An enchanting bit of early Americana, in which a small-town boy with a harmonica charms the mayor of the city. ( )

Ex libris Rebecca Schaffner ( )

A young boy named Lentil can't carry a tune, yet learns to play the harmonica and ends up saving the day when an important visitor comes to town.

Oh how nostalgic. Love the names of the boy and the town, Lentil and Alto. Love the series of images as the boy walks through the town practicing his harmonica. Love the ending. Not so sure I like the message that Sneep's attitude needs reforming - maybe he has a point about Carter. ( )

Lentil was sad that he was not able to sing so he saved up for a harmonica. He played his harmonica everywhere and everyone loved the music except for Old Sneep. There was news the Colonel Carter was returning and the town got ready to welcome him home. When Colonel Carter steps out of the train Old Sneep distracts the band from playing causing confusion. Lentil saves the day with his harmonica. GENRE: realistic fiction. USES: to teach confidence, and problem solving. CRITIQUE: This book is set in the past in a small town with colonel, so it is not very relatable to kids in that way. However kids can relate to not being good at something like singing, and finding an alternative solution. MEDIA: pencil.