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French Titles
This is another recent work published in a pleasing collection which encourages young people to discover important Canadian figures. The subject of this work is pianist Glenn Gould (1932-1982), the focus of many debates, considered by some a musical genius and by others an eccentric with bizarre habits. The reader will discover numerous details about Gould's childhood in Toronto, his education and training; then his concert career, voluntarily interrupted before he turned 32, at which point he turned to writing, recording and the production of radio documentaries. Despite numerous trivial details about Glenn Gould's personal life and eccentric habits, this biography presents an interesting and relatively complete portrait of the career of this important pianist, his choice of repertoire, and his unique interpretation of classical works. Short chapters and numerous photographs aid the reading of the text. A bibliography and discography complete the biography and will encourage readers to explore further.
Learning to play the saxophone is no trifling affair. It takes perseverance to counter friends' lack of understanding, the disturbing presence of a little brother or the curiosity of adults. This is what the young narrator of this short text tells us, with the zeal of a beginner. The humorous illustrations make reading a pleasant task. They are full of movement, and their bright colours capture our attention.
In 1284, 130 children disappeared from the town of Hamelin in Germany. It is said that an invasion of rats made life unbearable there, and that municipal authorities offered a large reward to anyone who would rid the town of this foul scourge. A quiet and enigmatic flute player succeeded in doing so. But the mayor did not keep his word. He gave only half the reward to the rescuer, who left without claiming what was owed him. Some time later, he returned to attract all the town's children with a bewitching flute tune. The children walked off into the mountains and were never seen again. Since that time, the people of Hamelin have been aware of the power of music. They know that one's word is one's bond, and that children are a responsibility to be cherished. Here artist Michèle Lemieux, critically acclaimed for other illustrated books, offers her personal interpretation of an oral story from Germany, popularized by Robert Browning in 1842. This little book fits into an adult's hand and will attract both young and more experienced readers. Despite the book's small size, the double-page illustrations hold the reader's attention. Skillful contrasts of close-ups and distant perspectives, and the use of light and shadow, cleverly present the emotions expressed in the narrative.
Émile is 12 years old and will soon be recording some Mozart sonatas. His pal François wants him to join his rock group. This comes at the perfect time, because Émile's father has decided to buy him a used synthesizer. Surprise! It contains a diskette recorded by the previous owner, Amadé Trazom. And what a diskette! What music! Even the "Ordre des illuminés" will be carried away by it, and Émile will experience it all. The author has constructed an original story by amalgamating modern elements - diskette, synthesizer - with the great music and character of Amadeus Mozart. Action is portrayed from the outset. Short chapters and lively dialogue draw the reader into a whirlwind of amazing events. The behaviour of some characters is, however, more predictable than that of others, for example the mother or the evil Arthur Bigras. The black-and-white illustrations successfully situate the characters while leaving room for imagination in regard to the layout of locations. The illustrations are well placed, enabling the reader to appreciate the detail of more complex characters or scenes. An energetic, refreshing story, with well-drawn characters.
Vincent is growing beyond recognition. His attitutde towards piano playing is changing too. Empty inside, he can no longer string musical phrases together. Before leaving on tour, his instructor assigns him to find "the music in things". In a few months, in the solitude of his 16 years, Vincent's life will take a very different turn. A note at the beginning prepares the reader for the context of the book. The titles of chapters appear as indications for musical interpretations, as can be found on a score. In a narrative context interspersed with scenes of dialogue, these indications set the pace of Vincent's life and his search for his innermost nature and his family roots. The author knows how to make us appreciate the young musician's uncertainties, hesitations, courage, confidence and concerns.
Another fine entry in the Plaisirs series takes us into a world filled with musical notes and poetry. The purpose is to introduce the very young to a fantasy-filled musical world. Imagine an orchestra made up of comic animals! The animals enjoy themselves playing numerous instruments and celebrating. The beautiful, humorous illustrations are full of colour and imagination. This book will make young ones happy and provide them with another pleasurable destination.
Part fantasy, part souvenir album, this book will especially delight children who have attended the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The festival mascot, a blue cat, evokes aspects of the festival which children will remember: the crowd, public entertainers, and the music park filled with giant instruments. The narrative then turns to fantasy: the cat mounts the stage, and, accompanied by an elephant, persuades mice to dance to the sound of its saxophone. The colourful illustrations and simple text are a perfect fit for children under 10. A pleasant way to introduce children to the wonderful jazz festival that takes place in Montreal each year.
Four teenagers decide to form a rock group. Soon, they sign their first contract and give a performance on stage at a college. The arrival of Tom Paradis, who offers to manage their career, will bring a whole new direction to their artistic life. André Vanasse has created a truly captivating novel that melds the dreams of four teenagers, their determination to succeed and their naiveté when faced with the traps associated with fame. Technical details about the artistic world — for example the issue of contracts and copyright — are blended seamlessly into the story, adding a realistic note. The spirit of friendship, respect and love running through the story wraps the characters in Rêves de gloire in a warm glow.
Searching for her cat, Charbon, in the early hours of the morning, Rosalie meets Richard Robitaille, alias Roy Richard, star of the singing group, the Yetis. Rosalie then forms a detailed plan to attend the group's concert that very evening in Fullum Park, unbeknownst to her aunts. The evening so obsesses her that she forgets Charbon. A series of adventures awaits them both, each in their own way. Rosalie returns with her friends, her aunts and her independent spirit. In the fine tradition of this series, this story has a small, well-conveyed moral message: Rosalie's endearing nature facilitates identification with the young girl and perhaps also with the adventures in which she gets involved. Marisol Sarrazin's drawings portray characters with a great deal of humour.
Another book by Gilles Tibo, whose story-enhancing illustrations are so enjoyed by children. Simon wants to know whether animals like music. He even attempts to imitate nature with musical instruments. Ultimately, he and his friends assemble a whole orchestra. This storybook is filled with magic and poetry. A must-read, especially for the beautiful, luminous illustrations. | |||||||||||||||||||
