Hold On to Your Music: The Inspiring Story of the Children of Willesden Lane, by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen. Adapted by Emil Sher and illustrated by Sonia Possentini. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2021. 23.99 ages 6 and up

 

"The train station was filled with a 
symphony of sobs. Children with 
numbers strung around their neck
clung to their parents. Lisa could 
see her papa struggling not to cry.

"Remember to" - her mother started
to say through her tears. 
"I won't forget, Mama. I'll hold on to 
my music and never let go.""

This warm picture book is written to tell the story of concert pianist Mona Golabek's mother, Lisa Jura. That story has been shared by her daughter in an acclaimed one-woman show, performed throughout the world, and also told in the novel called The Children of Willesden Lane. That novel for adults has been adapted by Emil Sher for a much younger audience, and is presented in illustrations created by Sonia Possentini. 

Lisa's story begins in Vienna in 1938, with her dreams of becoming a famed pianist playing works by both Mozart and Beethoven. Those dreams are shattered one day, upon arrival at her music teacher's door. He is sad to tell he can no longer teach Jewish children. Wanting an explanation, Lisa returns home. Her heart hurts. Her parents explain that things for Jewish families are tenuous in the face of new laws and the threat of a war. Her mother is adamant that Lisa always remembers 'to hold on to your music'. 

It isn't long until Lisa must leave her parents, and board a train bound for England where she will be safe ... and without family.  

"All day and all night, Lisa heard the clickety-clack
of the wheels as young children called out for their 
parents in their sleep. Lisa gazed through the window, 
pretending to play for the moonlit windmills. As she 
imagined the music, she felt less alone."

Her arrival in London has her placed on Willesden Lane, where she finds a warm reception, 32 new friends, and a chance to share her music. It provides hope for all who live there (even when the piano must be housed in the basement to keep it safe from the many bombings), and leads to a lifetime of musical performances.

Ms. Possentini’s pastel and gouache artwork brings the story to life in scenes of realism and hope. An author's letter to her readers offers family history, while an explanation of the events of Lisa's childhood are presented as well. Endpapers at the back of the book offer archival photographs from Lisa's life.