Lucy and the Ghost Take the stage! by Dave Dellecese – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Lucy and the Ghost Take the Stage!

Dave Dellecese, Author

Karen Crystina, Illustrator

Dandy Press, Fiction, Mar. 7, 2023

Suitable for ages: 5-9

Themes: Theater, Performing Arts, Acting, Ghost, Kids making a difference

Opening: “In a quiet little town, / not as big as once before, / sat a cozy little theater / built in 1864.”

Synopsis:

Lucy loves the theatre, rushing home after school each day to be part of the magic under the spotlight.

But in a world where screens have replaced the stage, can her beloved small town playhouse survive? Or will Lucy need help from an unexpected source to bring audiences back?

What I like about this book:

Dave Dellecese has written a charming story about a group of kids who want to save their historic theater. My favorite theme — a group of kids trying to make a difference in their community! Great to see kids taking action. Readers will have fun with the rhyming text, which includes a lot of action verbs and a strong rhythm. “Bursting through the theater doors, / greetings to the cast, / surrounded by the posters / of the theater’s storied past.”

Lucy is a fun-loving and memorable character eager to hurry to the therater after school and rehearse. It is a place where she loves pretending, unlike many of her friends who are attached to their phones. Her enthusiasm will appeal to readers. The ghost is a fun addition to the story as it has an important role to play at the end.

Karen Crystina’s eye-popping illustrations will engage readers from the start. They are bold, expressive and colorful. Nice touch to the story. And just look at that cover. Perfect summer read!

Resources: With the end of the school year approaching, many children will be heading to summer programs, many of which include theater productions. And there is also community summer theater programs. It’s a great way to introduce your children to live theater. And, during the fall and winter, many downtown theater’s have special programs for kids that introduce them to many forms of theater, like musicals, puppetry and so on.

Dave Dellecese is an author and writer of children’s books, graphic novels, comics, and sometimes even stories for grown-ups. He discovered the fun and joy of performing in theatre as a teen and hasn’t wanted to leave the pretend of the stage ever since. It’s onstage that he met his wife, Megan, when the two were cast in a show together. They currently live in Central New York State with their kids and cats.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for a review.

A Life of Service: The Story of SenatorTammy Duckworth – Perfect Picture Book Friday

A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Christina Soontornvat, Author

Dow Phumiruk, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Biography, Sep. 27, 2022

Suitable for ages: 5-9

Themes: Differently Abled, Senator, Pilot, Iraq, Service

Opening:”Even before she ever touched American soil, Ladda Tammy Duckworth knew that she would someday serve her country.”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of “firsts” during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy’s path was not without its challenges.

In this dramatic account, award-winning creators Christina Soontornvat and Dow Phumiruk chronicle Tammy’s journey. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness, to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds.

Evoking Tammy Duckworth’s spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this uplifting account of a groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.

Why I like A Life of Service:

Christina Soontornvat has written a powerful story for young readers about the extraordinary life of Senator Tammy Duckworth, someone determined to serve no matter the challenges she faced. Readers will be inspired by her her resiliency, determination, recovery and a will to serve others. It is a beautiful biography about a very strong woman — a book to add to your home or school library.

There are so many ways this book will resonate with readers. Some may be recovering from injuries, an amputation or dealing with life-changing illnesses. Others will relate to her love of service and strong desire to help others, which she demonstrated as a child.. This is definitely a book that will have a lasting impact on readers. It’s perfect for classroom discussions. And I’m sure Duckworth will be doing more in years to come..

Dow Phumiruk’s bold and colorful illustrations carry the reader through Duckworth’s journey in life from her childhood in Thailand to her current seat in the U.S. Senate. Nice pairing of Soontornvat’s carefully worded text with the lively artwork. And there is so much more for Duckworth will do. Make sure you check out the Time Line of Major Life Events and Tammy Duckworth’s Ongoing Legacy of Service at the end of the book.

Resources: Encourage readers make a list of their favorite strong women and write a sentence why. It may be a parent, a neighbor, a teacher or someone in the public.

Christina Soontornvat is the acclaimed author of picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, and middle-grade fiction, including the 2021 Newbery Honor-winning fantasy A Wish in the Dark. Her narrative nonfiction title All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, also won a 2021 Newbery Honor, in addition to a Robert F. Silbert Honor and other honors and awards. She lives in Austin, Texas.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Grandma’s Farm by Michael Garland – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Grandma’s Farm

Michael Garland, Author and Illustrator

Astra Young Readers, Fiction, Oct. 11, 2022

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes: Farm life, Intergenerational relationships, Memories

Opening: “Grandma and Timmy were taking a trip to the old farm. Timmy had visited before with Grandpa Joe, but this time would be different.”

