An old man, known as the Wren, plays his hurdy-gurdy, and with the help of his student, the Sparrow, brings hope and inspiration to the people of a small Polish town.
"A beautiful tale emphasizing the importance of music - especially during times of despair."
Booklist
"The affecting text is filled with both pathos and hope, befitting the author's status as U.S. Children's Poet Laureate (2011 - 2013). Somber watercolor and pencil illustrations convey the historical darkness of the time, yet are punctuated with the Sparrow's red hair and the rich tones of the instruments that invoke the hope of better days to come. A poetic tribute to the resilience and continui
Jewish Book World
"Nayberg's stylized brush strokes initially take tones of brown and drear, but they warm with hope toward the end. The textured creases and cracks of paint echo the deliberate folds of the letter that holds such importance. A lyrical look at a horrific time; an appeal to the necessity of remembering."
