Meet classical composer and violinist Niccolò Paganini in this charming semi-autobiographical tale. Travel through time following a charming little mouse called Minim who loves cheese and music. On this occasion, he finds himself bouncing around in Emily's skirt pocket as she joyfully skips down the stairs to her father's bustling workshop. A very special guest has just arrived, a musician deemed the best violinist in the world. Little do the luthiers know that they will come very close to witnessing a terrible accident: the destruction of Niccolo Paganini's most cherished instrument. Luckily, the little girl saves the day by miraculously catching the violin in midair before it hits the floor. Filled with gratitude, the maestro plays a piece for her--as if nothing else in the world ever existed. In addition to the illustrated story and introductory notes on the composer, an accompanying CD (and a unique digital download code) features recordings of the narrated story and a performance of the composition "Caprice 24." Part of the Little Stories of Great Composers series, featuring Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Haydn, Schubert, and Paganini.

Ana Gerhard studied as a concert pianist at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City and is a renowned music educator. In addition to writing the Little Stories of Great Composers series, she is a four-time recipient of the Parents' Choice Award for Little Creatures, Simply Fantastic and Amazing Water. Marie Lafrance studied graphic arts, etching, and worked as a printmaker before going on to illustrate children's books. Over her career she's earned three nominations for the Governor General's Literary Award, and she recently received the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award for A Hen for Izzy Pippik.