You Can Do It, Noisy Nora!

by Rosemary Wells

Overview

Noisy Nora is learning to play the violin, but her family isn't sure they can survive it!

The lovable heroine of Noisy Nora returns in a new book that will charm parents and children alike. Nora is determined to play the violin, but her parents, sister Kate, and brother Jack are appalled by the terrible sounds that emerge during her practice sessions. Scrape and shriek, screech and squeak—everybody holds their ears. But when a special evening comes, Nora succeeds in playing the secret song she's struggled hard to learn.
You Can Do It, Noisy Nora! provides the perfect way to show young children the value of persevering when trying to master a new skill. Rosemary Wells's strong-willed heroine is as feisty and unstoppable as ever in this humorous, heartwarming story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101999233
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	04/28/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	762,030
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Rosemary Wells is the author of 120 books for children, including more than 40 about the beloved bunnies Max and Ruby. She travels all over the country as a tireless advocate for literacy. Wells was born in New Jersey to a playwright father and ballet dancer mother who encouraged her artistic bent. She worked as an art director and designer before illustrating her first book. She is the mother of two grown daughters, Victoria and Marguerite, and grandmother to four girls.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2020

PreS-Gr 1—Nora, inspired by the beautiful melody wafting from her neighbor's violin, wants to learn to play the instrument herself. Anticipating weeks of violin squawks and screeches, however, her family tries to dissuade her. Dad suggests a xylophone, and mom declares "The banjo…would surely be worthwhile." Her sister Kate also nixes the "screeching violin" idea. But Nora wins out, and under Mrs. Yamamoto's tutelage, starts practicing. Days of "twang[s], "shriek[s]," and "squeak[s]" ensue. Her supportive parents suggest Nora practice outdoors, Kate dons earmuffs, and even the cockatoo needs a heavy towel over its cage to keep out the noise. But Nora perseveres. Finally, the big day for which she has been practicing all month arrives, and she plays "Happy Birthday" (musical notation appears on the final page) for her mom, "every note…true and strong." Wells's familiar watercolor illustrations appear within thinly framed rectangles on white ground and occasionally stretch across double pages. Her mouse characters are full of expression, from the family's open-mouthed anticipation as Mrs. Yamamoto unveils Nora's violin to their paws-over-ears eye rolls as she practices. Seven humorous vignettes depict Nora at her daily practice, leg sometimes raised in effort, oblivious to the unpleasant sounds coming from her violin. VERDICT Nora's fans will enjoy this offering, and readers who have experienced difficulty learning something new will be inspired by her successful efforts.—Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Cambridge, MA

School Library Journal

2020-01-12
After hearing the beautiful notes of "Clair de lune" float down from her violinist neighbor's window, little mouse Nora dreams of learning to play the violin herself.

With all the enthusiasm and determination a young child can muster, Nora takes her family to the music store, where they all suggest different instruments for her. Maybe a xylophone? Banjo? Anything but a "screeching violin!" opines big sister Kate. But Nora is dead set on a violin, so her excitement is palpable when her music teacher, Mrs. Yamamoto, shows up for her first lesson. As expected, there are a lot of twangs, shrieks, and whines to be heard before a tune begins to be found. But Nora has a goal in mind, so she keeps at it to meet her Sept. 1 deadline and surprise her family. The theme of practice and hard work paying off in the end, coupled with the support of a loving family (albeit with slightly annoyed siblings), makes this a lovely read with kids. With one significant and uncharacteristic hiccup, the rhyming text flows easily and in exactly the same pattern as Noisy Nora's eponymous debut (1973), making it a solid read-aloud. It is full of bright, cheery, and funny illustrations in Wells' familiar style, but her decision to dress Mrs. Yamamoto in a kimono has the unfortunate effect of exoticizing her in this otherwise Western setting.

A sweet book for budding musicians. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews