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Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
The Music Within by Renelle Dsouza is a gentle, inspiring picture book about Anna and Oliver, siblings who initially resist learning the keyboard their father brings home. They would rather play outside than practice, often throwing tantrums and finding music boring. But with their father’s gentle encouragement, persistence, and perseverance, their clumsy sounds evolve into melodies, music, and confidence. A magical moment arrives when they play beautifully together, leading to their first school concert, where they receive appreciation and applause. As adults, Anna becomes a pianist and Oliver a songwriter. Grateful, they thank their father for never giving up, realizing the music was within them all along.
The Music Within by Renelle Dsouza is a warm tale of family, music, and unlocking the potential inside us. Themes like patience, practice, perseverance, resilience, inner potential, and the joy of discovery are seen throughout the narrative. With humor and plenty of wrong notes, their journey feels familiar to any child learning something new. Character development is subtle yet powerful. Anna and Oliver move from resistance to pride, showing children that persistence can transform difficulty into accomplishment. Their father’s role is equally important—his patience and quiet faith highlight the support that helps children thrive. The pacing mirrors this growth; starting light and playful with silly frustrations, then building toward more meaningful and emotional moments. The striking illustrations are designed to keep young readers engaged while deepening the themes. This story reassures children that growth takes time, while reminding parents and teachers of the importance of steady guidance.
