Zhang, Gracey

"Rubin loves the beautiful sounds that are played by the orchestra. He wants to learn to play the violin and make his own music. But when Rubin plays, it doesn't sound like he imagines it should. Rubin goes into the forest to practice alone and despite only getting the violin to screech, he finds an unlikely audience that loves his unique style"--Provided by publisher.

Every day, no matter how hot, Lala carries a pot of water around the corner to a patch of dirt and concrete, waters the tiny weeds sprouting there, and whispers words of encouragement to her plant friends; then, on the hottest day of all, her mother insists she stay home, but Lala worries about her friends, and whispers words of love--with a magical result.