Friday, May 17, 2013

PPBF: Young Mozart

Now that the A to Z Blogging Challenge is finished, it's now back to PPBF!


Welcome again to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.





Source


Author/Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Publisher: Viking (The Penguin Group)
Date: 1997

Ages: 5-9

Themes: musicians, Mozart, gifted children

Front Flap: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart learned to write music before he could write words. By the age of five, he had taught himself to play the violin, and soon he was playing before the crowned heads of Europe. By the time Wolfgang was seven, he could compose music while he played it, and by the age of twenty-one, after touring for many years through Europe, he had completed almost three hundred works. He was the greatest composer of his time, and many believe the greatest who ever lived.

First Lines: Wolfgang climbed up onto the chair in front of the clavier. He was too small to reach the keys, so he had to kneel. Nannerl, Wolfgang's older sister, listened as little three-year-old Wolfgang tried to play the piece she had just finished. When a note sounded right, Wolfgang laughed. But when a note sounded wrong, he burst out crying.

Why I like this book: Isadora has told the story of Mozart's childhood in a simple but engaging way, so that even younger listeners/readers can enjoy it.  Her colorful illustrations reflect European life centuries ago, but the scenes are ones any child can relate to.

Here are some links to complement "Young Mozart":



For younger children here, and here.

For older children here.


Enjoy a bit of "A Little Night Music"  here:



20 comments:

  1. Jarm, lovely choice! I love that there is a picture book about Mozart for young children. One of my favorite composers! I enjoyed the sites you included for kids because they are full of fun information and activities.

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    1. Good, Patricia. . . I'm glad you like the book and resources! Mozart is one of my favorites, too.

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  2. Such an inspirational musician/composer and a great example for children to read about. Thanks, Jarm!

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  3. I wonder if this is part of a series? I'll have to investigate. I love bios meant for children - but I always forget to check for them at the library. Thanks, Jarm.

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    1. Not that I know of, Laura Anne. I'm always drawn to bios of famous people, especially when they feature the child growing up!

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  4. I've been teaching my son about the composers. This book would be perfect for him. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. You are welcome, Sarah. I'm thrilled that it is something you can use immediately!

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  5. I'll have to check this out. It sounds like the author makes Mozart into a real boy which her readers can relate to. Thanks-you.

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  6. Wonderful choice, Jarm! What an amazing man and amazing music. I love that piece.

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    1. Glad you could access the music video, Catherine. It is a beautiful piece!

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  7. Thank goodness there are still books for kids about the great composers. I hope this is not the most recent. Kids need to be exposed to the great music of the past at a young age so they can learn to appreciate it. They already get to much exposure to some really bad pop music that probably won't be remembered in 5 ro 10 years.

    Lee
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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  8. What a beautiful book. I learnt alot about Mozart at school and especially when we visited our friends in Austria over the years. Incredible subject, children will learn a lot from. Thank you, Jarm!

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  9. About ten years ago, our family visited Vienna. What an inspirational city!

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  10. The illustrations are beautiful. Sounds like a wonderful book.

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  11. This looks terrific! I've always wondered what Wolfgang's childhood must have been like. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  12. You are welcome, Heather. Mozart was an amazing musician and child prodigy. . .

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

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