Another rave review for The Red Piano, this time from one of Victoria’s leading regional papers, the Bendigo Advertiser:

This is an incredibly powerful children’s book. It tells the story of a little girl living in a labour camp in China during Mao’s reign.

She loves playing the piano, but it is seen as a criminal act under the regime, so with the help of an old lady she keeps her playing a secret.

The message is conveyed beautifully in Barroux’s amazing illustrations, which are all done in red and black using linocut, painting, pencil and collage.

This book is a based on the true story of a musician called Zhu Xiao-Mei. An incredible book, but definitely to be shared with the older child.

Thanks to reviewer Kate Griffiths for the good notice.