Customer Reviews

Piano Bears Musical Storybook: Little Bear's Piano Goals (Volume 2)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 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 third generation to take 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.

This book continues the story of Little Bear (the main character), a young bear who comes from a musical family - his mother and grandmother also play piano and his uncle was in a band. In the first book, Little Bear was excited about the idea of learning piano but had to learn to get over his fears about starting his lessons. In this book, with the help of his family, teacher, and neighbors (including Mr. Green Bear, a master gardener), he learns that he needs to be patient with his learning instead of getting frustrated, and he learns to set positive goals for his progress. For example, Mr. Green Bear explains that starting piano lessons is like planting a garden that needs to be tended every day but over time produces wonderful results. The story also has wonderful illustrations that bring the story to life.

This is just one of an amazing set of little books. Cynthia Marie VanLandingham's Piano Adventure books are "must haves" for any parent who wants to encourage a child to learn to play the piano. They are beautifully illustrated - a joy to hold and read, and read again and again. Having them also available on DVD and CD-ROM is a plus. The adventures of Little Bear and his teacher, Mrs. Treble Beary, are designed to eliminate stress and make each piano lesson something to look forward to. The books subtly teach patience, as the student learns to set and achieve goals. I was certainly impressed, not only with the insightful material but with its charming presentation!