performs a towering mouse
pyramid. Sprinting across the
stage, the last acrobat leaps
right to the very top. Momo
claps excitedly. "Wow!"
The next performance is a magic
act. As the orchestra plays, a pair
of mice dances. Then a scarf is
thrown over the mouse in the red
dress, and ... "
I received a video this morning from a dear friend whose granddaughter had just experienced her first school holiday concert. It brought back so many memories of my time teaching kindergarten and the unmatched joy most little ones found in being on stage. It also made me think of this book about a little girl trying to deal with the anxiety she is feeling about her first piano recital.
Her demeanor is evident on the title page. Walking with her parents, and wearing a bright red dress that matches her ruby cheeks, there is no sense of excitement. Turn the page and readers see her standing amidst a group of performers; her head is down, her concern showing. As first one, then a second performer walk onstage, Momo repeatedly reminds herself that she will be okay.
When she hears that very thought spoken aloud, she looks to see who is feeling the same way she is.. It is a tiny mouseling. She invites Momo to attend her recital, and promises Momo they have enough time. What surprise awaits when Momo follows her! Each act is a wonder, and Momo is totally distracted from her own anxious feelings.
As it turns out, the piano piece Momo plays to help her equally anxious mouseling friend is her own. She plays it with joy and confidence, and then comes to the realization that she has actually performed her own recital piece - the human audience is very appreciative.
"Momo smiles happily. She thinks she hears the mice clapping, too."
Accompanying her story with a gorgeous setting created in pencil, gouache and charcoal ups the appeal for everyone who shares this tender story. Using red and other softened colors keeps focus on the performers and performances. Being able to retreat to her imagination helps Momo participate with some confidence in her real world recital at a time when she is very vulnerable. Memorable and unique.
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