Review sponsored* by Liane Alitowski
The Children’s Book Review | June 3, 2018
Visby the Virtuoso: The Classical Cruising Cat
Written by Liane Alitowski
Illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve
Hardcover book: 140 pages
Age Range: 5-8 years
Publisher:
ISBN:
What to expect: Cats, adventures at sea, history, fun facts
In Visby the Virtuoso: The Classical Cruising Cat, author Liane Alitowski introduces readers to Visby, a black cat with a gift for piano playing. This intrepid adventurer sneaks onto a cruise ship and wows the passengers with his fantastic piano playing. Before he knows it, Visby has been hired to play for the passengers and his great seafaring adventure begins!
Chock full of fun facts and information, Visby the Virtuosotakes readers on a cross- Atlantic journey to Spain, Italy, France, and Russia, among other countries. The cruise stops several fascinating European cities and in each Visby learns new things. All the while, readers learn interesting cultural facts about the countries Visby visits as well as interesting scientific facts such as how large cruise ships stay afloat and why the ocean looks blue. Readers are also introduced to numerous classical pianists and composers. Visby talks about Gershwin, Scarlatti, Ravel and Beethoven, to name just a few wonderful composers. Visby makes friends at each port of call and learns a few words in several different languages.
Visby is a marvel of a cat—and a character that readers will surely want to know more about. His ability to regale an audience with his vast knowledge will keep readers riveted. This well-paced story is chock full of information and anecdotes and will be fun read for lovers of cats, classical music and cruise ships.
About the Author
Author and pianist, Liane Alitowski, is a native New Yorker who has been widely acclaimed for her solo and chamber performances in the US, Canada, France, Sweden, Argentina, Israel, Australia and Japan. As the first resident pianist for Miami’s New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, Ms. Alitowski was featured with artists such as Joshua Bell, Sharon Robinson, the Miami String Quartet, the late Audrey Hepburn and the renowned Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society. Her discography includes“Liane Alitowski plays Haydn, Chopin and Ravel,”1997, and “Liane Alitowski plays Beethoven, Debussy and Messiaen,” 2004.
Outside of her appearances on land, Ms. Alitowski has performed for a number of cruise lines around the world. Her seafaring concert audiences have been aboard Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Renaissance, Costa and World Explorer cruise ships.
About the Illustrator
Mylène Villeneuve is a professional illustrator and portrait artist. She has been in the field of book illustrations for over 10 years and has been drawing for her entire life.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. Liane Alitowski sponsored* this non-biased review of “Visby the Virtuoso: The Classical Cruising Cat.” Learn more about getting a book review …
