An intriguing if fanciful introduction to a musical classic.
“Zig and zig and zig. Maestro Death keeps time.” A friend’s poem and a visit to the catacombs underneath Paris in 1872 inspire composer Camille Saint-Saëns to write a now-famous orchestral piece echoing the sounds of dancing, clacking skeletal bones.
Imagining dialogue and taking some liberties with the story (as she explains in the backmatter), music scholar Celenza conjures up the underground visit, a first performance of the piece as a song, its orchestration and premier performance. She emphasizes the composer’s fascination with the idea of dancing skeletons and his desire “to try to capture that sensation in music.” She uses some delicious words—ossuary, amorously, rambunctious, diabolical, ghoulish—sure to intrigue young listeners. Two pages toward the end of the narrative could serve as program notes describing the story in the music. As with other books in this series, the package includes a CD recording. The 1996 performance is by the Pittsburgh Symphony directed by Lorin Maazel. Kitchel’s pastel watercolors belie the mood of the story, although the dancing skeletons, in shades of gray, will show beautifully for Halloween read-alouds. Though the live people in these illustrations have all the animation of paper dolls, these jointed figures clearly dance.
An intriguing if fanciful introduction to a musical classic. (Picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-57091-348-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: June 25, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Amusing but a little off tempo.
It’s important to hit all the right notes.
A tan-skinned musical composer with puffy black hair is busy at work on his next musical masterpiece when Half Note, a music symbol denoting two beats, feels unappreciated. Half Note is jealous of the more commonly used Quarter Note (one beat) and Eighth Note. Although the other musical symbols attempt to calm and comfort Half Note, she decides to run away. The next day, Composer needs Half Note and panics when he realizes that she’s gone. The other notes and musical symbols try to find her, but it’s only when they try to play her favorite song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” without her—with terrible results—that she comes running back. The story’s humor—which is largely based on “dad joke” puns—is completely dependent on readers’ musical knowledge. The artwork, a mix of acrylic and colored pencil, attempts to add some allegrezza to the piece, and while it’s not unsuccessful, it’s facing an uphill battle. Music teachers and musically minded caregivers may find some value in this story, but it will likely be too specialized for general readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amusing but a little off tempo. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-64567-631-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
This lighthearted adventure features much-needed Hmong representation and an equally satisfying plot.
Twin Hmong American siblings lean on each other during a camping trip in this series opener.
Mosquito bites, scary bears, and an outhouse are just some of the fears keeping Astrid hidden away in a closet while her family prepares for their upcoming campout. Her supportive twin brother, Apollo, reassures her that whatever happens, they will get through it together. This early chapter book highlights the strength of sibling bonds and shows Astrid overcoming adversity in an approachable way. Her timidity and anxiety gradually decrease as she discovers the reality of camping is a lot less scary than her imagination. While the short chapters and simple sentence structure support a newly independent reader, some page layouts are disjointed, with illustrations that do not match the corresponding text. Despite this minor flaw, the cute, cartoon images showcase a gentle-feeling outdoors and the warm family connection that defines this trip. Hmong cultural elements such as names and cuisine are organically incorporated into the storyline. It’s an accessible and authentic introduction to an ethnic group rarely featured in children’s literature or mainstream popular culture. Facts about the Hmong, popular Hmong foods, a glossary, and a discussion guide are included in the backmatter.
This lighthearted adventure features much-needed Hmong representation and an equally satisfying plot. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5158-6131-7
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020
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