M Is For Music: Books to Inspire an Interest in Music (continued)

The Heroic Symphony
Ages: 5 - 10 yrs.
Author: Anna Harwell Celenza   Illustrator: JoAnn E. Kitchel  
Charlesbridge, $19.95 (Hard Cover)   

This appealing book tells the true story of Beethoven’s Heroic Symphony, a monumental work that the composer hoped would pay tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte, evoking the French war hero’s bravery and vision. Just as Beethoven completed his manuscript, he learned that his beloved war hero had crowned himself Emperor of France. Beethoven felt betrayed by this act from someone he had idealized as noble and egalitarian. The author, Anna Celenza, captivates with her engaging telling of this story, aided by the nicely imagined illustrations of JoAnn Kitchel. A bonus CD includes a performance of the Heroic Symphony by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After reading this inspiring tale of hardship overcome through musical inspiration and courage, your young ones will want to hear the strains of this beloved work. 

When Marian Sang
Ages: 6 - 10 yrs.
Author: Brian Selznick  
Scholastic Inc., $16.95 (Paperback)

This handsome oversize book tells admirably the life-story of the celebrated black singer Marian Anderson (1897-1993). Author Ryan manages to cover the highlights of Anderson's long career in a spare and sober text that never lapses into kiddy talk but treats the book's heroine and its audience - children - with the respect they deserve. Artist Brian Selznick's large, sepia-toned pictures project a near-photographic authenticity, giving the listener/viewer the sense of being right there with Marian. This is the most beautiful and worthwhile picture book to come down the pike in a long while. Don't miss it! 

Making Music
Ages: 7 - 12 yrs.
Author: John Langstaff   Author: Ann Sayre Wiseman   Illustrator: Ann Sayre Wiseman  
Storey Publishing, $9.95 (Paperback)

Picking up where diminished school music programs are leaving off, Making Music encourages children to see the musical possibilities in everyday objects and shows how to make more than 70 basic rhythm, string, wind, and keyboard instruments. Noted musical educator John Langstaff also includes exciting ideas on how to compose and conduct pieces for homemade instruments including thimble fingers, a recorder, and a thumb piano. Book Description

Yang the Eldest and His Odd Jobs
Ages: 8 - 12 yrs.
Author: Lensey Namioka   Illustrator: Kees de Kiefte  
Little, Brown and Company/Megan Tingley Books, $15.95 (Hard Cover)   

In the Asian-American Yang family, Eldest Brother, Yingwu, is the most gifted musician. When his violin develops a buzz, the family cannot afford a new one. Falling deeply in love with a wonderful instrument at the violin shop and hoping to buy it, Eldest Brother embarks on a series of jobs. He becomes quite successful at earning money - until the precious violin is sold to someone else.

Jumbo Book of Music
Ages: 8 & Up
Kids Can Press, $14.95 (Paperback)

Beat out a trash-can rhythm, bang on a watercooler bass drum or blast a tune from a rubber-hose bugle! The Jumbo Book of Music has instructions on how to make and play instruments from all over the world. From creating a thumb piano to playing a didgeridoo, the activities in the book are fun and easy. Kids learn about different musical styles and make music on their own or together without needing technical musical knowledge. Book Description