Animal Orchestra [Hardcover]

Scott Gustafson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

Maestro Toucan conducts this counting-game orchestra.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1 One "Maestro Toucan" introduces children to the musicians in his animal orchestra, from the "two double basses" to the "ten flutes." The final double-page illustration shows the entire ensemble on stage, and a concluding "note from the conductor" identifies all the animals pictured (as Ms. Vole, Mr. Lion, etc.). There seems to be little if any reason for the choices of either animals or instruments shown. The instruments are totally inconsistent with any normal orchestral mix. There are touches of humor such as the French-horn playing opossums hanging by their tails, and the curve of the heron's neck duplicating the curves of the saxophone he is playing. However, several of the pictures are so dark that it is difficult to see the detail and the expressions on the animal's faces. Bert Kitchen's Animal Numbers (Dial, 1987) is a superior choice. The Animal Orchestra needs more rehearsal. Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Scott Gustafson's first artistic inspirations were Disney and Warner Brothers cartoons. He pursued animation at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Columbia College, but the discovery of book illustrations by N. C. Wyeth, Arthur Rackham, and Norman Rockwell galvanized him. His previous books include The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, and Peter Pan. With Greenwich Workshop Press, he has created two original titles, Alphabet Soup and Animal Orchestra, as well as Classic Fairy Tales.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: The Greenwich Workshop Press (January 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086713030X
• ISBN-13: 978-0867130300
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 12.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #320,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Scott Gustafson is an artist who attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He originally had ambitions of becoming an animator, but has worked primarily as an illustrator for the past thirty years. He has illustrated a number of children's books including The Night Before Christmas, Peter Pan, and Nutcracker. Other titles include Animal Orchestra, Alphabet Soup, Classic Fairy Tales and Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose, published by The Greenwich Workshop Press. Recently he has also tried his hand at writing, and his new book, Eddie: The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe is his first illustrated novel published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. In addition, he has worked on film projects for DreamWorks and PDI and has created character designs for the animated TV show, Chugginton. His illustrations also appear in limited-edition prints and on collector plates, greeting cards, and gift wrap. Scott has been awarded a Chelsea award by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists for Classic Fairy Tales and an Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Children's Picture Book.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful counting book, July 4, 2010

By 

L. Fenwick "constant reader" (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Animal Orchestra (Hardcover)

First of all, I love everything Scott Gustafson does, so naturally I love the illustrations. But this is a counting book, and in that regard it excels. Large block numbers aren't obscured by silly rhymes or a superficial "plot" whose every page involves a number. No, the numbers simply count the musical instruments on the accompanying page. It is the perfect counting book. The illustrations are masterfully done, full of detail and humor. Children will find the animals endlessly amusing and will not tire of reading the book, although the text is minimal. In the process, they will also learn the names of the musical instruments, as well as the names of specific types of a single animal--not just a monkey but particular types of monkeys. The book is certainly beautiful but it is also a true teaching book. I recommend it highly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A feast for the eyes, January 15, 2007

By 

N. Andreassen (Jersey City, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Animal Orchestra (Hardcover)

Along with Alphabet Soup, I've given these books as a gift to several friends. I've found children from toddler age and up find the illustrations beautiful and they learn at the same time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book, November 26, 2011

By 

Minda Malibiran - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scott Gustafson's Animal Orchestra: A Counting Book (A Calico book) (Hardcover)

I am a music teacher and I think this book is beautifully illustrated. I love it for young music students who are learning to count and learn instrument recognition.