Hello, and happy Wednesday! How is your week going? Welcome to another installment of “What We Read This Week.” It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve done one of these, which makes me sad because I love reading and sharing books! Life has been hectic around here, but I always want to make time to explore some new reads. So I’m excited to share our latest literary adventure with you! This week, we dove into the beautifully illustrated music-playing book, “The Story Orchestra: The Planets” by Jessica Courtney-Tickle. These are a series, each book presenting a piece of classical music. I saw these books on Instagram, and so I was really excited to see that we received one in our Literati subscription box.
A Bit of History
Before I get into the book, let’s take a quick trip back in time. “The Planets” is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst. Written between 1914 and 1917, each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character. This iconic piece has influenced countless works of music and pop culture, making it a fantastic introduction to classical music for children.
Our Experience
We received “The Story Orchestra: The Planets” in our latest Literati subscription box, and let me tell you, my kids were over the moon (no pun intended.) My son instantly recognized the opening notes from the “Jupiter” movement because it was featured in an episode of “Bluey.” 😂 He was so excited.
About the Book
The book is a part of the popular “The Story Orchestra” series and brings Holst’s music to life through stunning illustrations and sound buttons that play excerpts from each movement of the suite. Jessica Courtney-Tickle has done a brilliant job of capturing the essence of each planet through her vibrant illustrations.
As we read through the book, my kids were not only mesmerized by the music but also intrigued by the fun facts about the planets and the solar system. The interactive element of pressing the buttons to play the music added an extra layer of engagement that kept them hooked from start to finish.
Why We Loved It
- Educational Value: The book is a fantastic way to introduce children to classical music and the solar system.
- Interactive Features: The sound buttons bring the music to life and make the reading experience immersive.
- Beautiful Illustrations: The artwork is colorful and detailed, capturing the imagination of young readers.
Have you read “The Story Orchestra: The Planets” with your kids? How do they react to the combination of music and storytelling? Do you have any favorite books celebrating music? Share your experiences in the comments below!
If you want to experience this musical journey with your kids, you can buy “The Story Orchestra: The Planets” here.
Thanks for reading this week! I can’t wait to hear about your reading adventures and any other book recommendations you might have. Until next time, happy reading!
-Colorful Swans Press 🦢
Colorful Swans Press 