A Noteworthy Tale

A delightful and original book which teaches an appreciation for music. When Notso Profundo falls out of Rhapsody--the enchanted land where all music is created--he finds himself in the gloomy land of Slurrrr. There he meets the beautiful Melisma Tone-Cluster, prisoner of the nastiest bully in Slurrrr, Konrad Troubleclef, who plans to put an end to music everywhere. Full color.

Grade 1-4?A lively, vibrantly illustrated story in which good is represented by music and evil by its absence. Rhapsody is an enchanted land in which all music is created; its leader, Notso Profundo, is in charge of all of the notes. Beyond is the land of Slurrrr, a gray, somber place where all kinds of music or any hint of melody are prohibited. It is under the rule of sinister Konrad Troubleclef, whose aim is to destroy music everywhere. To that end, he kidnaps the musical note Mi. He has also imprisoned Melisma Tone-Cluster, who has refused to marry him, guaranteeing her freedom when she agrees to be his wife. Notso Profundo heroically saves and marries Melisma and rescues Mi. The narrative is chockful of musical details and allusions, many of which are carried out in the whimsical, highly patterned artwork. The clever names of the characters may well be lost on young audiences, yet the appealing illustrations and satisfying story will strike a chord with elementary-aged youngsters and could be used to trigger musical activities.?Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
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