The book is well organized and easy to navigate. The author includes a table of contents, glossary of musical terms, index of musicians, and suggestions for further reading and listening. Between three and five pages are devoted to each subject, and each chapter ends with �musical notes� � a listing of additional interesting facts that were not included in the biography. Introductory material on each composer includes dates and sites of birth and death, as well as �teaser� phrases to coax and lure the reader. �The Checked Cotton Underwear of Johannes Brahms� and �Standing on His Head Igor Stravinsky� are irresistible invitations to read.
Krull, as promised, shows the �good times, bad times, and what the neighbors thought,� which many readers will find most compelling of all. Although Mozart�s genius is well-known, Krull tell us that he was also considered by many to be �rude, immature, and irresponsible.� (p. 22) Tchaikovsky is known for writing The Nutcracker Suite, but he was also so fearful that his head would come off while conducting that �he would hold on to it with his left hand while beating time with his right.� (p. 56) Although young readers will find many humorous anecdotes in the book, the biographies depict the artists honestly, balancing their idiosyncracies with the brilliance they each are credited with. Their humanity is revealed through their loves and losses as well as their brilliant accomplishments.
The water-color paintings in the book include caricatures of each composer, depicted with props that illustrate and support the text. Kathryn Hewitt�s illustrations show an over-sized head of each composer sitting atop tiny bodies, giving a light-hearted feel to the book. Smaller paintings, featuring items that were important to each composer, are also scattered throughout the book. �Each entry, accompanied by a colorful caricature, captures a feeling for the composer's music, as well as his or her personal style.� (Horn Book Guide, September 1, 1993)
The author gives readers a glimpse of the featured musicians, giving just enough information to leave them wanting more. School Library Journal (October 1, 1996) says that �Each mini-biography is just enough to hold listeners attention and entice them to find out more about the composer and his music.� The writing style, with its humorous anecdotes and conversational tone, is appealing and appropriate for young readers. These vignettes should heighten interest in the music of these brilliant musicians, as well as in their lives.
Awards
Golden Kite Award (Nominee)
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (Nominee)
ALA Notable Book
Chicago Sun-Times �Best 100 Books of the Century�
Relevant Websites
Kathleen Krull Website: http://www.kathleenkrull.com
Teacher Resource File: http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/krull.htm
Dallas Symphony Orchestra for Kids: http://www.dsokids.com/2001/rooms/DSO_Intro.html
Sources
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 18 October 2004.
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. KathleenKrull.com. Available from http://www.kathleenkrull.com. Accessed 18 October 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY