The Cardboard Piano

By: Lynne Rae Perkins
Published by Greenwillow Books 2008
Elementary Age
32 Pages
Genre: Picture Book

Summary:
Tina and Debbie are best friends! They do everything together. They go on camp outs in their back yards and go on bike rides every where. These girls are the best of friends. However, Debbie begins having piano lessons. Tina waits outside and listens wishing she could play. So Debbie makes Tina a cardboard piano and she tells Tina she can pretend. Tina tries it but it's not as fun as it sounded, so she gives it back to Debbie. This makes Debbie sad, wishing that this was on thing that the girls didn't have in common. It rains outside. When it stops they both decide they want cookies so they spend time together loving the things they both love. The go outside and meet their neighbor. He is an older man who teaches them how to do a dance from his childhood and they stay out until their mom's call them in, dancing. The colors in this book are beautiful. The are bright and lend a hand to the story. Even when Debbie and Tina are upset with each other, the colors follow their moods. Making the illustrations dark blues, greens and browns, and full of shadow. As they come back together and the rain stops, the colors are brighter than ever! It's beautiful!


Reaction:
I really enjoyed this book. It really showed how friendships have their ups and downs but they still are strong no matter your differences. It was fun to see the metaphor of the piano with a white friend and a black friend. They have many differences but when the play together it is beautiful.

Potential Problems:
Boys may not like this book as much as girls. But other than that, none.

Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to any young girl who loves to read. It's fun and relate able.