Colleen Kong-Savage’s Piano Wants to Play is a delightful read. From the onset, the wavy, embossed letters of the title and the playful cover art — a collage of a girl seated at a white piano, her head tilted upward, eyes closed in a smile, and mouth open as if singing joyfully — invite readers into its enchanting world.
Told from the perspective of Piano, the narrative beautifully captures the joyful bond that forms between the instrument and Amy, its young player. As Amy explores Piano’s keys, practices scales, and gradually learns to create music, the two embark on a jubilant journey of melody-making together. However, as Amy grows older and becomes preoccupied with homework, extracurricular activities, and her social life, her interest in Piano wanes, leaving Piano idle and forgotten.
Kong-Savage’s collaged illustrations bring the magic of the story’s musical moments vividly to life. With their three-dimensional quality, the collages create a reading experience that feels both visual and tactile, inviting readers to almost reach out and touch the characters and objects.
A heartwarming tale about the enduring joy of music and the way seeds planted in childhood may lie dormant before blossoming anew, Piano Wants to Play is sure to captivate readers of different ages.
