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Summary
Summary
A Caldecott Honor book that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and a counting book that redefines the genre.
When this book begins, the trombone is playing all by itself. But soon a trumpet makes a duet, a french horn a trio, and so on until the entire orchestra is assembled on stage. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups. Readers of all ages are sure to shout "Encore!" when they reach the final page of this joyous celebration of classical music.
Author Notes
Lloyd Moss was born on November 16, 1926 in Manhattan. While serving in the Army in Korea, he became an announcer at an Armed Forces Radio station. Afterwards, he worked for several small stations in the Northeast before joining the Voice of America in 1954 and working as a substitute announcer at WQXR. He joined the station's staff full time in 1955 and became the afternoon music host in 1963. He left the station in 1971 to concentrate on voice-over work and acting, but continued as the host of two syndicated shows until he returned full time in 1989 for another 17 years. He was heard in numerous commercials and in the 1986 Martin Scorsese film The Color of Money.
His first children's book, Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, was named a Caldecott Honor book for illustration in 1996. Marvin Hamlisch later composed a score for it. Moss narrated the world premiere in Pittsburgh in 1998 and the New York premiere at Alice Tully Hall in 1999. His other children's books were Our Marching Band and Music Is. He died from Parkinson's disease on August 3, 2013 at the age of 86.
(Publisher Provided)
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 5Layout, design, illustrations, and descriptive verses blend in perfect harmony to give voice to the unique sounds of 10 orchestral instruments. Readers meet the ``Fine FRENCH HORN, its valves all oiled/Bright and brassy, loops all coiled,'' and the ``FLUTE that sends our soul a-shiver;/ FLUTE, that slender, silver sliver.'' One by one as the numbers progress from ONE TROMBONE playing SOLO all the way up to ``A CHAMBER GROUP of TEN,'' the excitement, motion, and sounds increase. Priceman's amusing watercolors present an inspired assortment of characters who pose, prance, and float across the page and stage, their seeming wildness giving form to each instrument's function, as their exaggerated features and elongated limbs give them a sophisticated wit and elegant air. The rich, swirling background colors change with each double-page spread. As the numbers of players grow, the proscenium and curtain become more and more of a presence until viewers find themselves facing the concert group, and then onstage behind the musicians, who are facing the audience, taking a bow. A delight for music classes as well as a great introduction to the concert hall, this title will surely be met with applause.Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
This debut book by author Moss, As kids today would say is boss. Its clever, jazzy verse presents (In language that is never dense) A helpful intro to each orchestra instrument - How some are alike, but rather more are different. He starts with the trombone's "mournful moan," Playing solo (i.e., alone); Then adds a trumpet, French horn and cello-All sounding forth a signature "hello." Each musical portrait (in quatrains) abounds With perfectly chosen, alliterative sounds. Thus the flute, notes Moss, "sends our soul a-shiver; Flute, that slender silver sliver." And Priceman's zany art's just right, With loose-limbed figures taking flight Around each spread in garb bizarre-As if proving how funky musicians are. With every new instrument joining the throng Of diligent players practicing song, Moss incorporates numbers and stops only when His team finally reaches a "chamber group of ten." So the book can be used as a counting tool (A great way to perk up a dull day at school): But it really works best, it's easy to see, As a deft means of meeting the symphony. So plentiful praise to this finely matched pair, Whose pictures and words show unusual flair. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved