A Noteworthy Tale
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, NJCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.