Gus and Grandpa and the Piano Lesson - Hardcover

Claudia Mills; Catherine Stock

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374328145 ISBN 13: 9780374328146

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004

Synopsis

The tenth book in Claudia Mills' beloved series

 

For Gus, the longest half hour of the day is spent practicing the piano. Why can't he be outside, shooting hoops with Ryan Mason? Even more painful are the lessons: Mrs. Moore complains about Gus's squishy fingers. But most painful of all is the piano recital. Gus has to play a piece called "The Horse Race," and he's not sure he will remember it.

 

As a child, Grandpa played the violin, so he knows exactly how Gus feels. Grandpa also knows about something Gus will love—making music with others—and once again he shows Gus the way in a story with pictures that "reflect the sunny warmth of loving connections passed across generations" (Booklist).

About this title

About the Author:

Claudia Mills and Catherine Stock have collaborated on the entire Gus and Grandpa series, including the ALA Notable Book Gus and Grandpa at Basketball. The author lives in Boulder, Colorado, and the artist lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3–A strong addition to a popular series, this story will capture the imagination and interest of anyone who has ever taken music lessons. Although he'd rather shoot hoops with his friend, Gus spends the required half-hour practicing the piano. With Grandpa's gentle encouragement, the boy makes it through his recital, but only comes to truly love playing the instrument when his family puts together an impromptu band later that day. The delightful relationships among the characters add to the charm of the book. The loving bond between Gus and his grandfather is apparent through their words and actions, and also through the soft, comforting illustrations. The interaction between Gus and his mother as she monitors his practice session rings true. Mills uses amusing metaphors and clever wordplay throughout the text. In the end, Gus learns that sometimes doing your best makes family members just as proud of you, if not more so, than when you demonstrate perfection. An engaging easy-reader.–Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
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About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0374328145
• ISBN 13: 9780374328146
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48