Poetry - Narrative

This book is about Farkle McBride who has a special affinity for instruments. By the time he was three years old, he was playing the violin. However, despite trying many, many new instruments throughout his life (until he was nine) he couldn't find an instrument to satisfy him. At 10, he had the brilliant idea to be a conductor.

This is a good book for children because it uses a lot of alliteration and onomatopoeia to describe the sounds of the different instruments.

some of the most hideous picture book illustrations i've ever encountered ( )

Grade Level: 9
Reading Level: standard / average.
Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old (Eighth and Ninth graders) ( )

Summary:
This is a picture book about a little boy who has a natural talent for music. He can play any instrument he wants, but every year or so he gets tired of it and throws it out. Everyone loves hearing him play! By the end of the book he decides he likes hearing all of the instruments together better than just one at a time. When he is 10 years old he gets the chance to be a conductor, and that's what he ends up loving more than anything.

Personal reaction:
I loved this book. The illustrations are great! I think this book is good for showing kids that they don't have to stick with one thing just because people say they're good at it. Kids might want to discover other things they're good at, but it does take time.

Classroom extension:
1. Kids could get in a circle and talk about what their talents are and if/why they like doing it. They could demonstrate it in a show and tell time.
2. The students could go see the band and learn about the instruments.

This about a musical prodigy that learns a new instrument every year, then he throws it out when he gets tired of it. In the end he discovers conducting and listening to all the instruments together.

Age:4-6
Source: pierce college library ( )