This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how a young girl becomes a composer. Her journey started with just one small act and it led her on an amazing journey. Readers of all ages will appreciate seeing how just one small act can change a person’s life. The cause and effect relationships portrayed in this story remind us of how all of our actions have a ripple effect and can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

The first time I read this book I read it through the eyes of storytime. Would it work? Would it not work? Would the audience get it? The first read through did not prove to offer much for me so I put it aside.

It was at my mock Caldecott program the other day that I gave it another chance. I found myself falling in love with the book in a greater way. You never know how the course of one simple thing can change the course of someone's life. We also don't know the impact that our actions can have on future generations. Throughout this text we see Beethoven and how circumstance after circumstance inspired a young girl.

It's a very different Mo Willems offering (especially as we are used to the Pigeon books and Elephant and Piggie.) However, there is a depth here you wouldn't expect to find. I like it and would like to see more of it. ( )

Many people work towards making a musical concert happen. It all starts with many musicians creating inspirational notes that influence future musicians. Then, when the show was ready, many book tickets got sold, including a little girl’s aunt and uncle. But the uncle fell ill, and the aunt took the little girl to the concert. The little girl excitedly came to the show and was deeply inspired by the music. She pursued music. What happens to the little girl?

We picked this book for its title and cover. The book talks about how a little girl starts her musical journey inspirationally. The story and the illustrations flow smoothly, just like delightful music.

Because by Mo Willems is an inspirational book that will encourage kids to enjoy new experiences and to dream big. ( )

This would have to be my favorite book by Willems. It is about the circle of music and how an inspired individual can create a ripple effect that ultimately inspires another young, budding musician. Willems explores the importance of music as a beautiful art form of self-expression and how the process starts and finishes for orchestrated concerts. The illustration is a bit more complex, with more details and backgrounds than his other pigeon series. ( )

Willems departs from his usual comic fare in this ode to the many people that inspire and contribute to the creation of art in young people.

Each spread in the first half of the book states a causal effect: “Because a man named Ludwig wrote beautiful music— / a man named Franz was inspired to create his own. // Because many years later, people wanted to hear Franz’s beautiful music— / they formed an orchestra.” Musicians who have practiced diligently are invited to participate, workers make sure the concert hall is ready, and ushers open the doors. This chain continues as each person contributes to the culmination of a present-day grand orchestral performance at which a little tawny-brown–skinned girl is present, “because” her uncle has caught a cold and given her his ticket. This little girl is changed by this experience, and in the second half of the book, she grows up to create her own music that then inspires another child, who listens outside. Debut illustrator Ren’s delicate cartoon art depicts both a realistic multicultural community and magical representations of music and inspiration. Both the protagonist and the child who hears her are depicted borne aloft by tendrils of colored music.

While many books celebrate the arts and creativity, this one stands out for recognizing the importance of community support; from the orchestra librarian to the music lovers who purchase tickets, everyone contributes to the culture of creativity. (Picture book. 4-8)