Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons is introduced to young readers through an adventure, illustrations, a lovely narration, the music, and a very cute mouse...in a way which brings the music to life.

This book covers the Winter part of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and is one book in a four book series. I didn't read the other three books, but that's not really necessary since this book is its own adventure. Well, that's ignoring the fact that all four books are necessary to round off the glimpse at this composer's work.

While this book does take a quick glance at Vivaldi, it is really a quick glance. The mouse gets center stage in these pages as he deals with a very determined Tom cat. It's a quick paced tale...much like the music...and does an amazing job at giving Vivaldi's piece a life young listeners will enjoy.

The book can be used in many ways. Firstly, it is a story like a normal picture book, and one that will hold readers interest all on its own. There is a quick look at Vivaldi along with some details, but it's not in depth. Then, there's the narration/audio book version, which can be downloaded. The narrator does a lovely job at reading the story while music plays in the background. But there's also the possibility of playing the music while the book is read (either out loud or gazed at).

This musical version (music in the background while book be read aloud or gazed at) impressed me the most. The music matches the tale perfectly and builds an amazing base for the imagination. It's easy to get lost in both and see the events happening as the music plays. It's an inviting way for young readers to learn to see...what they'd most likely deem, otherwise, as boring...the piece in a whole new light.

While there could have been a pinch more about Vivaldi, I'm suspecting the four books round off that end better when placed together. But from the view of bringing children closer to a type of music they'd, otherwise, turn away from, this book is very well done and a treat.
I received an ARC and found this well done. ( )