by Ian Falconer
First published 2006
Olivia eagerly awaits the fireworks show tonight. She expects to hear a proper band playing music during the display. When she discovers no band will perform, she feels confused and disappointed. How can fireworks happen without musical accompaniment? Olivia decides to solve this problem herself. She gathers pots and pans from the kitchen. She borrows toys from her brother's room. She even takes her father's suspenders to complete her ensemble. Olivia transforms these ordinary household objects into musical instruments. She creates her own spectacular band performance, loud enough to surprise anyone listening. The story captures Olivia's determination to fix what she sees as a serious oversight. Her creative solution turns disappointment into triumph through her characteristic energy and resourcefulness.
Genres: family-life, contemporary, music
Vibes: emotional, uplifting, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, problem-solving
42 pages · Hardcover · Atheneum Books for Young Readers