* “Rusch playfully weaves aural imagery throughout this engaging story of how Bartolomeo Cristofori came to invent the piano . . . It’s a spirited, informative tale that will resonate with music aficionados young and old.”
– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review, February 27, 2017
* “A bright, colorful introduction to a beloved instrument . . . Priceman's signature artwork is a perfect match for the words . . . Delightfully energetic, this will inspire young pianists.”
– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review, 2/15/17
* “Priceman’s watercolors are zesty evocations of sound unleashed . . . Rusch supplies an amazing treasure trove of back matter that extends the title’s interest beyond an expected picture-book audience . . . Kids taking music lessons or preparing for a school invention fair, teachers looking for high quality STEAM materials, and anyone with earbuds dangling from her/his head need to listen to the Cristofori story.”
– BCCB, Starred Review, April 2017
“Priceman’s gouache-and-ink illustrations exuberantly fill all available page space . . . Fast-paced, lively, and informative, this book will appeal to music lovers as well as a wider audience, who may be creatively inspired by these passionate musicians and their instruments.”
– Booklist, February 1, 2017
“A well-researched, fascinating account of the father of modern-day pianos . . . Rusch’s energetic text is paired well with Priceman’s vibrant images, rendered in gouache and ink with bold strokes . . . A strong purchase for music lovers, budding pianists, and large biography and STEAM collections.”
– School Library Journal, April 2017
“Rusch’s evocative text is underscored by Priceman’s breezy but detailed gouache-and-ink illustrations and the book’s dynamic design . . . which add a near soundtrack to the words. . . Bravo!”
– The Horn Book, July/August 2017