“A smile shared is a song that never ends.” In Tim Tivis' picture book, Melody and the Magic Music Box, a young orphan girl called Melody, with a small voice, loves to sing everywhere she goes, sharing her joy in life. Another girl, a princess called Harmony, has lost her smile, and her parents want to help her find it again, so they hold a singing contest. Melody doesn’t believe her voice is strong enough, but the kind house mother, Mrs. Treble, convinces her to try anyway. Carrying the precious music box that she had found on one of her adventures, Melody shares a special song the music box taught her: “I’m so happy, it’s a beautiful day, all is right in the world today…” Music and smiles do make everything seem right in the world. Would her song and her gentle voice be enough to bring a smile back to Princess Harmony’s face?

Tim Tivis’s Melody and the Magic Music Box: A Tale From the Kingdom of Song is a delightful story about two young girls inspired by the joy of music. The language is simple and suitable for early readers, and the illustrations are soft, gentle, and inspirational. I love the way the important characters all have musical names: Melody, Harmony, and Mrs. Treble. The story is about caring, sharing, smiling, and music. It’s also a great way to encourage young readers to believe in themselves and to try to bring joy to everyone around them. At the end of the book, the author includes a discussion page, “Let’s Talk About Melody’s Adventure!”, with ideas for young readers to learn more about how they can be like Melody and share joy with the world. Even the smallest person, with the softest voice, can make a difference, if only they are brave enough to try. Everyone’s voice matters; everyone matters.

Melody and the Magic Music Box by Tim Tivis is the story of a young girl growing up without her parents in a world where music is part of everything. Melody spends much of her time outside, singing to herself and imagining a life past the orphanage walls. On a typical walk one day, she finds an old music box. This music box doesn’t respond to anything other than a sincere smile. At the same time, the Kingdom of Song has a big problem. Princess Harmony is unhappy and keeps to herself, which makes the king anxious. He creates a singing contest open to anyone to try to solve the princess’s sadness. Melody isn’t sure she can participate because she isn’t a professional singer. However, with some support from an adult she trusts, she enters and sings a song meaningful to her. Could her song actually reach someone as important as the princess?

Melody and the Magic Music Box: A Tale From the Kingdom of Song by Tim Tivis works well as a children’s picture book because it keeps the story clear, engaging, and fun. The story takes place in a calm, imaginative world, so kids can read it without getting lost or confused by too many small details along the way. The author writes in a friendly style that encourages young readers to read together. Melody grows little by little through her actions, and the story teaches kindness without sounding like a long lesson. Music brings people together rather than being about winning or proving yourself. Overall, this book will appeal to children who enjoy fairy tales, fantasy, and musical stories, especially those where small, kind actions matter in the story.