The sad story of Veronica who played the violin Book

The original rather than the reissue, this installment of Mckee's seeks to ask the question: 'Why Streets are Not Full of Happy Dancing People' in a slightly lampooning way. Veronica has longed to play the violin. Her attempts in her terraced house first have the community in tears (at her appalling skill) and then in tears (at her exceedingly good skill). Soon fame and fortune seek her out until, eventually, she searches for something different in her life. Taking to the jungle, she tames the wild beasts with a more jovial and upbeat tune until a deaf lion discovers her...

Much like the Mr. Ben books, these are busy streets and landscapes and I love it when McKee does this as opposed to those sparser Not Now, Bernard ones. The dancing animals in the jungle is not to be missed but it is the wry and exceedingly dry humour at the end that you'll have come for. I found it funny but I imagine it'll frustrate many for the same reasons that it amused me.