Tim Malcuit

Today's A Mighty Girl Community Pick: "Because" by Mo Willems. "An unexpected note can change a life..." A little girl's musical journey begins because her uncle is sick and gives her his ticket to a concert. But is that really where the journey begins? Perhaps it began hundreds of years ago because a composer wrote beautiful music that people want to hear over and over again. Or maybe it began when the musicians on the stage picked up their instruments and practiced because they wanted to play every note perfectly. But where the girl's journey leads her is to center stage, where her work as a conductor will become the "because" for another young music lover in the future!

This uplifting new picture book by beloved author Mo Willems celebrates the transformative power of music and how it unites people across distance and time. This gentle story captures the joy that music brings while showing how chance, persistence, and inspiration all combine to guide this young girl's journey of discovery. For any music lover -- or anyone who wonders what small quirks of circumstance have helped inspire their life's work -- this is a book to treasure. Highly recommended for ages 4 to 8.

"Because" is available at https://www.amightygirl.com/because

For two more inspiring picture books about Mighty Girls who discover the power of music, both for ages 4 to 8, we also recommend "Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song" (https://www.amightygirl.com/khalida-and-the-most-beautiful-song) and "Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin" (https://www.amightygirl.com/hana-hashimoto-sixth-violin)

For many stories for children and teens of pioneering girls and women in the arts -- both in real-life and fiction -- visit our "Creative Arts" section at http://amgrl.co/2ibkDIQ

And, if you'd like to encourage your own Mighty Girl's interest in the arts, check out our blog post "Growing Creativity: 60 Arts and Crafts Toys for Mighty Girls," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10465