Przeczytałam jak byłam mała. Super się bawiłam podczas czytania tej książki 😚

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a whole lot of fun! What happens when a young girl (who can’t play the piano very well and whose parents are piano playing megastars) gets a mysterious letter promising her piano playing brilliance? You get a gorgeous story about being honest, doing what you love and family! Plus 44 little surprises.

[Book Inspector · Rating 4 out of 5]

The protagonist in this book is Betsy, and this book is told from a single perspective. Betsy’s parents are very well known pianists, hoping that Betsy inherited their talent but no matter how much she tries, she can not play the piano well. I feel very sorry for Betsy, she is so eager to please her parents, and she stresses out so much when she fails. 😦 I really didn’t like Betsy’s mother, she seems heartless and blind, seeking a trophy child rather than a real child with its fears and flaws.

The narrative feels pretty slow, to be honest. I think the whole idea was not fully utilised. The book concentrated more on pleasing and inner thoughts, missing what children really like, funny situations, the more of them, the better. 😀 That is why this book has a little depressing atmosphere.

The writing style was enjoyable, and I liked the way the book was designed. It is quite spaced out, and the colourful illustrations are superb. The chapters were too long for my liking and I did feel a little bored. The ending rounded the story nicely, but I hope in the next part of series there will be more surprises and adventures.

So, to conclude, it is a story about a wish to please and impress. Some of the characters annoyed me with their high expectations, but sometimes that is what adults do to children not even realising it. I liked what this story has to offer, but I was expecting more… But it is only my humble opinion, please do give this book a go, and I hope you will like it more.