Read more
In an ode to the power of music and community, this vibrantly illustrated picture book steps out on the balcony for a shared moment of spontaneous joy and celebration. In a quiet neighborhood, a single note trills through the air. Another note joins, and then another. One by one, curious people are drawn to their windows, doorways, and balconies to support the medley. Professional musicians play instruments from around the world, while others bang pots and pans. All are welcome as the notes swirl and dip and crescendo, coming together to make one sweet song. And when the music fades, and this diverse neighbourhood is once again silent, the reverberations of unity remain. Written by a kindergarten teacher and inspired by the balcony singing in Italy during the pandemic - with a countdown from one to ten and back gently woven in - this rhythmic synergy of text and art is a buoyant, global-minded celebration of how music connects us, even in the darkest of times.
About the author
Jyoti Rajan Gopal is an award-winning picture book author, mom and forever kindergarten teacher. Her books have received starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School and Library Journal, Book List, and Book Page and are on the Bank Street, NYPL and SLJ Best Books lists. She is the recipient of the ALA 2024 Stonewall Honor Award and a finalist for the 2023 Neev Literature Award. Jyoti writes stories, fiction and nonfiction, of identity, community and belonging, themes that speak to her heart, and that reflect her multiple identities. Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India and China. She now lives in New York with her husband, in a quirky old Victorian, where they raised their two daughters. When not writing or teaching, she loves to read - a lot! - work in her garden, dance and explore the many New York State Park trails. Find out more about her books at jyotirajangopal.com.
