Our Little Mushroom
A Story of Franz Schubert and His Friends
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully delivers a charming picture book following the life of prolific composer and musician Franz Schubert through the eyes of the friends who helped him find success.
Franz Schubert was only eleven when he auditioned for the Emperor’s Choir School in Vienna, a place where everyone loved music. Franz barely spoke a word, but he sang like an angel, and his friends took to calling him “Little Mushroom” because he was small. As Franz continued to study and practice his music, his friends were amazed by his talent. The last thing Franz’s father wanted was for his son to be a musician—surely he would starve!—but Franz’s friends refused to let him quit. They vowed to help Franz devote himself to his music, and to make sure the world heard their talented friend.
Franz Schubert would go on to write a thousand pieces of music. Discover the true story of a prolific composer and musician in this beautiful tale about the strength of friendship and the rewards of hard work in finding success.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A wealth of biographical detail positions McCully's biography of Viennese Romantic composer Franz Schubert (1797–1828). Adopting the perspective of Schubert's friends, to whom he dedicated his final compositions, information-rich prose tracks the "absent-minded" composer's life from age 11 to his death at age 31, focusing on his career trajectory from starving artist to famous favorite. Kid-friendly biographical tidbits lighten the narrative, such as Schubert's chaotic time as a first grade teacher or the difficulty of composing while 40 geese honked outside his window. Detailed pen and ink and watercolor illustrations emphasize human figures' gestures and facial expressions alongside landscapes rendered in a pastoral watercolor style. By focusing on Schubert's friendships, McCully conveys that even a shy "little mushroom" can flourish in a supportive community. An author's note and bibliography conclude, including a link to listen to Schubert's compositions. All characters read as white. Ages 4–8.
