Cover Image: Adam and His Tuba

Adam and His Tuba

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Member Reviews

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is a story about the black sheep of a circus family. Everyone else has an act in the show, but he has no interest in the things they do to impress the crowds. This is a problem because everyone should contribute and he is old enough that he should be part of the show by now.

I don't really understand why no one thought to ask Adam what he wanted to do to contribute, since surely some of them suggested their own new acts at some point. There's no way they all just learned something that someone else was previously doing. When they hear him playing his tuba, things change.

Ultimately this is a story of a family not understanding when someone else is a little different. But ultimately they realize his differences make him great too.

The illustrations have an antique look to them, like they were drawn 100 years ago, and they seem very fitting for this circus story. Overall I give it 3.7 out of 5 stars.

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This is a wonderful story about the character finding his special place in the family. This was a unique story with wonderful illustrations! We enjoyed the variety of characters.

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A family of circus with one different member. A beautiful reminder of the odd one out, that has his own sparkle. That everyone matters and have their special abilities. But we usually don't want to listen. This book is also beautifully illustrated.

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I had the pleasure to view this book early, thanks to @netgalley ! Review posted on my instagram lizzies_little_library_

A little boy is part of a talented circus family. Each member seems to have their specific talents, but Adam doesn’t fit into the interests of his family. However, his family discovers Adam’s true talent…playing the tuba. The family works together to incorporate Adam and his talent into their circus performance and they find that it only increases their performance success.

Wonderful story about finding individual strengths and how our strengths can work together to achieve amazing things!

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What a beautiful child's book The illustrations were very beautiful remind me of the books from the forties. The little boy and his family had many t Talents Everybody had a job and a roll to do. Adam could not seem to fit in until he found something he was really good at. I think it shows that everybody can be different in a family and still be accepted. I think the book is really interesting and It shows how you can be different and still be accepted. He was good at the tuba and he did different things with this tuba and was quite interesting.

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Thank you to NorthSouth Books and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the illustrations. I really also enjoyed the story. This is a story about Adam who is a member of the Von Trapeze family. He wants to do his own thing and not be part of the circus act that his family wants him to do.

This is a cute story about making your own way, and I loved it!

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This book tells the story of a boy who grows up in the circus. Adam's family all have unique talents and love to perform, everyone except Adam that is. One day his family discovers his love of playing the tuba. Quickly his music is incorporated into the performance and Adam begins to enjoy being part of the show. The illustrations have that aged and classic circus look to them and the story is interesting and reminds readers that everyone is unique. There is a fair amount of text and it is quite small so it would likely be a book that is read to children or art of shared reading experiences. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 5-9 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

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Such a remarkable story about a boy finding his own path without having to follow something that was placed in front of him by someone else! It teaches parents not to burden children with the expectations they have toward them, and children that it is okay to want to try different things until they find something that fits.

The art is simply fantastic with these gorgeous sepia tones. Truly beautiful!

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Ebook received for free

My kids (6 and 8) and I both enjoyed this book. The images were adorable and the story great. Love all their names.

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Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for accepting my request to read and review Adam and His Tuba.

Author: Ziga X Gombac
Published: 02/28/23
Genre: Children's Fiction

The color palette chosen for the illustrations is the highlight of the book. The browns are rich and comforting.

The story centers around listening. The youngest in a family of circus performers doesn't want to follow in their footsteps. Adam's interests and future career is where the story goes.

The ending was abrupt. I flipped back several pages believing I missed a page or two. There is no explanation.

Listening is a lifelong tool. With this book, I wouldn't want to randomly pick it off a shelf. The ending can change the mood of the family time and deflate any progress made teaching.

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This book went down very well with my grandchildren. I read it as a bedtime story and then was asked to read it again immediately. We then had to study the pictures in great detail and discuss the characters in the book. If they are sleepy in the morning it is my fault. Personally I am staying up late to read the book again and study the illustrations. I can see myself buying a few of these beautiful books for the children. Loved it !

