Books Books: Picture Books

When Rubin Play

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WHEN RUBIN PLAYS by Gracey Zhang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book

From the PW Flying Starts creative force, Gracey Zhang, comes a touching and beautiful story about community, finding your own voice, doing what you love the most, and expressing your passion with FORTE!

When Rubin Plays book cover

Title: WHEN RUBIN PLAYS

Author: Gracey Zhang

Pub. Date: July 18, 2023

Publisher: Orchard Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 56

Buy it: Amazon (book blogs)

Find it: Goodreads or Here

Rubin loves the beautiful sounds that are played by the orchestra. He wants to learn to play the violin and make his own music. But when Rubin plays, it doesn’t sound like he imagines it should. Rubin goes into the forest to practice alone and despite only getting the violin to screech, he finds an unlikely audience that loves his unique style.

In another inspiring and lyrical picture book that deftly dives into the psyche and heart of a child’s viewpoint and experience, the creator of Lala’s Words, Gracey Zhang, offers confidence to everyone who longs to master something that can be difficult and shows that there is only one way to do something right: that is to do it your own special way.

This is the next book from one of today’s most gifted young creators. Zhang is a Publishers Weekly‘s Spring 2021 Children’s Flying Starts creator and her debut, Lala’s Words, was the 2022 EJK Award Winner, with endless praise: “Little Lala helps the weeds in the vacant lot blossom into full, gorgeous plants just by talking to them and showing them a little love. This picture book is breathtaking, and Zhang’s use of color really helps the story come alive. It’s like a modern inverse of The Giving Tree.” — Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore

When Rubin Plays Reviews

“Spreads and text from Zhang… pulse with joy… as the whole community acknowledges Rubin’s unique contribution… in this wondrous tale of trust in self and collaboration.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This charming story of a boy finding his sound will inspire beginners to persist in their endeavors and to approach their creative journeys with passion and confidence — even if their skills may not be there yet… A tale that is truly mew-sic to the ears.” — Kirkus Reviews

This sweet and endearing children’s book is about the sweet sound of music, namely the violin. He’s not so good in the beginning and even the cats howl along. During a performance… you don’t think I’m going to tell you what happens, do you? A wonderful story about believing in yourself and perseverance. I loved the inspiration for the story.

About the Author

Gracey Zhang is an illustrator and animator with a love of storytelling and verse. She is the author and illustrator of Lala’s Words and the illustrator of The Big Bath HouseNigel and the Moon, and The Upside Down Hat. She was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and received her degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Gracey is now based in Brooklyn, New York, where she can be found window watching from the train when she’s not scribbling away at her desk. You can visit her at graceyzhang.com. 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway for When Rubin Plays

1 winner will receive a finished copy of WHEN RUBIN PLAYS, US Only.

Ends August 1st, midnight EST.

Enter HERE and good luck to you!

When Rubin Plays header page sample

When Rubin Plays Tour Schedule

7/24/2023stenann7reads
7/24/2023The Momma Spot
7/25/2023Bea’s Book Nook
7/25/2023Little Red Reads
7/26/2023@pagesforpaige
7/26/2023Country Mamas With Kids
7/27/2023@froggyreadteach
7/27/2023OneMoreExclamation
7/28/2023@enthuse_reader
7/28/2023A Blue Box Full of Books

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