¡Bravo, Rossina! (Bravo Rossina!)
Reviewed by Mirthala Barragan, First Class Learning Center, Austin, TX -- Críticas, 1/15/2008
Thomas, María José.
illus. by Claudio Muñoz. Venezuela: Ekaré, dist. by Lectorum Pub. 2005. 40p. ISBN 980-257-242-X. $14.99.
Gr 3-6–Rossina, a lively young girl living in 1920’s Chile, anxiously awaits the arrival of her beloved grandfather from his European travels. He finally returns with wonderful musical stories and a brand-new machine that records music called a Victrola.” Determined to start a recording business, Grandfather sets up a studio in his house, from which Rossina is sadly banned. Very ingenuously, she figures out a way to watch all the action from a branch of a tall tree. From her hiding place, Rossina enthusiastically follows the recordings of sopranos, altos, and many other stars from the local theater scene. But the youngster will have her minute of fame as well. When the great Italian tenor Dino Borgioli, a famous opera singer at the time, discovers her hiding place, he also uncovers her hidden musical talent. The soft watercolor illustrations exude a melodious, antique vibe that perfectly complements the text. The story, which is based on true events, opens a window to an era in which South America was on the brink of musical modernity and talents were being recorded for the first time. Readers will recognize the lyrics from famous operas, such as The Barber of Seville, sprinkled throughout the book, and classic-music lovers will be inspired by the protagonist. In addition, children can compare the current recordable electronics to the equipment presented in the book. Discussions about the evolution of technology can easily emerge. This is quite a unique book; a great resource for a science or music classes.
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