Kirkus Reviews has recently recommended “All We Need Is a Little Practice,” the latest book in the Nana’s Bookshelf collection by Antoinette Simmonds. Calling it “A quietly effective look at how we learn and come together,” the review highlights the themes of intergenerational connections, busy families, and the process of learning music.

The book tells a simple story of one boy’s learning process as he not only absorbs the lessons taught by his piano teacher but also explains them to a curious Papa, who comes to see the value of the Suzuki method even though it differs from the more traditional method of music instruction he is familiar with. (“I guess there is more than one way to learn,” Papa says after the recital.) The book is not entirely subtle in its messaging (Papa says “practice makes perfect” more than once), but it still tells an enjoyable story. Dale’s colorful illustrations bring Kayson’s family to life in vibrant images of piano-playing and warm family scenes, including a particularly adept depiction of the chaos of getting everyone to games and practices on time.

Read the full review at Kirkus Reviews