Customer Reviews

The Fabulous Feud Of Gilbert And Sullivan

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"The Fabulous Feud Of Gilbert & Sullivan"
Written by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Richard Egielski
(Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009)
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This historically-oriented picturebook would be a great supplement for anyone teaching younger kids about the works of opera composers W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, creators of "HMS Pinafore," "The Mikado," "Pirates Of Penzance," and other great comedies. The artwork is beautiful and a delight from start to finish; the text, however seems to assume a lot of prior knowledge of Gilbert & Sullivan, and might not work as well as a free-standing story or a general introduction to their work. But if you are already getting into these operas, this book is simply wonderful. (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

In Victorian England had a dark and gloomy atmosphere, except of course in the "make-believe kingdom of Topsy-Turvydom." This was not a real kingdom so to speak, but rather an "opera stage where grown-ups acted silly." It was a fun place to go so people could forget their troubles for a while and have a good time. The actors would act and sing, the orchestra would play, the director would direct, but most of all the audience would have a good time. There were two kings in this kingdom (not really kings like King Albert) named Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Gilbert wrote the words to the operas and Mr. Sullivan wrote the music.

Mr. Gilbert's storyline always seemed to be the same and Mr. Sullivan was getting fed up and one day when his partner called up with a "new opera" (the same old stuff) he got really mad and "slammed down the phone." Of course "Mr. Gilbert was stunned" and very upset. He really didn't know what hit him at that point and had no idea why his friend hung up the phone. Very soon he found out that his friend thought his work was "ridiculous." Some time later Mr. Gilbert came across a "Japanese street fair" and a lightbulb went off in his head and he knew what his next opera would be. It would be in the town of Titipu and Ko-ko would trick "Nanki-poo into marrying Yum-yum," but would Mr. Sullivan be up to writing the music to this wild and crazy opera?

This is a fun story that will appeal to all opera and musical comedy lovers who want to impart a bit of their passion to the young ones in their family. The feud is almost comical, but is something almost all children and adults go through at one time or another, but this one had a productive end. This story imparts the wisdom that all people can disagree or fight, but that doesn't mean it is the end of a friendship. The art work is detailed, spritely, colorful and very appealing. In the back of the book is a brief biography of this feuding duo and a recommended website.

Jonah Winter and Richard Egielski's THE FABULOUS FEUD OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN tells of a magical kingdom full of pirates and fairies ruled peacefully by the team of Gilbert and Sullivan - until Mr. Sullivan is tired of his fantasy world and wants out. How can the friendship survive their changed interests? A fine story of Gilbert and Sullivan evolves.