By Akiko Miyakashi
Kids Can Press, 2019
Picture Book, 32 Pages, Ages 3-7 Years
It’s the day of Momo’s very first piano recital, and she is terribly nervous. But just beyond the daunting stage, through a tiny doorway, a marvelous surprise awaits: a miniature theater, an audience of finely dressed mice and a magical recital about to begin.
Momo is waiting to go on stage, whispering to herself over and over again, “I’ll be okay….. I’ll be okay….” Her nerves are about to get the best of her when she meets a small mouse, equally nervous about her own recital, and we’re quickly taken into the world of Momo’s imagination. The mice are performing many different acts, from acrobatic to ballet, singing together as a choir, and a solo singing performance by Momo’s friendly little mouse, who is so nervous that Momo offers to go on stage with her.
An enchanting tale where wonder takes the place of worry.
Akiko Miyakashi never disappoints. As with previous books, this one is full of traditional artwork, beautiful in simplicity and compelling in expression. As a child, and in truth, as this reviewer, the page of all the mice sitting in the theater was where I spent the bulk of my time pouring over the simplistic detail to see what each mouse was doing and/or wearing at the performance. There were mice dressed in their best finery including top hats and gowns, children mice playing games, tired mice and eager mice, there was a blind mouse and one was clever enough to have brought an entire box of donuts! But clearly this book is about dealing with anxiety in an appropriate and creative way as Momo shows us with her creative imagination.
Childhood anxiety isn’t just felt by those performing in front of others, but on a daily basis while learning new things, meeting new people, even the small daily event of tying one’s own shoes can be taxing for a small child. So well written and illustrated that even a very small child can follow the story and every adult can appreciate learning to work through your fears and anxiety.
This is one of those perfect bedtime books. Not just a beautiful story but a gentle color pallet that has a sweetness not to be missed. Will every child like it? That will depend upon the child. If big, loud, action is the goal this wouldn’t be the book. However, for children that like a compelling story full of enchanting imagination and lovely detail, this is the book for them.
The Piano Recital by Akiko Miyakoshi receives 5 stars from this reviewer.