Mole Music (Reading Rainbow Books) - Softcover

McPhail, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805067663 ISBN 13: 9780805067668

Publisher: Square Fish, 2001

Synopsis

A spiritual story about the far-reaching effects of private actions.

Mole has always led a simple life, but lately he feels something is missing. When he first hears someone playing a violin, Mole realizes that he longs to make beautiful music, too.

Through practice and patience, Mole learns to play. And even though he plays alone, in the privacy of his underground home, his music has an effect on others that is more magical than Mole will ever know.

About this title

About the Author:

David McPhail is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the popular Pig Pig stories. He lives with his family in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

From School Library Journal:

reS-Gr 2-This recording of David McPhail's Mole Music (Holt, 1999) brings the picture book to life. The production's classical music selections, coupled with true-to-life sound effects, embody the story and make for a full, rich listening experience. As squirrel eats an acorn above mole's burrow, we hear the joyous music of the Third Movement of Beethoven's "Pastorale." As the story continues, the elegant, haunting strains of "La Cremosa," from Mozart's Requiem, express mole's dissatisfaction with his life. Musical selections are identified on the cassette insert, and include works by Massenet, Brahms, and Beethoven; the Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts"; and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Crystal clear sound effects help depict the action. As mole checks the mail for his violin, a rain shower conveys his disappointment when he finds the mailbox empty. Birds chirp and flutter at his attempts to play the instrument. We even hear mole humming happily as he digs his tunnels. Horses whinny and stamp as mounted soldiers, awaiting an impending battle, hear mole's music and abandon warfare for a friendlier confrontation. Master storyteller, Jim Weiss, aptly narrates the text, giving it a slow, clear, emphatic reading. His precision timing allows the music and sound effects to enhance the story. Side one of the cassette offers page turning prompts. This book and cassette will make a handsome addition to school and public library collections.

Bonnie Bolton, Cleveland Public Library, OH

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0805067663
• ISBN 13: 9780805067668
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: McPhail David