The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket, Music by Nathaniel Stookey, illustrations by Carson Ellis – Wow. Talk about a fascinating creation. I chose to play the audio version and read along. First: LOVED the ad lib throughout the audio version, threw my kiddo many times as we listened, which is good, I liked how it kept you on your toes. Second: WHAT? The ending… the ending… Letting the kiddo think on what it all means in the next day and then shall visit the book again to see if he ‘gets’ it yet. Fantastic. Hilarious. PERFECT voice for so many instruments. Lovely compliment book to The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt too! This picture book/audiobook/musical recording was amazing! I don't read a lot of picture books and I have not read anything by Lemony Snicket but after hearing an interview on Fresh Air I knew that reading something by Lemony Snicket was inevitable. I laughed out loud with the humorous undertones as an investigator goes through an entire orchestra, questioning whether they have killed the nameless composer. Clever, witty and dramatic you must read and listen to this book no matter whether you like picture books or not, whether you know about orchestras or not. A few of my favorite lines are "This is called decomposing" and "Violins are the stars of any orchestra". Actually, just reading about the violin section brought back fond memories of playing 2nd violin throughout my school years. Don't miss the informative quote about second violins. Other memorable quotes include "Everyone forgets about us, said the Violas bitterly" and of course "...the Conductor! You've been murdering composers for years!" Ok, I won't quote any more. The music is great and all of the profiles of each orchestra section ring true. I'm being a bit evangelical about this book so please, read it for you and if you happen to have kids read it for them too.
What do You think about Composer Is Dead, The (2011)?
My kids love this! The CD is very fun--clever!!
—mohit
I want to buy this for every band nerd I know.
—iwillnotpay
