The Cello of Mr. O
by Jane Cutler

Synopsis

: In a war-torn city a young girl struggles with fear and anger. Her neighbor Mr. O faces his fear and, in defiance, plays the cello. In his music and his courage the young girl and the neighbors find a type of peace and find their own courage.

Description

: “Here we are, surrounded and under attack.” So begins The Cello of Mr. O. This is a realistic story for children that could have come from today’s newspapers. The story is told by the young girl. It is open, honest language expressing her feeling about the situation in which she finds herself. The watercolor pictures add a great deal to this story of war in a foreign land and the healing power of music. Although the story is not entirely a positive one, it ends on a note of hope and courage.

Why I chose this book

The Cello of Mr. O illustrates the importance of music and the power that music has to transform our lives. This story also offers an opportunity to parents or grandparents to talk about the horror of wars, of what happens to families as a result of wars. It also offers the opportunity to talk about the human spirit and of the importance of not being overcome by fear, hatred, or helplessness.