by Jen Fier Jasinski

Thanks, Tara, for hosting the cover reveal for MY PIANO, my debut picture book. You’ve been a steady source of insight, support, and comic relief on my writing journey.

These are the pedals, pressed down to the ground,
under the soundboard where bridges are bound
fixed to the frame enclosed in the case
that lies on the legs with wheels at their base,
to pillar and prop my piano.

I don’t play the piano. I don’t even know how to read music. Honestly, I can’t tell you whether a piece is by Beethoven or Chopin.

So how is it my debut picture book explores the workings of a grand piano through the eyes of a young musician as she prepares for and performs her first recital? Fabulous question.

My husband is a pianist, composer, and piano teacher. Our grand piano replaced our couch and is often called our “fifth family member”. It fills our home with music and joy, occupying a full room and many hours.

Despite the time and space the instrument takes up, years passed before I did more than listen. Then one day I had a friendly chat with our piano tuner. She opened our piano and I glanced inside. Whoa! What was all that? I was quickly fascinated by her tools, her skill, and how the parts interconnect and together create resounding music. I wondered to myself, “If I can spend so much time around a piano without ever exploring its parts, maybe others are missing out, too?”

I had read manuscript wishlist after wishlist searching for stories with a STEAM connection. I had also experienced plenty of second-hand anxiety for my husband’s students at their recitals (Hello, social-emotional layer). And my critique group happened to be completing a challenge to write in cumulative structure.  I put the three together and just like that (Kidding… 20+ drafts and four versions later,) MY PIANO hit just the right note!

I am thrilled this story found a home with Gnome Road Publishing and I am blown away by the spirit and artistry Anita Bagdi brought to it. Our hope is it will be a musical treat for kids and adults and help at least one child through their first piano recital.

MY PIANO is now available for preorder where most books are sold, for a September 19, 2023 release.

To celebrate her debut cover reveal, Jen is offering a giveaway of one fiction (non-rhyming) picture book critique.

Leave one comment below to enter.

A random winner will be selected next month!

Good luck!

Jen Fier Jasinski grew up outside of Washington, D.C. and spent most of her childhood exploring creeks and reading books. Jen taught special education for more than ten years, where her favorite part of the school day was always Story Time. She enjoys spending time with her spouse and kids, reading, and playing outside. Jen’s favorite days are when she gets to do all three. Her extra-favorite days include cake.

Connect with Jen at JenFierJasinski.com and on Twitter and Instagram @jenfierjasinski.