As she walks through Venice, young Gabriella hears music in the hustle and bustle of city life. The tune she hums has been inspired by the calls of street vendors, church bells, and the sound of boats gently bumping against the canal walls. Her infectious song is picked up and passed along from one person to another, until it reaches the ears of the brilliant composer, Giuseppe Del Pietro, who turns it into a full symphony. Giselle Potter's distinctive watercolor paintings use curved lines and leaning figures to give a sense of music wafting through the streets of Venice. (Ages 4-7)

In the streets and canals of Venice, Gabriella can hear nothing but sweet music. The drying laundry goes slap-slap, the church bells go ting-aling-ling, and the lire go jing-aling-ling. Soon, Gabriella is humming her way through town -- and everyone hears her song! Some find it sad, others smile when they hear it -- but none can forget the beautiful melody. Before long, a certain struggling composer is inspired by Gabriella's song -- and a beautiful symphony is born.