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 magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?

“The story combines violin music, magic, Christmas, and the charm of 19^th Century Europe,” says Calvani, whose passion for the violin has led to several stories and novels since she began playing four years ago. “This is a book that little girls who are learning to play the violin will be able to identify with. The violin is an extremely difficult instrument to learn—probably the most difficult instrument there is, and sometimes learning a new piece can be quite disheartening. Hopefully my book will motivate young players to persevere and have self trust. Above all, I want my love for the violin to come through the pages and inspire children to try this incredible instrument.” -- the author.

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"A keeper! For the child suffering through the early stages of learning to play an instrument, they will have instant empathy with Melina as she struggles to learn a piece for the violin. She enjoys her lessons and likes her teacher, but this music seems very difficult to play.
This is a story with a lesson that applies to us all as we try to learn anything new. Adults will identify with Melina and remember their own childhood struggles with learning anything new.
A delightful tale by talented author Mayra Calvani that children of all ages will enjoy and learn from. Nonreading children will love having this tale read to them and the reading child can read it themselves. Couched in easy language with matching artwork by talented artist K. C. Snider, children can enter Melina's world and see the world through her eyes. A highly enjoyable experience for parent and child alike. Highly recommended for children the world over. Adults too will enjoy this tale. I sure did."
--Anne K. Edwards, author of Jeremy and the Dragon

"Beautiful illustrations light up this thoughtful tale of a young girl who learns to have faith in herself. A lovely book for children and parents to read aloud together, especially if there is a budding musician in the house."
–-Linda Austin, author of “Cherry Blossoms in Twilight

"One day, Melina is out with her parents when she hears Vivaldi’s piece being played. And this is where the magic for this little girl and for all the little girls who will read this story will begin.

Mayra strings the reader with her simple yet precise words, and the illustrations bring the whole book to life. The Magic Violin is a tale of believing in yourself, a ‘feel good’ classical read.
I highly recommend it for families to read together and appreciate the magical qualities an adult can inspire in a young child."
--Lea Schizas – Muse Book Reviewer

"The Magic Violin carries a necessary message and conveys an important lesson for everyone, no matter what discipline, whether child or adult. There is no easy path to what one wants to accomplish, in this case, the mastery of a musical instrument. Hard work and practice brings improvement. This reality is often a difficult concept for children to grasp.
...because of the important lesson it conveys, we would recommend The Magic Violin for the targeted 5 to 8 age range. An Important Lesson for Everyone."
--Review by Douglas Quinn, Author of Blue Heron Marsh
--and Donna Higgins Colson, Professional Artist

"I love children’s books that inspire. And The Magic Violin inspires and entertains. The story is set in Belgium (where the author lives) and is sweet, well-written and zero’s in on a huge problem with many children; self-esteem. The illustrations are all lovely but the cover captivates the reader’s attention. It is so beautiful it could be framed... The Magic Violin is a must read, must have for children. They’ll be inspired by the story and the illustrations will delight them."
--Andrea Sisco, Armchair Interviews www.armchairinterviews.com

"This is a lovely tale to snuggle with family and hot cocoa, in front of a cozy fire, on Christmas Eve."
---Beverly Stowe McClure, YA novelist   www.beverlystowemcclure.com

"The Magic Violin is a wonderful Christmas story that is encouraging for all children. Sometimes, children do want to feel like that they want to explore and try something different and when they do not accomplish what they want they want to quit and proceed with learning something totally different. However, the key is believing in yourself and having faith in what you are trying to accomplish. I think that Mayri did an excellent job depicting these standard everyday beliefs that not only children experience, but everyone experience. Sometimes, we believe that it is something magical that came over us, but when in the very essence it is believing in what we are doing that is the magical essence. Congratulations on a job well done! Stay blessed."
--Five Stars Rating Afrika Midnight Asha Abney Reviewer Midwest Book Review and "Reviewer's Bookwatch"
http://www.midwestbookreview.com

"... The Magic Violin is an inspiring and uplifting book about a young girl and her realization that believing in oneself can have a very magical outcome... Mayra’s book definitely has a strong message, one that is important and everlasting. For children and jaded adults alike, The Magic Violin will lift spirits and just may give you and your child the boost to believe in your power to reach your goals."
--Mama Divas
http://www.mamadivas.com/2008/01/childrens-book-review-the-magic-violin-by-mayra-calvani-illustrated-by-kc-snider