Book Jacket Synopsis:

When Grandma Ginny lived on the farm, every day brought a new adventure, from planting and picking crops to collecting fresh eggs from the chickens coop. Some days even saw chaos, like when the unruly pigs escaped from their pen and had to be chased down by the entire family.

Now the animals are gone, the farm building rickety and abandoned, and the fields overgrown with weeds. But as Timmy listens to his grandma’s fond recollections, he sees the quiet land transformed into colorful scenes of bountiful harvest, hustle and bustle, and everyday joy and purpose.

In this companion to the beloved Grandpa’s Tractor, a grandparent and grandchild celebrate the beauty of sweeping farmland and shared family history.

Why I like Grandma’s Farm:

Michael Garland has written and illustrated a charming story about a relationship between a boy and his grandmother. There is so much heart in Grandma’s Farm as Grandma Ginny visits her old farm with Timmy. She carries with her a diary that is full of special memories she wants to share with him about his family, farm life and their many traditions.

Even though the farm house and building have fallen into disrepair, Grandma Ginny’s vivid memories of raising her family and the daily work in the lush green fields, breathe life into this beautiful story. Timmy and his grandmother travel back in time when the entire family pitches in to help. There are fruit and vegetable crops to plant and pick, cows to milk, pigs and chickens to feed, eggs to gather, and sheep to shear.

Garland’s book will speak to children. Timmy imagines how his family worked together, including his own mother and her siblings, to help with chores, cook meals together, set the table and wash dishes. They laugh, play and spend quality time together. It doesn’t get any better than that. Children will delight in Grandma Ginny’s story, and adults will reminisce about a time long ago. I know I did as I thought about my childhood visits to my uncle’s working farm.

Each Garland illustration could stand alone. They are warm and tender and recreate a life that few children will ever experience. That is why this book is so important for young readers who haven never seen a working farm. This is a stunningly illustrated celebration of family traditions and being together with loved ones.

Grandma’s Farm is a sequel to Garland’s picture book, Grandpa’s Tractor, which I have on my book shelf and gifted to an earlier generation of grandchildren. My great grandchildren will be receiving copies of this treasure. Make sure to read Garland’s comments about Grandpa’s Tractor, as it will give more information about the condition of the farm today.

Resources: Visit a working farm this spring or summer. If you don’t have a vegetable garden, plant one in your backyard. If your space is limited, plant herbs or tomatoes plants in a pot on your patio. There is nothing like getting your hands dirty.

Michael Garland, an author and illustrator of children’s picture books, including the perennially popular Grandpa’s Tractor, has won numerous awards for his work. Miss Smith and the Haunted Library made the New York Times best seller list. He is the illustrator of the Golden Kite Honor Award-winning Leah’s Pony. He recently released We’re Not Weird: Structure and Function of the Animal Kingdom. He has authored Ferry Boat, Tug Boat, Daddy Plays the Blues, Snowy Day, Christmas City, and Oh What a Christmas. He lives with his family in Patterson New York.

*Reviewed from a purchased copy.

What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? by Emma Carlisle – Perfect Picture Book Friday

What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?

Emma Carlisle, Author and Illustrator

Templar Books, Fiction, Nov. 1, 2022

Suitable for ages: 3 – 7

Themes: Trees, Nature, Discovery, Explore

Earth Day, Atpril 22, 2023

Opening: What do you see when you look at a tree? / Leaves and twigs and branches? / Or do you see a living thing that moves and breathes and dances?

Book Jacket Synopsis:

Have you ever climbed a tree, or sat in its shade on a hot, sunny day? Have you ever wondered who has gazed up at its branches before you? In this gentle picture book, author-illustrator Emma Carlisle encourages children to explore their connections with nature. What types of trees are found all around the world? How is each tree different? What might a tree have witnessed over its centuries of life, and what other children may have played under its branches?

Full of finely drawn tress of al all shapes and sizes, this sweet story depicts the natural environment through the eyes of a child, urging young readers to connect with the world around them and fostering a lifelong love of nature.

Why I like this book:

What a perfect time to be thinking about trees with Earth Day on Saturday and spring in full bloom. Emma Carlisle has created a gem of a book for readers. And I believe it is a book that will stir many memories in adults. The beautiful rhyming text is peaceful and will draw readers into the story. Carlisle’s artwork is warm, friendly and inviting.

