The Fabulous Song [Hardcover]

Don Gillmor (Author), Marie-Louise Gay (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1997 | Age Level: 4 and up

When Frederic Pipkin was born, everyone decided he would be musical. Frederic tried, but there wasn't one instrument he could play.

Then, on his seventh birthday, the fabulous song happened and Frederic discovered a way to make music without making a single sound.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2AYoung Frederic Pipkin displays no musical aptitude at all, despite his parents' frantic efforts to make him into a child prodigy. Exposing him to every instrument in the orchestra after piano lessons were aborted early on, they finally give up when all attempts fail. Frederic, however, finds his own niche as a conductor, using a wooden spoon to direct his family in a wonderful composition he creates. Energetic cartoon drawings convey the cacophony suggested. Although certainly not a priority purchase, this musical spoof might hit a familiar note with other misguided young musicians.ASally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

In an appealing Canadian import, Gillmor takes an offbeat approach to the dreaded subject of music lessons. Sarah Pipkin's little brother is named Frederic, after Chopin, and his parents are sure he will be musical. But Mr. Stricter, the piano teacher, and Mrs. Lumply, the clarinet teacher, can't do a thing with him. Even leaving his clarinet on the bus doesn't save Frederic from subsequent trials with an oboe, a violin, and a banjo. However, when Frederic attends Sarah's youth orchestra concert, the conductor captures his fancy. When the house fills with relatives for his seventh birthday party, Frederic makes music by conducting them all in a song he hears in his head. The illustrations, with their exaggerated figures, limpid watercolors, and nervous line, are full of great touches: Mr. Stricter's dog barks allegro vivace; Mrs. Lumply's pets wear earplugs and earmuffs when carroty-haired Frederic plays; the conductor, and later Frederic himself, produce great ribbons of musical notation that reach out to touch the audience. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916291804
• ISBN-13: 978-0916291808
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,540,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!, December 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Fabulous Song (Hardcover)

This story of a young boy who finds music in his imagination is wonderful. I read it to my students and they loved it! It has humor and is beautifully illustrated.