Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me
David Gutnick, Author
Mathilde Cinq-Mars, Illustrator
Second Story Press, Fiction, Apr. 18, 2018
Suitable for Ages:5-8
Themes: Music, Piano teacher, Intergenerational relationships, Friendship, Loss
Opening: Not long after my family arrived from China, I went to the park with my father, whom I call Baba. Lots of people went there to play…it is where I met someone I will always remember.
Synopsis: Shortly after a girl and her family arrive from China, she and her father (Baba) meet an older gentleman in a park. They learn that Mr. Mergler has taught piano lessons to hundreds of students for over 50 years. Baba proudly shares that his daughter plays the piano at their church. Mr. Mergler asks her to sing her favorite song. He closes his eyes as he listens. He hears music in a way that most of us can’t. When she finishes, Mr. Mergler recognizes the girl’s talent and offers to give her piano lessons. Their bond grows as she studies with him. Her fingers fly over the ivory keys and she becomes lost in the magic of her music. After many months of study, the girl learns that Mr. Mergler is ill. Mr. Mergler sends her a letter and a special gift.
Why I like this book:
This is a heartwarming multicultural and intergenerational story about a girl and her elderly music teacher. The author beautifully captures the affection and bond between teacher and student — and all of the hundreds of students who lives he’s touched. His walls are adorned with their photographs.
This story is inspired by the life of the wonderful and generous musician Daniel Mergler, who loved to teach children. It is a story that will inspire many classically trained young musicians. It is also a tribute to a quiet and kind man who was adored by his students. His story brought tears to my eyes as I reminisced about many of my favorite piano teachers as a child, teen and young adult. I am sure many adults reading this story with their children will recall their memories of favorite teachers.
Mathilde Cinq-Mars soft and whimsical illustrations carry their own melody with musical symbols woven into the delicate composition. They are exquisite and compliment the text.
Resources: Make sure you read the material about the lives of Daniel Mergler and Beethoven at the end of the story. They give insight into Mr. Mergler and are a good way to address music with children. Music can be made with many items. If you don’t have a piano, give children a harmonica, kazoo, bells, pots and pans to play with to encourage rhythm and fun.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
What a lovely picture book to savour. A book about music, that is multicultural and intergenerational, will always be special and that cover is so appealing. I imagine the illustrations are easy on the eyes as well.
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The cover and the illustrations are so beautiful and filled with symbolism. And, it will trigger memories for many parents.
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What a lovely book! I love the cover and how the sheet of music is gingerly placed in the background. Wonderful review, Pat.
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I really enjoyed this story. It really has many themes running through it, including the girl dealing with her teacher’s death. Handled so beautifully. And, I agree with your comment about the cover.
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What a beautiful story! Intergenerational, multicultural & the arts – I think this picture book has it all, and such dreamy illustrations!
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Some similarities in the books we reviewed, both being intergenerational. I love how the story is based on the life of the real Mr. Mergler. This one is a beautiful story about his devotion to his students. Beautiful story and illustrations!
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I love the title of this one and the story is even better. I took many piano lesson as a youngster so this hits home.
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I thought adults with find some nostalgia in this book. It is a beautiful story about a real piano teacher!
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I read this one just a little while ago – it’s lovely!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this book! Thanks for commenting.
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I was already won over by the cover illustration with the lush greenery, growing from the piano like the most beautiful music. I’m heading over to my library website to put this book on hold. Having enjoyed many years of piano lessons as a child, I know this book will bring back warm memories.
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Yes, the cover with overlay of sheet music caught my attention. Lovely story about a real music teacher, Mr Mergler.
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Definitely putting this one on my list. You find the most amazing books, Patricia. Such a great combination, a multicultural and intergenerational story!
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Thank you. I am a sucker for intergenerational stories. Love to share them!
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This sounds like a delightful story, Patricia, and I do like the cover too.
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It was a walk down memory lane for me. Glad that it is based on a real person.
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That adds extra appeal for me too.
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