Zin Zin Zin A Violin

Literature project are all custom written from Paper Masters and can include explortations of books such as Lloyd Moss's book Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin. We provide help on all literature projects.

Lloyd Moss's book, Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin is as melodious as the instruments which it introduces. Geared toward young children, the book acts as a visually and auditory vivid introduction into the world of classical music. The story begins with a single trumpet playing a solo and gradually more instruments are added into the mix, playing a duet and forming a trio. Eventually an entire orchestra has gathered, a chamber group in energetic concert. The excitement generated by the story is such that the reader is ready to shout the final word, imploring the author for an "Encore".

What makes this story truly great is its lyrical text, full of vivid detail. The words literally and figuratively wave across the page and flow off the tongue. However, it should be noted that, while the words are beautiful and rhythmic, it is quite possible that the text would prove challenging for children without proper background knowledge. To make full use of the book a teacher or parent might find it necessary to discuss phrasing such as the following:

• "mournful moan
• "silken tone"
• "reeds implore"
• "mellow cello"

However, in the same light the book is a terrific resource not just for expanding vocabulary and learning about instruments, but also for examining literary style and the usage of human action and adjectives to describe inanimate objects. It also provides a forum for musical terminology and gives a visual representation for learning the meaning of not just the more mundane solo and trio but also terms like quintet and octet.

The illustrations in Zin, Zin, Zin A Violin are bold and vibrant, using a range of bright colors and figures that offer visual reinforcement for the lively text. On a positive note the musicians portrayed in the illustrations are of a mix of genders and ethical backgrounds and therefore also support diversity education. It's little wonder that Zin Zin Zin a Violin was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1996. It is a wonderful story and a prime example of what results when an author is able to put their passion into print. Moss's love of and expertise within the field of classical music are apparent throughout the book and readers of all ages will be carried along to emerge at the end with a greater appreciation and knowledge of classical music.