This is a quiet and contemplative book the encourages children to pause and take a moment to examine the trees in their back yard, school yard, park and on their morning walks through the woods. It encourages children to identify the trees around them. Are there pine trees that keep their needles all year long? Do other trees have blossoms that have beautiful pink or white blooms in the spring or have golden colors in the autumn? What birds and animals live in and under the trees?

I was drawn to this book because of my memories of spending hours around trees as a child. We had beautiful fruit trees and my favorite was a cherry tree where I would climb up into the center and sing for hours. I loved picking cherries for pies. I also enjoyed shooing the birds away. It was my hiding tree. The big willows in the back were my climbing trees and I would climb to the top to see downtown Columbus in the distance. And then there were buckeye trees to climb. I gathered twigs of buckeyes and dipped them in melted gold or silver crayons to create decorations..

I particularly love the suggestions and questions the author poses at the end of the book like Listening in Trees, How to Be More Like a Tree, Rest, Spread Your Roots and many more. Make sure you check out the author’s note at the end where she shares her own journey with trees.

Resources: There are so many suggestions for readers about how to use this book. I’ve already shared some. Most important, take a walk around your own backyard and identify the trees. Is there a tree that you would like to plant? Enjoy being outdoors enjoying nature.

Emma Carlisle is an artist who teaches illustration at the University of Plymouth. Her first book, Lion Practice, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in Plymouth, England.

*Review copy provided by Templar/Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Water: How We Can Protect Our Freshwater by Catherine Barr – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Water: How We Can Protect Our Freshwater

Catherine Barr, Author

Christiiane Engel, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Nonfiction, Mar. 21, 2023

Suitable for ages: 5-9

Pages: 32

Themes: Water, Conservation, Protection, Activism, Earth Day

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Water is life. Freshwater bubbles, flows with the most wonderful life on earth, and all of us rely on it to stay alive. It fuels all life on earth. But worldwide pollution and climate change make it increasingly difficult for people and animals to find the clean water they need to survive. It is time to act!

A focused call for action, this lively book narrates the history of our watery earth, succinctly explains the water cycle and the different types of freshwater, and introduces the vast array of living beings that depend on clean water for survival—as well as the devastating impact of water shortages on the lives of children around the world. Packed with facts and specific tips, bright and expansive illustrations, and end matter for further reading, this hopeful challenge inspires young readers to take action, use water wisely, and work together to defend a precious shared resource.

Why I like this book:

This is a beautiful resource book for classroom. It is perfect for upcoming Earth Day, April 22., the 53rd anniversary of this specially observed day. This years theme is “Invest in our Planet,” and I can’t think of anything more important than protecting our freshwater resources. World Water Day was March 22.

Each double-page spread is considered a chapter .Each spread begins with a discussion and ends with a section called “Face the facts.” Catherine Barr leads readers through a discussion about the first water on Earth,, how rare water is, water cycles, and the colors of water. Water is life and it carries power and it’s important to share. However, it is under threat because of pollution. Our water is precious and is it important to use it wisely. I especially like a section on “Girl Power” showing the importance of wells in rural villages around the world freeing girls to attend school. Barr shows readers the many ways they can begin to take action at home, school and in their community.

Christiane Engel’s illustrations are stunning and are a perfect match for the material. Her artwork is lively and busy — so much for children to study. And it energizes readers want to get involved. Make sure you check out the endpapers!

Resources:The entire book is a resource for home and school. Encourage kids to brainstorm together about what they can do at home and school: catch rainwater for watering gardens and only running the dishwasher when it is full. Make a big list and pledge to do some of the things on the list. Journal and write about your observations. Most important, get involved in a climate action group.

Catherine Barr campaigned to protest endangered species with Greenpeace for many years before becoming a children’s book author. She lives with her family in England, where whe writes a wide variety of informative books to spark curiiosity and inspire action to protect the natureal world.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.

Pick a Perfect Egg by Patricia Toht – Perfect Picture Book Friday

Pick a Perfect Egg

Patricia Toht, Author

Jarvis, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Fiction, Feb. 14, 2023

Suitable for ages: 3-5

Themes: Holiday, Eggs, Coloring, Easter Egg Hunt, Diversity

Opening: “Pick a perfect egg with care — choose a white one nestled there.”

Book Jacket Synopsis:

When spring arrives, it’s time to visit the farm to pick out some eggs, perfect for decorating. Bring your eggs home — take care not to crack them — and find a pot big enough to fit them all. While the eggs are cooling and drying, get ready for some dyeing!

