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120 pp.
| Charlesbridge
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-57091-714-1$15.95
(2)
4-6
While paying last respects, composer-in-training Ferdinand Hiller snipped a lock of Beethoven's hair. Mysteries dogging the memento are the focus of this absorbing book (adapted from Martin's adult work Beethoven's Hair). The text explores Beethoven's troubled life, the modern-day quest to prove his cause of death, and the keepsake's journey through history. Many well-captioned black-and-white art reproductions and photographs add tangibility. Ind.
32 pp.
| North-South
| September, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7358-2123-1$20.00
(4)
4-6
Translated by Alexis L. Spry.
Illustrated by
Winfried Opgenoorth.
This book details the stormy events that influenced Beethoven's personal and musical development, giving readers an overview of his life and work. Though the text is quite informative, melodramatic invented dialogue and stiff illustrations mar this offering. A CD featuring excerpts from Beethoven's major works is included. Timeline.
(3)
4-6
What in the World? series.
This book details not only Beethoven's process composing his Fifth Symphony but also the historical context of nineteenth-century Vienna and the rest of the world (most notably, Africa and the Americas). Sidebar text also gives specific details about worldwide events, inventions, and discoveries. Although the small type may frustrate readers, the illustrations (mostly reproductions of period artwork) help tell the story. Timeline. Ind.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Barry Blitt.
"FACT: Ludwig van Beethoven lived in 39 different apartments." This information provides the slim premise for this amusing and imaginative explanation of why the famous composer lived in so many places and how he moved his pianos so frequently. Blitt's exaggerated caricatures of Beethoven, his neighbors, and the unfortunate moving men provide plenty of visual humor.
32 pp.
| Charlesbridge
| February, 2004
|
TradeISBN 1-57091-509-1$$19.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
JoAnn E. Kitchel.
This book bravely attempts to represent the medium of music in words and pictures. Celenza clearly tells of Beethoven's oncoming deafness, his admiration for and then disenchantment with Napoleon, and the different inspirations for the four movements of his Third Symphony. The art includes cartoonish people who appear in the foreground and a toile-style background featuring flowers and images of peasant life. A CD is included.