Suzan Overmeer

Review of uncorrected advance reader eBook

Isabel, her sister, and her two brothers all make music. Isabel and Andre play the violin. Lavinia plays the harp and Wibi plays the piano. When the four mice make music together, all the other animals in the forest are very quiet . . . they don’t want to miss anything.

Every day, Isabel walks in the forest, listening for new sounds she doesn’t yet know. One day, she hears a bird singing. Another day she hears ants marching. Each time she calls her brothers and sister to hear the beautiful music she has discovered, but they believe their own music is better.

And then, one day Isabel hears strange music in the distance and meets four mice from the city . . . .

This charming musical tale, written for young readers ages four through nine, speaks to being acceptant, to diversity and inclusion, as well as to the celebrating of beautiful music in all its forms. The bright, colorful illustrations are likely to capture the attention of the youngest readers [although the story may be a bit discursive for four-year-olds]. Most importantly, the lesson of appreciation for and acceptance of the music of all is one that easily relates to other life experiences and situations.

Suggestions for listening for sounds, for making music and enjoying music in its various forms [singing like a bird, stomping like an ant, making music with your body or with objects], and enjoying music in different ways are included.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Clavis Publishing and NetGalley
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