My book review of 'Hannah and the violin' by Satoshi Kitamura

by Satoshi Kitamura
Recommended age: 3+
Hannah and the violin
by Satoshi Kitamura

When Hannah sees a leaf on the grass, she thinks it looks like a violin so picks it up, with a twig and starts to play.

Soon birds and insects, even the clouds above are all singing and dancing to her music.

When Hannah is called inside for dinner, she treats her Mum and Grandpa to their own recital. 

This is a beautiful book which is simple in its concept, but powerful in its message which seeks to celebrate the joy in play and creativity.

The illustrations are quirky and are very distinctive in being from this award-winning author and illustrator. They remind me of the children's animated stories on television when I was a child. Lovely!

 

Date of this review: February 2026
Book publication date: 5th February 2026