Description: "An inspiring picture book biography of a UN Peace Medal recipient who used his songs-and his silence-to fight fascism, oppression, and violence. One day in Catalonia, Spain, eleven-year-old Pau Casals was captivated by the cello-setting him on a path toward international fame (as a cellist) and extraordinary courage (as an advocate for social justice). Playing the cello would take Pau all over the world, performing in palaces, concert halls, even the White House. People called him Pablo Casals now, and he was famous and beloved. But when the events of Spanish Civil War and World War II left his homeland ruled by a dictator, Pablo made a dramatic decision: he would silence his music until Spain was free. Would the world ever hear his cello sing again? Illustrated in vibrant, joyous color by Catalonian artist Mariona Cabassa, Music and Silence introduces children to a man who was not just a master of the cello, but a remarkable model of sacrifice and artistic protest. After the story, readers can learn more about Pablo Casals through creator notes, historical notes, a timeline, a bibliography, and links to performances and interviews"-- Provided by publisher.
Brief description:
Christy Mihaly is an award-winning author of books for both children and teens, including America's Founding Myths, Water: A Deep Dive of Discovery (both Barefoot Books), and The Supreme Court and Us (Albert Whitman). Music and Silence was shaped by Christy's years playing trumpet in many ensembles, her years working as a lawyer, and her year living in Spain. Christy currently lives in rural Vermont, where she enjoys learning how to play the cello. Visit her website at christymihaly.com.
Review Quotes:
⭐ "Colorful...closes triumphantly... extensive back matter."
--Horn Book (STARRED REVIEW)
"Luminous illustrations...Her [Cabassa's] radiant palette and lush landscapes provide a vivid counterpoint to the war lurking mostly off the page."
--The New York Times
"A lyrical tribute...intense and heartfelt."
--Kirkus Reviews
"Cabassa's mixed-media illustrations are full of movement and vibrant color...Mihaly's lyrical text sings and dances...back matter includes a wealth of information. A moving choice for picture book-biography collections."
--Booklist
"An important biography introducing younger readers to a remarkable musician and humanitarian whose story has rarely been told for this age group."
--School Library Journal
"Moving and beautifully illustrated."
--Matthew Winner, Children's Book Podcast
"A rich and spellbinding intro to a brilliant musician and activist...The text is captivating and inspiring, the art is absolutely beautiful, vibrantly-colored and uplifting, and there's plenty of back matter for further study; it's quite a lovely book!"
--Lynn Becker, author and reviewer