Illustrator: Marjorie Proceman
Publisher: Aladdin Picture Books
Publication Date: 1995
Awards: Caldecott Honor Award
Genre: Narrative Verse
Reading Level: Kindergarten-3rd Grade
Brief Overview: This book uses energetic rhymes and brightly colored gouache illustrations to depict instruments, orchestras, and the various musical groups which may perform. The text utilizes all capital letters for key terms such as musical instruments such as, flute, clarinet, etc. and groups of musical performers such as, solo, duo, trio, etc. The text of the book is also printed in wavy lines and curves across the page. This enhances the musical feel of the story.
Integrated Activity: Students will listen as the story is read aloud. Students will then discuss how the words and phrases within the story enhance the meaning and rhythm of the story. Students will make their own music in various groups (duos, trios, etc.) as depicted in the story using instruments and their bodies. While listening to the music of each group, other students will be encouraged to move to the rhythms being played.
Reviewer’s Name and Affiliation: Erica Hicks, Valdosta State University