Then on Easter morning, fling open your door and search for eggs of a different kind, filled with foil-wrapped chocolate, spinning tops, and jelly beans. And those perfect eggs you dyed the day before? They are no longer just eggs, of course: they’re Easter eggs!

Why I like this book:

Pick a Perfect Egg is a joyful celebration of a much loved Easter tradition. Just take a long look at the colorful and appealing pastel cover!

Patricia Toht’s beautifully rhythmic text will be an entertaining read for children. Jarvis’s colorful and lively illustrations will capture children’s imaginations as they prepare for the upcoming holiday. There are pages of wide-eyed children full of wonder and excitement as they anticpate coloring their own eggs and attending the egg hunt that follows.

Toht’s story will also touch the hearts of parents and stir their favorite memories of coloring eggs and going to egg hunts. I loved coloring eggs as a kid and attending the big Easter egg hunt in my community. When our daughter was young, we had a large yard with a lot of fun hiding places. So I held the annual egg hunts for the neighborhood children. The kids looked forward to it every year — and so did the squirrels that figured out how to open the plastic eggs. (Hint: Guard the eggs outside before the hunt.)

This will become a popular seasonal holiday book for families. Make sure you check out the front end papers filled with rabbits and the back end papers filled with brightly colored eggs waiting to be discovered.

Resources: The book will give parents and children lots of egg coloring ideas. And make sure you take your kids to an egg hunt or create your own hunt at home.

Patricia Toht is the author of Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin, both illustrated by Jarvis.. She once owned a children’s bookshop called Never Never Land befor turning her love of books into a love of writing. She lives in California.

*Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

A Door Made for Me by Tyler Merritt – Perfect Picture Book Friday

A Door Made for Me

Tyler Merritt, Author

Lonnie Ollivierre, Illustrator

WorthyKids, Fiction, Sep. 13, 2022

Suitable for ages: 5-8

Themes: African-Americans, Racism, Racial injustice, Intergenerational relationships, Self-esteem, Hope

Opening:“I watched our house with its bright blue door get smaller and smaller as we drove away. I didn’t want to spend the summer at my grandparents’ house. I didn’t know anyone there. What would I do? Who would I play with?“

Book Jacket Synopsis

The door shut tight…followed by the loudest lock I had ever heard.

In this poignant story based on a childhood experience, Tyler Merritt uses the metaphor of doors to explore the pain that come from blind prejudice.

When a doors slams shut and he is left standing alone on a front porch, young Tyler becomes deeply aware for the first time that some people will judge him based only on the color of his skin. Struggling with this new understanding, has asks his grandfather: “How can someone hate me when they don’t know me?”

His grandfather’s response not only affirms the young boy’s worth, but also encourages him to think about others around him who many need an ally.

This powerful story — told with heart, hope, and empathy — can serve as a starting point for conversations about race and equality for all families.

Why I like this book:

Tyler Merritt’s frist encounter with racism as a boy will capture the hearts of all readers. His prose is exquisite. I love his candor and how he uses a door as an important metaphor in his story — in both negative and positive ways. Readers will experience Tyler’s confusion, the betrayal of a friend and feel his pain. Lonnie Ollivierre’s warm and beautiful illustrations are lively, expressive and emotive, as he captures this powerful story.

His story is so beautiful and yet heartbreaking in other ways. Tyler visits his grandparents for the summer and makes friends with a boy, Jack. They spend every moment they can outside catching worms at night and fishing during the day. Joy abounds when the boys catch three buckets full of fish one day. They are proud and Jack wants to stop and show his friends. But three doors are slammed in their faces. Reality hits Tyler.

I enjoyed the loving relationship between Tyler and his grandfather, who answers all of Tyler’s questions and helps him work through his feelings. Grandparents are so important to children as they posess wisdom and are uplifting.

Tyler Merritt, please keep telling your stories as children of all ages will benefit from your honesty and hope. This is a perfect family and classroom discussion book. And from some of the reviews I read, teachers are having some very important discussions with their students. There is also a video of Tyler Merritt that can be used.

Resources: Make sure you check out “Note from the Author.” Merritt lists some good questions for all kids to consider and they can be conversation starting points. For instance, “If you were Jack, how would you have responded in that situation.” And “How would you support your friend.” Readers will also learn what happened to Merritt’s relationship with Jack.

