A courageous young girl learns — and teaches — valuable lessons on the road to triumph as a violinist in a new illustrated children’s book, Molly and the Sword.

The book leads readers to Molly’s big opportunity. She is about to play her violin in a famous concert hall. But she’s nervous — so nervous that she’s afraid to go on stage.

Years earlier, when she was very young, she had shown great courage. At a dangerous time, she had gone in search of water for her family. Back then, an officer in an enemy army had saved her from harm.

Now, at the concert hall, the officer suddenly reappears. Who is he? And can he help Molly regain her courage?

While answering those questions, the book also looks at broader issues: How does courage really show itself? and, can enemies become friends?

Although the book should appeal to children as young as 6, its story is likely to resonate with older children — 8 and 9 up to about 12. Even the dramatic 14 full-page illustrations and clean layout will draw in those older readers who might normally rebel against “children’s” books.