We all face many challenges in life and bullying, in its many forms, is one of the most difficult challenges a child can face, which makes stories that help young readers understand, name and navigate those feelings invaluable. Children often encounter unkindness long before they have the language or confidence to respond to it, which is why picture books that explore empathy, difference and self-worth play such an important role. They give children a safe space to recognise their own experiences, to see that being “different” is not something to hide and to learn that kindness, towards themselves and others, matters deeply. Steiny’s Rhapsody by Tamara Alireza is one of those books: a gentle, musical and uplifting story that uses the world of various musical instruments to explore what it means to be singled out and how embracing your uniqueness can become your greatest strength.
Steiny’s Rhapsody, written by Tamara Alireza and illustrated by Nicola Anderson, is a delightful picture book for children aged 3 to 7 that takes a look at bullying. The story follows Steiny, a grand piano who lives in a lively music shop that is packed with instruments of every shape and size.
During the day, Steiny feels completely at home. As customers visit the shop, they are drawn to Steiny, he is the largest instrument in the shop by far. Drawn to his grandiose beauty, they gather around him, tinkling away on his ivory keys to play joyful tunes, leaving him feeling valued and alive. But when darkness falls and all the customers have left the shop, there is a shift in the atmosphere and all the smaller pianos start to bully him – just because they are envious of all the daily attention he receives.
This nightly teasing is constant which slowly wears him down, resulting in him feeling lonely, unsure of himself and uncertain about where he belongs.
When the pressure of it all gets too much, Steiny decides he has had enough and quietly slip out and finds an empty room. Free from any judgement and comments, he soon discovers something that is quite extraordinary: not only can he make beautiful music, but he can sing and dance too. Steiny has found his true voice, literally and figuratively, and begins to understand that his uniqueness is something to celebrate, not hide.
Overall, Steiny’s Rhapsody is an excellent picture book that looks at diversity and bullying. Told with touches of rhyme, the story is easy to follow with simple language that young page turners can grasp and take away the meaning the story is getting across.
The illustrations, by Nicola Anderson, are bright, vivid and full of lively personality, bringing the music shop and the instruments to life, capturing Steiny’s emotional journey with warmth and charm. And the expressive faces of the instruments just adds a layer of humour, which children will love.
And when the story is finished, the fun of the book isn’t. After the story has finished, at the back of the book are a set of six questions that encourage children to revisit the story pages to test their observation skills and reflect on the story’s themes. There’s also a glossary of musical terms, an excellent touch that introduces young readers to new vocabulary in a fun, accessible way. These fun additions make the book more than just a story, but a learning experience as well.
While Steiny’s Rhapsody may be a short read, it is one that will capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression long after the final page. With it superb messages about embracing diversity and standing strong in the face of unkindness, it is delivered with sensitivity and heart. Though seemingly a simple story, it captures the genuine feelings of children who see themselves as “too big,” “too small,” “too different” or not fitting in.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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