The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White as read by the author
Of White’s three novels for children, this one seems to have become something of a lowly step child despite dedicated teacher’s efforts to the contrary. Aside from pure literary merit, I believe Charlotte and Stuart have stayed current due to their film treatment which introduced the characters to streams of new readers. Although Trumpet of the Swan was made into an animated film, it lacked the quality and commercial success of the other two. Anyone encountering only the film would likely turn their back on Louie the swan and run--it was, in my opinion, that terrible.
The book however, is not. It is as well-imagined and beautiful as the other two. The story of a Trumpeter Swan, Louie, born mute and his incredible journey to find his voice transports the listener—child and adult alike. You go to school with Louie where he learns to read and write—a talent that enables him to communicate with his human friend, Sam Beaver, but is not much help in bridging the isolation he feels with his fellow swans. He eventually manages to bridge this gap with the help of a stolen trumpet. Louie’s father does the actual stealing and it is this character that will have all of you laughing at his outlandish speech and behavior. (Moms—pay attention to how deftly his wife “handles” him.)
The plot is complicated—its takes Louie from Canada to Montana, to Boston and Philadelphia (with other stops in between), but its movement will keep everyone interested. Where it really shines is in E.B. White’s audio recording of the story. He reveals Louie as only a creator could—one nuance at a time. In his simple and straightforward way, White makes Louie interesting, sympathetic, admirable, and most importantly, believable. The talents of a trumpet player make Louie’s “voice” seem magical.
This story has general appeal and will entertain most kids over the age of 5. Parents will be hooked as well. This is one for a road trip, but make sure it is a long one or I guarantee you will be pulling over just to hear how it ends!
Of White’s three novels for children, this one seems to have become something of a lowly step child despite dedicated teacher’s efforts to the contrary. Aside from pure literary merit, I believe Charlotte and Stuart have stayed current due to their film treatment which introduced the characters to streams of new readers. Although Trumpet of the Swan was made into an animated film, it lacked the quality and commercial success of the other two. Anyone encountering only the film would likely turn their back on Louie the swan and run--it was, in my opinion, that terrible.
The book however, is not. It is as well-imagined and beautiful as the other two. The story of a Trumpeter Swan, Louie, born mute and his incredible journey to find his voice transports the listener—child and adult alike. You go to school with Louie where he learns to read and write—a talent that enables him to communicate with his human friend, Sam Beaver, but is not much help in bridging the isolation he feels with his fellow swans. He eventually manages to bridge this gap with the help of a stolen trumpet. Louie’s father does the actual stealing and it is this character that will have all of you laughing at his outlandish speech and behavior. (Moms—pay attention to how deftly his wife “handles” him.)
The plot is complicated—its takes Louie from Canada to Montana, to Boston and Philadelphia (with other stops in between), but its movement will keep everyone interested. Where it really shines is in E.B. White’s audio recording of the story. He reveals Louie as only a creator could—one nuance at a time. In his simple and straightforward way, White makes Louie interesting, sympathetic, admirable, and most importantly, believable. The talents of a trumpet player make Louie’s “voice” seem magical.
This story has general appeal and will entertain most kids over the age of 5. Parents will be hooked as well. This is one for a road trip, but make sure it is a long one or I guarantee you will be pulling over just to hear how it ends!
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