Tyler Merritt is an actor, musician, comedian, and activist behind The Tyler Merritt Project. Raised in Las Vegas, he has always had a passion for bringing laughter, grace, and love into any community that he is a part of. For over twenty years, he has spoken to audiences ranging from elementary and Sunday school students to nursing home seniors. His television credits include ABC’s Kevin Probably Saves The World, Netflix’s Messiah and Outer Banks, Disney/Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Apple TV’s upcoming series Swagger. Tyler’s viral videos “Before You Call the Cops” and “Walking While Black” have been viewed by 60 million people worldwide with “Before You Call the Cops” being voted the most powerful video of 2020 by NowThis Politics. He is a cancer survivor and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

*Reviewed from a library copy.

Shoshi’s Shabbat by Caryn Yacowitz

Shoshi’s Shabbat

Caryn Yacowitz, Author

Kevin Hawkes, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Fiction, Oct. 11, 2022

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes: Animals, Jewish, Culture, Sabbath. Fable

Opening: “Long ago, on a farm near Jerusalem, there lived a beautiful young ox named Shoshi.”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Long ago, in the hills near Jerusalem, lived a young ox. For six days each week, she and her owner would toil in the fields, and on the seventh day both would rest.

Then it came to be that this young ox was sold. For six days, she toiled in her new owner’s fields, and on the seventh day the farmer brought out the yoke and plow, expecting to spend another day hard at work. But Shoshi the ox had a different idea.

In a warm, friendly narrative and vivid, humorous art, author Caryn Yacowitz and illustrator Kevin Hawkes bring to life a tale drawn from the ancient Jewish stories known as the Midrash, a story as relevant today as it was long ago. It’s a tale of encountering other cultures and learning from them, of paying attention to the world around you—sun, breeze, animals, people—and above all, of learning to slow down and take a break.

Why I like Shoshi’s Shabbat:

Shoshi’s Shabbat is a gentle, yet powerful fable about a very clever and spunky ox who is wiser than its new owner, Yohanan. Readers will love this smart ox and his stubborn determination to do her best work for Yohanan six days a week and rest on the seventh day. Yohanan is puzzled. He’s just moved to the hills near Jerusalem and purchased Shoshi from a Jewish neighbor. Simon.

Kevin Hawkes delightful illustrations are expressive and lively, and filled with warmth and humor. His art brings to life a tale drawn from the ancient Jewish stories known as the midrash, which is relevant in today’s world. Everyone needs a day off to recoup, give thanks and spend time with friends and family. The narrative is simple and lyrical. This book is a joy to read!

Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end because it explains more about the midrash and a Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta who became a Jew and studied the Torah and possibly became a rabbi after purchasing a cow.

Resources: Draw pictures of what you like to do on your day off. Do your animals take a day off?

Caryn Yacowitz is a playwright, a speaker andn the author of several picture books, including Baby Moses in a Basket, illustrated by Julie Downing. She lives in California.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a fair review..

Symphony for a Broken Orchestra by Amy Ignatow

Symphony for a Broken Orchestra: How Philadelphia Collected Sounds to Save Music

Amy Ignatow, Author

Gwen Millward, Illustrator

Walker Books, Fiction, Oct. 25, 2022

Suitable for ages: 6-9

Themes: Broken musical instruments, School, Children, Musicians, Community

Opening: “Philadelphia is full of NOISE. Some noises are LOUD, and some are soft. There are sharp noises and dull noises and funny noises and sad noises. And music is everywhere in Philadelphia.”

Book Jacket Synopsis:

What happens when musical instruments can’t make the sounds we expect them to make? Is music still possible?

When the schools of Philadelphia filled with broken musical instruments, making it difficult for students to learn to play, musicians young and old came together to raise money for repairs. They played a symphony especially written for the broken instruments and showed that music is always possible — with a bit of inventiveness and improvisation.

Based on a true story, this inspiring book celebrates a community coming together to make a joyful, meaningful noise.

Why I like this book:

Amy Ignatow’s book is a must read for children and adults. It is full of heart, hope and inspiration. Her opening pages show school children playing a variety of musical instruments. Her text is lively and sound dominates with WAAH! WAAAAAH!…TIKA! TIKA! TIK! TIK!…BRAP! BRAP! and WOOOOOOWW! covering the pages as children learn to play. But, there is a big problem — many of the instruments are broken. How will kids learn to play them with broken strings, drum holes and missing keys and pieces? They can’t, so they are put in storage. The children miss their music program.

This book is a must read for children and adults. It is based on a true story of the condition of musical instruments in the Philadelphia school district and how an artistic director touring a school discovered a storeroom filled with broken and unplayable instruments. He decided to hold a community concert with professional Philadelphia musicians of all ages to raise funds to repair the instruments. A composer wrote “Symphony for a Broken Orchestra.”

