Customer Reviews

Piano Bears Musical Storybook: Little Bear's Musical Garden

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These books are great for young children who are taking music instruction and are a lot of fun to read with them. My daughter's teacher recommended the books when Julie started taking piano lessons (she was seven). They are based on the story of a young bear and his friends and family. Little Bear is just starting to learn piano and he has the same worries Julie did about what his teacher and lessons will be like, how and why to practice, and what recitals are all about. The stories are very cute, are nicely illustrated, and explain these things in a way that kids can understand. We read them together and laugh about Little Bear and his family and the silly adventures they have.

I teach many young children in my studio and give these books to new students to help them and their parents get off to a good start and develop a positive vision for their piano lessons. The books are the only resources I have found that explain to young students key concepts such as the importance of establishing good practice habits and having patience in learning new skills. The books do this in an endearing way and create a way to talk to the children about challenges they are experiencing - for example, I can tell a student who is getting frustrated that they need to have patience like Little Bear (the key character). I recommend this series to all studios that teach young piano students as well as the students' parents.

I bought these books for my grandson when he started piano instruction. I love reading them with him and they have helped him share our family's love of music (he is the fourth generation to play piano). The stories teach great lessons that have helped him make a great start on his musical journey, and do so in a fun and not preachy way that kids can relate to.

The books tell the story of Little Bear (the main character) who is a young bear who comes from a musical family - his mother and grandmother also play piano and his uncle was in a band. Little Bear is excited about the idea of learning piano but must get over his fears about starting his lessons. With the help of his family, teacher, and neighbors (such as Mr. Green Bear, a master gardener), he learns why practicing is important, how to set positive goals for his progress, and how to be patient when he gets frustrated. For example, Mr. Green Bear explains that starting piano lessons is like planting a garden that needs to be tended every day. Little Bear also is worried about his first recital but learns the fun of sharing his musical gift with others.