The Violin Family is a wonderful introduction to the string family of instruments that shows young readers the power of music and of caring relationships.

Come meet The Violin Family: Basil, the Bass; Celia, the Violoncello; “Bizzy,” the Viola; and Val and Violet, the Violins! Together, they love to play music and then share a pancake breakfast, complete with local Vermont maple syrup—mm-mmmm!

This picture book for children introduces the family of stringed instruments through a delightful pairing of fact and fiction. In meeting The Violin Family, readers have the opportunity to learn about the anatomy and personalities of each string.

One day, while the family is performing their music, Violet falls and has to visit the luthier to be repaired. Will her sound come back so her family can continue to play together as a quintet?

This children’s book explores the power and value of both music and family. The book is authored by Vermont cellist Melissa Perley, with illustrations by Fiona Lee MacLean, and is available November 1, 2019, by Rootstock Publishing. The Violin Family won the 2021 Indie Readers Discovery Award for children’s early to intermediate readers.

Melissa Perley is an award winning children’s book author, professional performing and teaching cellist, and a sheep farmer. She lives in Vermont with her luthier husband, Paul.