Gwen Millward’s illustrations are colorful, lively and expressive. They take on a rhythm of their own in the story and speak to readers. I like the racial diversity among the children and the use of bubble quotes to capture their frustration.

More information about the nonprofit organization Broken Orchestra can be found in the back matter, including a link to an audio recording of the symphony performance.

Resources: It is my hope that this book will encourage kids to play an instrument of their choice. And encourage them to ask questions about the state of instruments in their school districts. Are there any broken instruments in storerooms that are in need of repair? This would make an excellent class project to get kids involved in making a difference.

Amu Ignatiow is the author-illustrator of the Popularity Papers series and the Odds trilogy, She lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Gwen Millward is the illustrator of many books for children, including Super Milly and the Super School Day by Stephanie Clarkson. She lives in the United Kingdom.

*Review copy provided by Walker Books in exchange for a review.

The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MI by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton

The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi

Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, Authors

Chiara Fedele, Illustrator

Little, Brown, Fiction, Nov. 1, 2022

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes: Guido d’Arezzo, Music, Musical notation, Monk, History

Opening: “A thousand years ago, in the small community of Pomposa, Italy, a boy named Guido was sent to a monastery to begin his schooling. In those days, a monastery was considered the best place to receive an education. The monks who lived and taught there were studious and wise.”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Imagine a time very long ago, when music couldn’t be written or read and could only be learned from live performances. A monk named Guido d’Arezzo dreamed of finding a way to write music as words are written in books, so that people far and wide could read and learn melodies. With creativity, passion, and perseverance, one humble man invented a way to share music across the world.

Beloved musical icon Julia Andrews and bestselling author Emma Walton Hamilton introduce readers to the remarkable true tale of the first notes — Do, Re, Mi Fa, Sol, La, and Ti — enhanced with lush illustrations, fascinating historical facts and an exuberant visual celebration of the classic song “Do-Re-Mi.”

What I love about The First Notes;

The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re,Mi is a pitch-perfect collaboration for Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. It is a joyful and charming book for both children and adults. The text is lyrical with rich imagery and is supported by Chiara Fedele’s breathtaking watercolor and gonauache illustrations, which are lush and colorful. And take a good look at the gorgeous book cover of Guido.

Guido was a curious student who studied Latin, astronomy and mathematics. But his real love was music and he wanted to learn everything he could so he could teach others . He was one of those unique souls who heard music around him — in the chanting voices of the monks, in the clip-clop of donkey hooves, and in every aspect of nature.. A century ago, music was passed down by listening, memorizing and practicing. One day he made an important discovery. The other monks thought he was foolish. You’ll have to read the story to find out about his creative process to write a musical scale that others could read.

How much we take for granted. I was a serious pianist and sang in choirs years ago. I studied musical theory and history, but I never thought about the origins of musical notation and who actually created the scales. Of course someone had to create a musical scale, and it was an 11th century Italian monk, who was somewhat a revolutionary.

Guido’s moving story belongs in school libraries as part of a musical curriculum. It is perfect for children who are learning to read music, sing in choirs and play instruments. Adults who love music and enjoy picture book biographies will find this book a gem, as well as fans of The Sound of Music.The ending will have readers singing the Rodgers and Hammerstein song, “Do-Re-Mi.” The First Notes is a perfect gift book.

There is a note from the authors to the reader at the start of the book. The end of the book has A Note About the Song Do-Re-Mi, a Glossary, A Day in Guido’s Life at Pomposa Abbey, The Guidonian Hand, and A Historical Note that reveals exactly what is known about Guido’s life.

Resources: Sing the song “Do-Re-Mi” with children. Show them a simple musical scale and name the notes.

Julie Andrews’s legendary career encompasses the Broadway and London stages, as well as multiple films, television shows, album releases, concert tours, directing assignments, and the world of children’s publishing. In 2000 the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II for lifetime achievements in the arts and humanities. Her many other honors include a Kennedy Center honor in the fall of 2001. She was married to film director Blake Edwards for forty-one years, and the couple have five children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Emma Walton Hamilton is an award-winning writer, producer and arts educator. Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has written over thirty books for children and young adults, including the New York Times bestselling Very Fairy Princess series. Emma is on the faculty of Stony Brook University’s MFA in Creative Writing, where she serves as director of the Children’s Lit Fellows and the Young Artists and Writers Project..

*Reviewed from a purchased copy..