Say, Allen: Almond

The New Girl at school plays the violin so beautifully that Almond gets lost in the music, but she also feels sad because she does not know if she herself has any talent at all--until the school play, when with the encouragement of her mother, her teacher, and the New Girl, she finds she has a talent for acting.

Allen Say is the beloved author and illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including the highly acclaimed Drawing from Memory, The Inker's Shadow, and The Favorite Daughter (all published by Scholastic); the Caldecott Medal winner Grandfather's Journey; and the Caldecott Honor winner The Boy of the Three-Year Nap. He is known for his technical skill and varied style, and his books pay tribute to Japanese culture, as well as his own personal experiences. His many books include Tree of Cranes, Under the Cherry Blossom Tree, Tea with Milk, and Erika-San. He lives in Portland, Oregon.