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Nina's Waltz
by Corinne Demas
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Nina's Waltz
by Corinne Demas
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Illustrated by Deborah Lanino Published by Orchard Books A Selection of Nest Literary Classics |
Nina thinks her father is the
best fiddler in the state, maybe even the whole country. As they drive along
in the early morning light to a fiddle contest, she's sure he'll win first
place. After all, he's planning to play his new tune, the special one he
wrote for her birthday, "Nina's Waltz."
But there's an accident, and Nina's father
can't perform. Before he realizes it, another musician -- someone who's
afraid to play in front of strangers -- picks up his fiddle and heads for
the stage.
(You can listen to "Nina's Waltz" on-line.)
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1. Ask for it at your local library. 2. Order it on-line. |
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Here I am playing the violin when I was around Nina's age. |
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Alex Demas (who is my cousin) wrote
the original music for Nina's Waltz. He was inspired by two
titmice who were calling to each other -- the opening measures of
the tune he wrote is based on their song. Deborah Lanino has incorporated
these birds in her illustrations. See if you can spot them! |
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Deborah Lanino wanted
to be an artist for as long as she can remember. She studied art at
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and in Florence, Italy, where she also
learned about her own heritage. Her ancestor, Bernardino Lanino, was
a painter in Vercelli, Italy during the Renaissance.
Deborah has illustrated more than a dozen book covers for young adult novels and numerous magazine articles, in addition to working on her own paintings. She's the illustrator of two other picture books: The Littlest Angel, by Charles Tazewell and Maria's Comet, by Deborah Hopkinson. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family and their pug dog, Popcorn. Check out her web site, www.deborahlanino.com. |
A hymn to the transforming power of music. Nina's father is the best fiddler she knows -- "The best in the whole state. In the whole country." Early one morning, the two of them leave for a fiddle contest that offers a first prize of $200, money the family desperately needs. Her father plans to play "Nina's waltz," a song that he wrote for her birthday. After several wasps sting his hand and he is unable to play, Nina overcomes her own stage fright and takes his place. Demas's quiet story is accompanied by soft acrylic paintings that echo the peaceful, rural setting. Graceful musical notes appear throughout, dancing serenely across purple-and-blue skies.
-- School Library Journa
This is a charming tale about the magic of violin music and the loving bond between father and daughter. The author, using simple yet softly lyrical prose, shows us a glimpse into a young girl’s life and her resolution not to let her dad down. This is also a story about the power of self esteem and believing in oneself. The illustrations are beautiful and even dream-like at times, bringing to life the countryside, Nina, and the ethereal magic of violin music. This would make a lovely present to any little violin player, especially a girl.
-- Mayra's Secret Bookcase
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Deborah
Lanino used two girls to model for the part of Nina in the story.
She needed someone who played violin, and she advertised at Third
Street Music School Settlement in New York. By coincidence Third Street
Music School is where I learned to play the violin when I was a girl.
You can read all about it in my memoir, 