Sally's Musical Tale - Hardcover

by Rosie J. Pova (Author), Claire Zhang (Illustrator)

Sally Snake has always loved music, especially the
piano. There's just one problem: snakes don't have fingers. While others doubt
she can ever play, Sally refuses to let her unusual body define what she's
capable of achieving.

When a local music talent show offers Sally the chance to
perform, she knows she must find a creative way to turn her dream into reality.
Along the way, Sally faces setbacks, discouragement, and the challenge of doing
something no one expects a snake to do. With perseverance, imagination, and a
deep belief in herself, she discovers that there is more than one way to make
music and more than one way to succeed.

Sally's Musical Tale is a warm and
encouraging picture book about determination, problem-solving, and embracing
creativity when the path forward isn't obvious. Through Sally's journey, young
readers are reminded that challenges can inspire new approaches and that
confidence grows through trying, adapting, and trying again.

Ideal for read-alouds and classroom discussions, this story
supports social-emotional learning themes such as resilience, self-confidence,
and growth mindset. It also pairs naturally with music units, creative arts
exploration, and conversations about inclusion, making it a versatile and
lasting addition to home, library, and school collections.

Author Biography

Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children's book author, poet, writing coach, and speaker whose work celebrates imagination, resilience, and the power of creativity. Her picture book Sunday Rain was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine, and her title The School of Failure: A Story About Success earned a Readers' Favorite Awards silver medal and has been published in both the U.S. and China. Rosie's latest picture book, Sally's Musical Tale, was released in the spring of 2025.

In addition to her creative writing, Rosie is passionate about nurturing other storytellers. She serves as a writing instructor and mentor through workshops, coaching programs, and public speaking, helping aspiring authors develop their craft and pursue publishing goals with confidence. Rosie also regularly visits schools and libraries, where she inspires young readers and writers with interactive presentations that blend creative exploration with encouragement.

Originally from Bulgaria, Rosie now lives in Texas with her family. Learn more about her work at www.rosiejpova.com.

Claire Zhang is a Chinese illustrator known for her vibrant color palette, charming depictions of small animals, and a joyful, tactile artistic style that resonates with young readers and families. She earned her Master of Arts in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, where she deepened her storytelling practice and experimented with techniques that emphasize texture and playfulness.

Claire's work often incorporates Risograph and screen-printing influences, bringing a unique sense of visual energy and layered color to her illustrations. Her art is grounded in themes of love, kindness, and self-acceptance, crafted to evoke warmth, curiosity, and imagination in children and adults alike.

In addition to her illustration work, Claire enjoys a variety of creative pursuits, including crochet, embroidery, clay, and ceramics, all of which enrich her visual sensibility and artistic curiosity. She actively shares her work and engages with the illustration community online and through craft markets and exhibitions.