Harp O' Gold: An Original Tale [Hardcover]

Teresa Bateman (Author), Jill Weber (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A poor musician who dreams of riches and fame trades his beloved but worn harp for one made of gold, but when he becomes famous he finds that something is missing.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There's a wee bit o' Irish magic in this original tale about how people can become blinded by appearances. As a boy, Tom had always dreamed of being a minstrel. He achieved his goal of becoming a talented harp player but did not acquire the riches he had envisioned. While despairing over his lot, Tom receives a visit from a leprechaun who offers him a harp made of gold, and Tom gains entry to the finest homes. But while the golden harp lives up to its promise money-wise, its tinny, false sound bothers the music lover in Tom. And when the king so admires the harp that he imprisons Tom as his personal musician, the hero knows things have gone too far. Young readers will quickly pick up on the simple but resonant messages be true to one's self; the grass isn't always greener on the other side woven into Bateman's (Leprechaun Gold) pleasantly paced text. Weber's (The Christmas Tree) vibrant acrylic and watercolor compositions suggest a hint of Petra Mathers and Giselle Potter playful in tone, starring plucky animal figures and rubbery-limbed characters with expressive facial features. Children will enjoy a humorous leitmotif that plays throughout, too the golden harp is not music to the animals' ears. Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-A satisfying and well-crafted story of dreams and desires, told in a folktale style. Tom has always dreamed of being a rich and successful minstrel, playing his music for the wealthy. Instead, he has an old harp and plays for folks who can only pay him with flour or apples. When Sean O'Dell, "a man of very short stature," appears, Tom agrees to swap his old harp for a beautiful golden one that has a "rather tinny, metallic sound." A lesson about true riches and heart's desires is then learned. The whimsical illustrations use plenty of Irish green with arches and rolling lines to harmonize with the text. Weber has included comical animal antics as illustrative details for children to enjoy. An especially fine contribution to St. Patrick's Day collections, this story will be enjoyed throughout the year, reminding children to follow their dreams and be careful what they wish for. A finely tuned tale.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823415236
• ISBN-13: 978-0823415236
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,742,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A musician's tale, December 29, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harp O' Gold: An Original Tale (Hardcover)

"Harp O'Gold" combines a story by Teresa Bateman with illustrations by Jill Weber. Together they tell the tale of Tom, a minstrel who is dissatisfied with his career. He blames his dissatisfaction on his old wooden harp, which he trades for a flashy gold harp with an inferior sound quality. Tom's fortunes change, and he eventually learns an unexpected but valuable lesson.

This is an enjoyable story that is wonderfully enhanced by the colorful, merry illustrations. The artwork has a Grandma Moses-like quality, and is full of visual jokes and other clever details. The overall look of the book is bright and inviting, and Tom is a likeable hero.