Books For Keeps
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Past Issues
  • Latest Issue
  • Authors and Artists
  • Latest News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
March 5, 2016/in Fiction 5-8 Infant/Junior /by Angie Hill
BfK Rating:
BfK 217 March 2016
Reviewer: Sue McGonigle
ISBN: 978-0993215445
Price: £12.99
Publisher: Balestier Press
Genre: Fiction
Age Range: 5-8 Infant/Junior
Length: 64pp
  • Translated by: Yu Yan Chen
Buy the Book

The Chief Cellist

Author: Wenhua WangIllustrator: Amann Wang

Mr Zibra is chief cellist in the Caramel Pudding Orchestra and its star. He has become used to the adoration of his fans and a life of luxury. One rainy night his limousine fails to turn up after a concert; this proves a life changing moment for the arrogant musician. Too proud to accept lifts with the other members of the orchestra or concert staff he finds himself sheltering from the rain, stubbornly awaiting the arrival of his limo with only a homeless beggar woman for company. When she offers to share her makeshift shelter with him he feels qualms of guilt that he has offered her nothing in return. This prompts an uncharacteristic act of kindness when he covers her with his tuxedo. A second kind act follows when he offers his cello case as shelter to a family of new born puppies. His redemption is complete after meeting an orchestra of orphan children from whom he learns it can be fun to play in harmony with others, share enjoyment and acclaim rather than strive to out shine them.

The Chief Cellist is another interesting fable from Wenhua Wang, this time in a more modern setting. The translation from Mandarin is on the most part effective. The illustrations convey an air of magic and sense of movement and work well with the story though the colour palette for the night time scenes is less convincing. Closer attention to proof reading would have avoided the occasional missing word and typing error.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png 0 0 Angie Hill http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png Angie Hill2016-03-05 15:57:002021-07-12 14:59:34The Chief Cellist

Search for a specific review

Author Search

Search







Generic filters




Filter by Member Types


Book Author

Download BfK Issue Bfk 272 May 2025
Skip to an Issue:

About Us

Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.

Read More

Follow Us

Latest News

Winners of the 2025 Carnegie Medals announced

June 19, 2025

Inclusive Books for Children book-gifting scheme expands again

June 18, 2025

School Library Association Announces 2025 Shortlists for the Information Book Award

June 17, 2025

Contact Us

Books for Keeps,
30 Winton Avenue,
London,
N11 2AT

Telephone: 0780 789 3369

ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).

© Copyright 2025 - Books For Keeps | Proudly Built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Buckinghamshire
What’s Up, Mumu? Car Wash Wish
Scroll to top