Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan, illustrated by Barry Root Ages 5-8 32 pages Candlewick May 2011 Hardcover     When a young Appalachian boy meets an old-time fiddle player, a relationship begins that results in a long-term friendship. Always fascinated by the fiddle, the boy develops, under the man’s care and instruction, into a very gifted musician. From playing on the front porch to performing at folk festivals, the two carry on the tradition of passing music down from one generation to another. A lyrical story inspired by the lives of renowned fiddlers Melvin Wine and Jake Krack, whose friendship spanned decades, this is a warmhearted ode to American folk music.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)