The Girl Who Wanted a Piano / La niña que quería un piano

“Mami! Mami! I heard the most wonderful thing today.” Young Ofelia heard her teacher play the piano and thought it was the most beautiful sound in the world!

Ofelia wanted to learn how to play like her teacher and begged her mother for a piano, but they couldn’t afford one. That night in bed, longing for her very own, she pretended to press keys on her pillow. The next day—and throughout her childhood—the girl imagined herself playing the instrument and writing songs. She made up many, some of which reflected her love for her mom and dad and others that reminded her of the sound of rain on the roof and even galloping horses. She grew up and never learned to play the piano, though she never forgot about her dream.

Later, when she saw a piano for sale, she had an idea that would help other low-income children fulfill their wish to play a musical instrument. “Finally, my dream will come true!” Working with friends, Ofelia established a community center in Central Texas that to this day offers all kinds of enrichment programs for a nominal fee—or even for free! This inspiring bilingual picture book with imaginative illustrations by Gabhor Utomo shares the joy of music, as well as the fulfillment that helping others brings.