Because
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Inspiring look at the life-changing power of music.
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What's the Story?
BECAUSE starts with music by "a man named Ludwig" (Beethoven), which inspired "a man named Franz" (Liszt) to compose his own music. The story then shows causal connections continuing, with musicians forming an orchestra "because people wanted to hear Franz's beautiful music," an artist creating a poster for the orchestra's concert to sell tickets, the workers getting the concert hall ready, etc. And then 'because someone's uncle got a cold," someone's aunt had an extra ticket and took her niece to the concert. That little girl loved the music so much, she started studying music and learning to play various instruments, and through hard work and luck, she became a composer and conductor herself. She's invited to perform her music at the grand concert hall and plays a composition dedicated to her uncle, "because it was his ticket that brought her here." It's the world premiere of Symphony #1 "The Cold." "And that night, someone else was changed."
Is It Any Good?
This lovely picture book shows both the life-changing power of music and the way chance encounters can influence a person's path in life. It also shows all the people involved in putting on a show, from the different musicians who make up the orchestra to the workers who hang the lights to the artist who designs the poster to advertise the show to the train conductor who lets people off at the concert hall. It underscores how inspiration, hard work, and luck all contribute to what someone ultimately does for a living. And in the simplest terms, it shows how one thing leads to another.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about music's power to change lives as shown in Because. Has a song or a concert ever had a big effect on you, opening your eyes -- and ears -- to something new? What happened?
Have you ever been to a concert by a symphony orchestra? What was it like?
How does the art in Because show music flowing through the air? Try drawing a picture that shows music being played or heard.
Book Details
- Author: Mo Willems
- Illustrator: Amber Ren
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
- Publication date: April 5, 2019
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: April 5, 2019
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