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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
What if a simple song could change the world? In Tracey and the Ukulele, written and illustrated by Susan Montgomery, young readers are introduced to a curious black and white cat named Tracey, who wonders if she can do just that. After discovering a ukulele, she begins to strum it, and something magical happens: her dull world becomes brighter and brighter after each joyful note she strums. With every new tune, she sees new things, meets new animals, and feels a greater connection to the colorful forest around her. The artwork shows the transformations in the forest, highlighting details such as strawberries, mushrooms, and butterflies emerging with each song. By the end, the message is clear—music has the power to bring people, and even nature, together.
After reading Tracey and the Ukulele by Susan Montgomery, a sense of calm and peace washed over me. I found it to be a clever story about change written with children in mind. As an educator, along with the theme of change, I also appreciated the gentle ideas of friendship, creativity, and beauty woven throughout the story. The illustrations shift from gray to vibrant colors as the story progresses, mirroring Tracey’s music and helping children see the changes happening in the forest. It can be used to start conversations with children about change, animals, and even foods. I’d also ask which part of the story is their favorite and let them know mine was the part with the bees and the purple ferns. The extra activities at the end of the book, like the follow-up questions, could be used in a classroom setting or at home, along with the song lyrics. I especially loved learning about the real Tracey, and I’m sure children will love that part, too. Altogether, this is a delightful children’s book that is timeless and truly belongs on bookshelves everywhere.
