Oscar is determined to have the star role in the school musical performance – but no, he gets ignored. He even gets a grand total of zero stage appearances, as he'll be backstage, coordinating everything as stage manager. Can he possibly get over the disappointment – for in this world, the show must go on, but there's no guarantee it will?

This is a decent mix of lesson about disappointment, and the typical kind of surprise underdog narrative that focussing on the unseen hero can bring. It also handily shows us the specifics of the stage manager, while also proving that other people rely on back-up. Apparently there's even a musical version to download and have a bash at on our own stages – which helps explain the few times these characters burst out into chorus about it all.

As a book I think it's in a halfway house, neither really going for that musical element nor pushing it to one side. It certainly doesn't feel committed to being a book-of-a-musical, and the rhyming sections of characterisation are therefore always sore thumbs when they do pop up. That said, the story is a very decent, if simple one, the artwork very complementary, and it does strike one as a distinctive read. I feel it's not the achievement it might have been – but still gets four stars, showing it has merit enough.

Entertaining book! All about managing disappointment and how sometimes things can turn out great for you, even if you're not looking forward to the situation. In this book, Oscar gets a backstage role in the theatre instead of an onstage role. Oscar is disappointed by learns to love working backstage.

This was very fun for me to read, as I work backstage in theatr,e and I would have loved to learn about these types of roles when I was younger.

I received an electronic ARC from Free Spirit Publishing through NetGalley.
Oscar has his heart set on being the lead in their school play. When he doesn't get the role, he is understandably upset but his director talks with him and tells him why she made him the Stage Manager. He is organized, prepared and can respond quickly to fix things that may go wrong. His family and friends also talk about what a perfect role this is and how important the people behind the scenes are. Readers see him handle his disappointment and decide to take this role. He discovers how important this job is and how well he does at it. By the final curtain, he has grown and handled crises along the way. I appreciate the message to stretch and discover what skills you have. The Author Note at the end offers tips on handling disappointment and learning more about behind the scenes work. Terrific class or family read together.

I could see this book being a great fit for school libraries and a wonderful introduction to both the world of theater and the idea of disappointment.

I loved this story. As someone with a background in acting and backstage work, I liked seeing that both were equally acknowledged and appreciated. I thought that the story would help children see another avenue for creativity within the theatre. I also really like the back portion of the book for helping children manage disappointment. Not getting the part you want can be hard and I thought this book would be helpful for understanding and processing such big emotions. I also really like that resources were provided to learn more about backstage jobs and the work that is done backstage. I thought overall this book was a fun and informative intro to the stage, perfect for children.

A good lesson to learn for kids. Kids need to learn they’re not always going to be the center of attention, and this is a gentle way to explain that while bringing in a bunch of inspiration from the world and nature how everything and everyone has a role to play, no matter how small or ‘unseen.’ I love the art style and colors, especially the song like pages that illustrate the examples given, like trees growing and the streams flowing.

My favorite part of the book is the ending (which is more for the adults than the kids) giving some advice for how they can manage the disappointment in situations like this. I always appreciate when a children’s book can be beneficial for adults as well.

Bravo for highlighing the importance of backstage workers!

As a professional stage manager I will absolutely be recommending this to my friends who work with children in theatre.

This was a nice book for managing disappointment with kids! The illustrations are beautiful and fun! You have some help and guidance at the end of the book to help manage disappointment and turn it into a positive experience. To see the bright side and all!!
Good tool for teachers and parents! A must for sure!
Thanks netgalley for the advanced copy !!

As someone who has just finished up a show and felt initially disappointed with not getting the role I auditioned for this one hit hard. The disappointment is understandable but this book shows that every role in theatre is important and by closing night you’ll have loved the role just as much. I recommend this book for children and adults alike as it shows how to handle disappointment well, especially within theatre

Heartwarming mini-musical tale told by the talented Mary Rand Hess and Randy Preston. Through the in depth and expressive illustrations, and inspiring and compelling story is told!

This book, along with help from a teacher, might help kids get over disappointment. It is truly hard to have your heart set on one thing, and be told that you didn’t make it.

Oscar hoped for a lead role, but instead has to be a backstage manager. That was not what he wanted, and doesn't sound like much fun.

His teacher knows he is disappointed, so explains that his part backstage is very important, and the play can’t go on without him. His other friends try to tell him the same. Of course, because this is a book about dealing with disappointment, he does get over it, and everything else happily, perhaps too easily, but it is a picture book, and one has to get to the point quickly.

Still the best advice comes after the story, telling how to deal with disappointment. How to talk to others, how to think positively, to keep a journal, and to plant a garden to tend to help you as well. All good advice.

I’m glad there is a book out there, trying to show that every part is important, and that there is nothing wrong with being disappointed, but to get over it at some point, and get up from the ashes.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 23rd of September 2025.

I wish i had this when i was little.
Cute and funny way to tac life and how to handle disappointment.