PLAY, MOZART, PLAY!

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, Sís beautifully harmonizes words and illustration in a delightful and accessible biography of the composer for the picture-book audience. Fan motifs depict Mozart performing for the elite of Europe, while circle motifs highlight European cities where he and his sister played. Mozart’s father is portrayed in black pen-and-ink that recalls Sís’s poster for the Broadway production of Amadeus. The counterpoint of the black and white for the voice of the father and watercolors in bright blues, reds and yellows for Mozart are highly effective. Images such as a trumpeting elephant for forte, Pamina as a feline soprano and Sarostro as a bass candle illustrate musical terms. These images return and grow in embellishment in two imaginative double-spreads as Mozart plays the piano for a lively rehearsal and the characters then perform The Magic Flute on stage, musical notes swirling about and above. Play a little Mozart and let readers enjoy this feast for the ears and eyes. (Picture book/biography. 4-7)