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)
“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.”— Horn Book Guide
"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."— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Giving even Canaletto a run for his money, the illustrator sets expressive, natural-looking figures against golden-toned backdrops of 17th-century Venice’s rich interiors, splendid vistas, opulent churches and serene canals….[a] fetching introduction to one of the great masters of the Baroque era.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Gloriously painted cityscapes of Venice and the Piazza San Marco steal the show…The first-person narration offers an accessible and personable view of Vivaldi's intense passion for music…stunning…breathtaking." — Publishers Weekly
"This fact-based story of the famous musician from Venice will hold young imaginations."— Sacramento Bee
"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. "— Chicago Tribute
