Inspire young children to play the piano and appreciate its music with musical picture books. From our Little Stories of Great Composers series to collections of classical music centered around water, birds, and magical creatures, there are so many ways to discover the power of the piano.
That’s My Piano, Sir!
Travel through time following a charming little mouse called Minim, who loves cheese and music. One day, he witnesses the arrival of a dapper, young Mozart and his family as they set foot on a dock one late, cold night. He is no ordinary boy, sporting a white wig and dressed in red velvet, on his way to play several concerts in the city. To the surprise of all, he begins to play with his sister for the tired customs officer and gloomy dockworkers. The evening air comes to life, and soon, everyone’s faces are beaming, their ears ringing with music!
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My Music Box
Open up the fairy tale and dreamlike worlds imagined by renowned classical composers for the piano. Compositions transport listeners to France and Russia in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the instrument was the preferred way to introduce children to the magic of music. Explore the poignant yet fleeting fears and joys of childhood with 20 miniature movements for two- and four-hand piano by Bizet, Debussy, Liadov, Moussorgsky, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, and others. Performed by acclaimed pianist duo Ludmila Berlinskaya and Arthur Ancelle.
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A Delicious Taste of Mozzarella!
Join Minim on his vacation adventure in the country with Sasha and Bobik as they spend time with their favourite uncle, none other than Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This summer, the brilliant composer has offered them a gift they didn’t expect, one that will last forever and bring happiness to children all over the world!
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Simply Fantastic
Introduce children to the fantastical characters found in legends and fairytales—including gnomes, fairies, witches, goblins, elves, and wizards— through the works of classical composers like Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and other composers. An original and interesting way for younger listeners to discover classical music, this book pairs three centuries of music history with stunning and evocative illustrations. Featuring piano compositions by Debussy and more.
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Curiosity Killed the Cat!
The setting is a lively open-air café on a beautiful spring day after a long, hard winter. A strange fellow sits by himself, book in hand, reading a poem about a trout swimming joyfully in a brook. Next to the man’s table, Minim spots a scrumptious piece of gruyere and is completely oblivious to the fact that it’s being used as bait for a mousetrap. Fortunately, before he can sink his teeth into the cheese, he is quickly lifted off the floor by the odd-looking daydreamer…who happens to be Franz Schubert, a brilliant composer with no qualms about making time for the little things in life!
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Amazing Water
From the sea to rainfall, rivers, and fountains, water has inspired the works of countless composers, including Vivaldi, Beethoven, and Debussy. An original and exciting way for younger listeners to discover classical music, this book pairs three centuries of music history with stunning and evocative illustrations.
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The Fabulous Song
Oh, that darn Frederic Pipin! He’ll do anything to get out of learning how to play an instrument, much to the chagrin of his loving parents, who named him after the great Chopin. Piano lessons with Mr. Stricter prove to be disastrous, so he has a go at the cello, the oboe, and the clarinet… but sadly, nothing fits. Until one glorious day, he attends his sister's recital and falls under the spell of an incredible conductor. To the amazement of the Pipkin family, what follows is the discovery of Frederic’s new gift and a fabulous new song.
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Listen to the Birds
Throughout history, birds have caught the imagination of composers and inspired their creativity. This selection of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others introduces children to classical music through the discovery of the melodious similarities between notes produced by instruments such as the flute and piano.
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Playlist: Classical Piano for Babies and Children
Watch That’s My Piano Sir, narrated by Colm Feore
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