The Composer is Dead written by Lemony Snicket is a dark, funny and brilliant way to introduce kids into the art of Orchestra with a twist. We see in the book the investigator try and solve the composers death. As he is doing this, we learn much about music and its history. The instruments comes to life, each instrument seams to have its own unique personality. A perfect story for young children with an interest in music.Lemony Snicket being one of my favorite authors never seems to disappoint. The story is very fast paced the illustrations aren't breath taking but get the job done. This book is very easy to follow and understand in typical Lemony Snicket fashion. Reviewed for SJSU LIBR 264 Summer 2014Review: Lemony Snickett's trademark dark humor is abundant in this fun picture book mystery. The story opens with the simple statement: "The Composer is Dead," and introduces the inspector who must question the orchestra to determine the murderer. Each instrument has an allibi that matches its sound and its role in the orchestra, playing with words and meaning to create unique personalities for each instrument while also describing to readers the type of music each instrument plays. The book comes with a CD with Snickett himself narrating the story and the San Francisco Symphony performing the role of the instruments. As each instrument explains their allibi, the music becomes more complete and by the end of the book a full orchestra is playing as the mystery comes to an end.Opinion: This was a really fun and interactive story. The book was funny enough by itself but the added music and narration made the story come to life. It is a great way to teach kids about various instruments and the way the instruments sound alone or blend together to create a full orchestra. The mystery itself is intriguing and has a hillarious ending that even adults will find amusing.
SO CUTE. UGH, I love Lemony Snicket so much. The musician jokes were on point.
—mschweitzer
read with the CD (containing music by orchestra and reciting by its author).
—jaddet
A great book about music theory and appreciation. Also contains a CD.
—moldra
I AM SO DELIGHTED BY THE BOOK. Instant favorite.
—Kat
Recommended by third grade.
—eak
