November is picture book month! Thanks to
for finding this marvelous book to add to our library. It is a picture book written by Dan Brown…yes, that Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame. The lush story line consists of shorts songs about different animals and then has a “lesson” on each page. Example of a lesson: “It’s important to give everything you’ve got! But don’t forget to rest and refill your tank.” The final scene of the book is a four page spread of all the animals playing together in an orchestra. So cool! I am old enough to be astounded by the wonders of technology. You can download an app (or go to a website) so that you can interact with the book and hear the musical piece that matches each animal. (One way to access the music is to hold your camera over the page. Another way is to follow the arrows through the app.) Of course, the grand finale with all the animals playing together is truly magnificent! All of the music is beautiful. There are orchestra halls globally planning to do these pieces as a full length show. I am excited for the day that the WILD SYMPHONY reaches our region!
This book celebrates how books improve our quality of life!
The book is based upon a real gentleman (Jose Alberto Gutierrez) who built a library in his home and was a former garbage collector. He went back to school in his fifties and it took him three years to earn his high school diploma. His current dream is to exchange his garbage truck for a truck full of books and travel the country. (He lives in the city of Bogota, Colombia). I am sure he will do it! Hurray!
