I, Vivaldi

by Janice Shefelman, Tom Shefelman (Illustrator)

Overview

In this picture book inspired by the life of Antonio Vivaldi, the composer himself narrates how a creative, determined boy grew up to create masterpieces like “The Four Seasons.”

Despite his mother's vow for him to become a priest, young Vivaldi is only interested in music. He soon grows from a feisty, violin-obsessed boy into a stubborn young man who puts his musical training ahead of his studies for priesthood. Beautiful, ornate artwork portrays the spirit and splendor of Vivaldi's hometown of Venice. A historical note, musical score, and glossary will help readers more fully appreciate the composer’s Baroque context and his enduring genius.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802855862
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	02/08/2022
Pages:	36
Sales rank:	524,482
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	7 - 11 Years

About the Author

Janice and Tom Shefelman collaborated on several children's books before Tom's death in 2017, including A Paradise Called Texas and Sophie's War (both Eakin Press). Their titles have received many honors, including New York Library Best Book for the Teen Age, CBC Notable Book, and IRA Children's Choice awards. The husband-wife team lived and worked in Texas, where Janice still resides. Visit their website at shefelmanbooks.com.



Janice and Tom Shefelman collaborated on several children's books before Tom's death in 2017, including A Paradise Called Texas and Sophie's War (both Eakin Press). Their titles have received many honors, including New York Library Best Book for the Teen Age, CBC Notable Book, and IRA Children's Choice awards. The husband-wife team lived and worked in Texas, where Janice still resides. Visit their website at shefelmanbooks.com.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 2-5- This fictionalized picture-book account of the composer's life is narrated by the young Vivaldi, beginning with his birth in Venice in 1678 during an earthquake. When his mother saw her newborn struggling for breath, she promised him to the priesthood, if only his life were spared. His father, a violinist, taught the child to play, acknowledging his love of music. At age 15, it was time to begin studying for the priesthood. Though he begged to pursue a career in music, his mother stood firm, and he eventually became known as the "Red Priest" because of his hair color. When he rushed from Mass to write down some musical notes, the Cardinal relieved him of his duties. He was ordered to teach violin to a group of orphan girls, who held concerts in the chapel. Vivaldi wrote The Four Seasons for them. The realistic pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations portray Venice's canals, the crowded piazza, San Marco, and interior scenes of the boy at home with his family. One dramatic spread of the countryside features Zephyr, Notus, Boreas, and Eurus-the four seasons, each blowing from a corner. An afterword, "Fact & Fiction," identifies the historical facts of the subject's life, including his decline in popularity and death, "poor and forgotten." The narration is straightforward and sometimes humorous.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

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School Library Journal

AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
 
Children's Crown Award Reading Programs, Children's Gallery Award, Nominee
International Reading Association-Children's Book Council Joint Committee, Children's Choices (2008)
Storytelling World, Honor Book (2009)
PEN Center USA, Finalist, Children's Literature (2009)
Kid's Wings, Award for Outstanding Literature (2009-2010)
 
Horn Book Guide


"This fictional account lyrically narrated in the composer's voice presents key moments in Antonio Vivaldi's life and musical career. . . Terra cotta-toned ink-line and watercolors, which accent Vivaldi's red hair, effectively depict Venetian landmarks. Musical notation decorates the endpapers. Recommended."
 
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The tension between spiritual and secular demands makes for an involving story, and Shefelman's smooth telling does it justice. . . Listeners who are content with a broadly imagined, biographically inspired tale may be pleased with both the domestic drama and Tom Shefelman's watercolor tour along the canals and through the churches and palaces of Venice."
 
Kirkus Reviews
"Fetching introduction to one of the great masters of the Baroque era."
 
Publishers Weekly
"The first-person narration offers an accessible and personable view of Vivaldi's intense passion for music. . . A noteworthy picture book biography."
 
Sacramento Bee
"This fact-based story of the famous musician from Venice will hold young imaginations."
 
Chicago Tribute
"Acknowledging the few facts we have about Antonio Vivaldi, Janice Shefelman makes us see not only the sickly little boy who became the famous composer but also the passionate power of music in this Venetian world. "

From the Publisher