The Cello of Mr. O

Last updated Monday, March 25, 2002

Author: Jane Cutler
Illustrator:
Date of Publication:
ISBN:
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2000

Synopsis: In a ravaged, war-torn city, where heat must come from burning furniture and even cherished books, where even the relief truck is destroyed by enemy fire, how can people find hope? In this powerfully evocative picture book, one little girl discovers the answer.

Craft ideas:

• Draw a head for the girl, and one for Mr. O. What's going on in her head? Why is she "angry almost all of the time?" What's going on in his head? Why does he play the music. Draw it out.
• What do you do when you are scared? Draw a picture, or make a hat with things to do/things you are scared of?
• In the book, the music coming out of the cello became pictures. What pictures do you hear in music, what feelings does music give you? (Maybe play a classical CD or tape, ala Mr. Rogers??)