The Musical Life of Gustav Mole (Child's Play library) [Hardcover]

Michael Twinn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1989 | Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Child's Play library

Lucky the mole born into a musical family! And lucky the child introduced to the delights of musical experience, to instruments and performing groups by this beautiful, sensitive and witty book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In a loosely woven story of the life of Gustav (a mole), listeners are introduced to musical instruments and forms. Folk music an jazz are included, but the focus is on the classical forms. The story begins as Gustav starts his musical life with a rattle and follows him through is conservatory days as a violinist until he finds his place as a composer. The book's illustrations are of engaging animals involved in all types of musical activities. " (School Library Journal)
"Vignettes from the life of Gustav Mole focus on his musical family and friends. Lullabies, tuneful toys, concerts, folk music, operatic music, and jazz are all part of he picture. Animals are used to teach identification of instruments and orchestra sections, augmented here by the instrumental recording. The original music takes precedence over the descriptive narrative. Musical styles are distinct and the instruments easily identifiable. The second side repeats the score without the text in this pleasing introduction to music appreciation." (Booklist k-Includes Reference Books Bulletin 3/15/91)
"Kathryn Meyrick is a professional musician as well as a fine artist and a gifted storyteller. The Musical Life of Gustav Mole is a beautiful book that will delight young readers from 3-10 years and impress an appreciation for what fine press publishing for young readers can achieve!" -- The Children's Bookwatch

From the Publisher

- Leads to a feeling of involvement by inclusion of statements directed to the reader.
- Includes activities the child can participate in (parent may need to help).
- Illustrations blend with text to add interest.
- Exposes child to all aspects of music including the emotional side.
- Verses may be sung.
- Encourages active participation (count the instruments)
- Uses double-spread pages to enhance text.
- Print is bold, clear and short which makes the text easy to read.
- Contains humor.
- Introduces new vocabulary - the vocabulary of music.
- Children learn about dedication and determination.
- Learn about instruments through accurate drawings.
- Discover the beauty of art.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Child's Play International Ltd; 1st US edition (October 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859533034
• ISBN-13: 978-0859533034
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,018,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure delight!, April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Musical Life of Gustav Mole (Child's Play Library) (Audio Cassette)

This tape, based on the lovely book of the same title, is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of music. The original compositions are beautiful, and the naration, provided by Patrick Macnee (Steed from "The Avengers" TV series) is perfection-full of warmth and love and whimsy, as if he's talking directly to his own grandchildren sitting on his lap. Our daughter loves this tape, and my wife and I never tire of listening to it either.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tells of Gustav's musical life from infancy to adulthood., December 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Musical Life of Gustav Mole (Child's Play library) (Hardcover)

I am a music teacher and absolutly love this book! While it can be shared with almost any primary class, I saved it for my second graders and used it with the cassette. The story tells of Gustav's musical life from infancy to adulthood. On a quest to find his "musical self" he discovers jazz, classical, big band music and much more. Following the story, we play a game that I developed using segments from the cassette. My students had a great time identifying the different instruments played in the story. I would recommend this book and cassette to all! Enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite kids book/audiotape !!!!, July 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Musical Life of Gustav Mole (Child's Play library) (Hardcover)

This is truly a wonderful book and audiotape (don't just get the book). My daughter and I love listening and reading along. The music is very enjoyable and almost puts you into the story. I highly recommend them for gifts, too!