"A recommended read for kids who want to make their own kind of music in this world."
— Good Reads with Ronna
"Golds and grays underlie the illustrations, vivified by red stripes, flushed cheeks, pink bouquets, and bursts of light; each panel in this heartwarming tale is full of captivating period details."
— Foreword Reviews,
starred review"a lovely addition to libraries seeking unusual international fare in books and those needing books on kids who beat their own drum."
— School Library Journal
"Gombac’s clear yet understated nod to the importance of finding one’s own path is sure to strike a note with young readers and may even reassure some caregivers. An entertaining look at a bygone era, brimming with encouragement to follow one’s dreams."
— Kay Weisman
"The only member not taking center stage is the youngest, Adam, who has attempted all of these things without success. While the family gathers to discuss how they can best help him thrive, a magical melody fills the air. The family investigates and finds Adam playing the tuba with unbelievable skill. The family is gobsmacked: “How come we never noticed, or heard him, before now?” “It would appear we were completely caught up in our circus tricks,” says Papa Alexei. It’s a striking thought and one that will resonate with many readers—and hopefully with many caregivers who are trying to turn their children into things they’re not. Once Adam’s talent is discovered, he’s able to join the newly modified family business, proving that the best traditions allow for adaptations so that everyone feels included.
Readers will be left screaming, 'Encore!'"
— Kirkus Reviews
"A family of circus performers face a moral reckoning in this playfully illustrated story of acceptance"
— Publishers Weekly
"The picturebook very gently reminds readers that those who may not have the same interests still have a very important contribution to make, and that crucially, they need to be listened to rather than moulded. What I liked in particular about this story was that although Adam takes his place in the circus tent, he ‘
still finds the thundering applause a tiny bit uncomfortable’ and of course this reminds us, that this it is okay to not necessarily want to take centre stage.
Adam and his Tuba is a beautifully illustrated empathetic tale which will make a perfect class read, and will, I’m sure, be revisited time and again by both children and their adults."
— Ann Alton
"Warm sepia-colored paintings light up the Von Trapeze’s circus world in this lighthearted story about finding one’s own path."
— Marilyn Ward
"The book has beautiful illustrations, to capture the attention and imagination of young children. Highly recommend this wonderful title for any children’s library!"
— Children's Literature Reviews
"Adam and His Tuba conveys a touching message of how everyone can contribute to something in their own way if given a chance. The illustrations are masterful and original offering the superb feeling of an old time circus."
— Kiss the Book Blog
