Aven Green is back for more grade-school adventures in Bowling's prequel series to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (2017). Aven, armless from birth, has already become a supersleuth and accomplished baker, and now she has her sights set on becoming the best pianist who's ever lived. So what if she's never played a note, or that the talent show is next week? Aven is confident she'll excel. But when playing the keyboard doesn't come as naturally as she expected, the usually undaunted Aven doubts herself. Can she deliver on her ambitions? Aven is funny and fearless, and Bowling also presents a wonderfully realistic depiction of the struggles inherent in learning a new skill. Young readers will surely relate to the frustration ("What's the point of doing something if I'm not an expert at it?"), and gentle encouragement from Aven's parents and teacher will go far in reassuring them that learning and growth, not perfection and accolades, are the real accomplishments. Another winning installment in a hilarious and heartfelt series.

Irrepressible Aven Green returns to tackle a new challenge: playing a musical instrument.When her teacher Ms. Luna announces a talent show, Aven has no trouble listing her many skills: She's already a keen detective and a strong baker. But what she really wants is to be a professional musician. After all, not having arms doesn't mean she can't play an instrument. And surely, a week is more than enough time to master some Mozart! But finding an instrument she can handle-or rather "feetle"-is tougher than it seems. The violin is out of the question, and her toes don't stretch enough to play chords on the piano. Her best friend hurts her feelings by dubbing her piano-playing "bad noises," and hearing about her classmates' talents (which range from artistic to humorously revolting) makes her feel like giving up. But with support from Ms. Luna, her parents, and her great-grandmother, Aven learns that all that matters is doing her best. As Aven's appealing self-confidence alternates with frustration, Bowling simultaneously acknowledges setbacks and reassures readers that discouraging feelings don't last forever. Adults' matter-of-fact acceptance of Aven's musical ambition is refreshing, and the resolution to her instrumental dilemma is heartwarming. Straightforward dialogue explores such concepts as patience, persistence, and tact. Perry's spirited black-and-white cartoon illustrations vividly express Aven's sadness, determination, and joy. Aven and her family present White, Ms. Luna is depicted as brown-skinned, and Aven's classmates are racially diverse.Realistic, affirming, and uplifting. (glossary) (Fiction. 6-9)