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I received a free copy of "Adam and His Tuba" via NetGalley to provide an unbiased review.

I loved this book. The artwork feels like you are stepping into an older, sepia tone film all about the circus. The story had a simple but gradual flow that led to a crescendo of action and resolution. This is a wonderful story about a child or person finding their own place in their family, whether they are introverted or extroverted. Anyone can be talented, even if they keep it behind closed doors.

Would definitely recommend to Public Libraries for story times or for preschoolers.

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What a lovely graphic novel! The warm tone colors matched the story set in the circus. This is an amazing graphic novel that could speak to children and adults.

Von Trapeez's family runs a circus where they go from town to town to perform a fantastic show. While every member has the tricks and joins the show, Adam doesn't have the same interests. Everyone in the family is worried and tried to corporate him by teaching him all kinds of tricks they had but they don't know that Adam has his talents.

It's a story about family expectations and acceptance. This is a book that shows even if you're different, you still can be accepted because everyone is unique with their own colors. Overall, this is a cute book with lovely illustrations. Love it!

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This was absurdly precious. I loved it so much. It was such a great reminder to be who you are fully and never back down on that. People are going to accept you, even if it takes them a little bit of reminding here and there. WE don't have to fit into specific boxes! We can make lovely music instead of flying from the trapeze! It's okay! I just loved this so much.

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A picture book story for a slightly older audience. Deals with family expectations, understanding one another, and playing to our strengths. Also highlights that all families are different even amongst themselves.

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Thank you for a free copy of this book. It has absolutely stunning illustrations, colors, and lighting. I got the autumnal, circus vibe and adored it. This book is simple in its storytelling, translated from its original German (I think) and tells the story of a famous family circus and one member who shows no desire to participate in any of the acts. I really enjoyed how this story ultimately showed that one can break their family mold, but also be accepted and part of the group as well. It teaches to not assume that everyone will like the same things and that you don't have to follow your parents' expectations. Loved ones should ask and inquire and show interest in what your family members like to do. It had a happy ending, with Adam doing what he loves and being part of the family circus. Very cute and again, amazing illustrations.

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Very beautiful illustrations. Perfect for middle grade. Short. Sweet. Great lesson. Wish it was a tad longer for how intricate the writing is.

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What a truly lovely book. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is sweet and special. This would be one I would want a hardback copy of to keep on my daughters shelf. My only feedback is the length - the page length is short while the story is long. I think many of the early pages could have been 2-3 pages each with the amount of text and then we would get more of the amazing illustrations.

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4.5 Stars
Adam is the youngest member of the Von Trapeze family. Every family member, from grandpa to Adam’s siblings and cousins, performs for the circus. They tour from one town to another and entertain the audience. However, Adam doesn’t excel at any of the tricks. The family is worried until they realize that Adam has his own talent, something they never considered or noticed before.
This is a super cute book about how each of us has different talents and why it is important to let kids bloom and choose skills/ fields they love. The story is simple, sweet, and touching. But the illustrations are just wow. If you like the nostalgic sepia-tinted old-world charm kind of illustrations, grab this book right away.
The circus setting, the light and shadow effects, the makeup, and the detailing are so so good! The illustrations create a tangible atmosphere on the pages and transport the readers to the setting.
To Summarize, Adam and His Tuba is a beautiful book with a sweet story, a moral for adults, and amazing illustrations.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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As picture books go, this one was very enjoyable. The art style was unique and interesting, and the setting being a circus provided opportunities for lots of little details to enjoy throughout. It is an excellent story to read and to spend time looking at, just to take in all of the smaller pieces in the artwork. Adam is such a fun and adorable character, and as we learn about the members of his extraordinary family, the theme of the story begins to take shape. This is an excellent children's book, teaching about the acceptance of others' differences and how everyone has something to contribute as long as they are given the space and accommodation to do so. I recommend this book as both a fun, educational story for children as well as a sweet, beautiful story for all ages to enjoy.

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