The Chief Cellist

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.