Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani Review & Interview

I really enjoy books that teach within the entertaining feature of a story.  Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani and illustrated by K.C. Snider is a cute book about this little mouse with a huge curiosity and fascination with violins.  The book provides an introduction to the creator of the violin, Antonio Stradivari, and the components that make up a violin.  It also teaches children about caring and sharing as seen by Stradivari's act towards the little violinist.

The back of the book contains all the pieces of a violin for further learning opportunities, a glossary and a seek and find word puzzle which my seven year loved!

My children enjoyed the amusing story as they are still smitten with the rat that cooks and they love musical instrument.  The mystery behind the box also provided anticipation in hearing the end and the illustrations are delightful.  I think it's an enjoyable book for any child and would recommend it.

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About the author:


Mayra Calvani is an award winning author who writes fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults.  She has overr 300 reviews, interviews, stories and articles published and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Follow Mayra on Twitter and Facebook.

Q&A with Mayra Calvani:

I want to thank you for being my guest here on Health, Beauty, Children and Family.

Thanks for having me as your guest! It’s a pleasure to be here.

Do you consider yourself a born writer?

I do. From an early age, it became obvious to me, my parents and teachers that I was a ‘good’ writer. My writing was what made me stand out, what made me popular. I loved to create stories and live through my characters. I would be miserable if I couldn’t write—and in fact, I am miserable on those days I can’t write. I always say a happy writer is a happy mama.

What type of books do you mostly write?

I write in a variety of genres, from picture books, to middle grade and young adult novels, to fiction and nonfiction for adults. I write what inspires me. I believe I should listen to my muse and stay true to my call and creativity.

Do your children inspire any of books, characters, or plots?

Yes, my children have inspired some of my characters. My son was my inspiration for the little boy in my picture book, Crash! My daughter was my inspiration for the protagonist in The Luthier’s Apprentice (an MG novel currently doing the agent/editor roundup). When I’m short for ideas, I always turn to my kids. Children can be very original!

Can you share with us a little about your current books?

My latest books are How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event and Fredrico, the Mouse Violinist.

How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event is a 50-page chapbook for girls ages 9-12 on how to start and manage a book club from start to end. It also includes an explanation of the various genres and a resource section with a list of popular authors who write for young readers, including the titles of one of their books and website links. The book encourages a love of books and reading and also social and leadership skills.

To find out more about it, readers can visit my website at: http://mayrassecretbookcase.com/Middle_Grade.html

Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, is a 24-page picture book that teaches the parts of the violin to beginner players and entertains them with a fun, educational story.

Blurb: Frederico is a little mouse with a big dream: he wants to become a violinist. Each day he watches as Stradivari makes his famous violins. Each night, he sneaks into the workshop to play. But the violins are too big! Then, unbeknown to Frederico, Stradivari sees him playing and begins carving a tiny device. Could it be a famous Strad especially for Frederico?

It is available in ebook, hardcover and paperback.

Purchase link: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/frederico.htm

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

I see writing as channeling, as taking dictation. What I do is I watch and listen to the ‘movie’ in my head, then I write those things down. I learned to do this after reading The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. The book changed my life and the way I approach writing and creating. I’d advise all writers and artists to get their hands on that book. It’s absolutely powerful.

Before sitting down to write, it usually takes me a few minutes to get in the right frame of mind. I do a little meditation and quiet down my inner critic. Or I write in my journal for a while and dump all the clutter from my mind. That helps a lot. Then I sit down and say, “Leap, and the net will appear.”

What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

I feel comfortable with both, depending on the type of book I’m writing.

What well known writers do you admire most?

I love Kate DiCamillo. She has a talent for pulling at your heart strings. I always end up crying when I read her books.

I also love Mary Downing Hahn. She has a wonderful gift for creating an atmosphere of mystery and threat in her middle-grade novels.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

I'd like to invite them to visit my website and blog at:

www.mayrassecretbookcase.com

www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

I thank you for taking the time to share with me and my readers about being an author.