My First Story Orchestra: Swan Lake: Press the buttons to hear 6 sounds

by Jessica Courtney-Tickle (Illustrator)

From the internationally bestselling series, this board book with 6 sounds is the perfect introduction for babies and toddlers to classical music. Discover the spellbinding magic of Swan Lake in this retelling of the classic ballet story about a swan who transforms into a graceful dancer. Children will love pressing the button on every page to hear the exceptional quality music as the story unfolds.The My First Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for little children through illustrated retellings of classic ballets, operas, and musical stories paired with 6 10-second sound clips of real orchestras playing the music.

Also available from the My First Story Orchestra The Nutcracker.

Manufacturer's please pull the white tab out the back of the book before use and flick the small button to turn it on. All sound clips are 10 seconds long.

Genres: Picture Books, Music

14 pages, Board Book

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jessica Courtney-Tickle is an illustrator, writer, and creative based in Cambridge, England. She studied Illustration and Animation at Kingston University London graduating in July 2014. Since then she has worked on a diverse range of picture books with authors such as John Agard, Ursula Jones and Lisa Mantchev. Jessica also continues to illustrate the best selling The Story Orchestra series, written by Katy Flint.

Upcoming books include The Little Blue Cottage written by Kelly Jordan. My Nana's Garden written by Dawn Casey and The Story Orchestra, Carnival of the Animals written by Katy Flint.

Reviews

[Ronan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leuke muziek

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entry in the My First Orchestra series that introduces young readers to the ballet, The Nutcracker, through splendid art and magical musical excerpts. A great way to expose toddlers and babies to classical music and ballet productions.

[Joey-Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Quarto Kids/ Francis Lincoln and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

I always love the story of the Swan Lake, it’s such a stunning ballet, I loved the concept with this book that it plays 10 seconds of music for each page of the story that you read and as you look at it with your child you hear the gorgeous music.

I loved that the important parts of this beautiful story were shared, though it’s sad how short it is and that some parts get cut, I do understand this is for little ones and so it is kept shorter but it’s such a magical story that it would have been nicer for a little more.

The illustrations are just stunning, the beautiful ballerina’s were just gorgeous and it’s so bright and I really enjoyed looking at the illustrations throughout this book and know that families reading and looking at these together would adore the illustrations.

[Shan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like the Nutcracker book from this series, I loved the illustrations but I think that the writing could have gone a bit further with descriptions, especially in terms of plot development. The plot just moved too quickly for me, and in turn it doesn't fit with the age group for whom this book is intended. In other words, there isn't enough substance here for young readers, but the story is too advanced for babies. But, also like I said, the drawings were absolutely beautiful. Kids will love this! I just wish that I could say they would adore the story, too. With some editing they definitely will, but not as the book is right now. Kudos to the author for bringing "Swan Lake" back into the game of kids' books.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This being a digital file means I can't press anything to hear what it sounds like, but I can certainly acknowledge the decent art inside, which is well matched with the short amount of text that heavily edits down the ballet's 'story' (for want of a better word) to match the very short page count. It leaves a lot to be desired in explaining the music and its context (ie that's completely absent) but this is for those young hands just getting used to controlling books, and if that means your ears get to bleed from it quite quickly, I cannot be held responsible. Still, it holds a chance of being the first girly romance story of a reading life, and nobody dies in this version.

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Well obviously the music is the main thing about this book and the entire series and it's a great way to introduce the little ones to classical music. However... I still feel like it lacked story wise - the story is oversimplified and it's a shame. Either commit to the illustrations (which were great) and the music and let them do the talking, either try better with the written words too.

[Briar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Jessica Courtney-Tickle, and Quarto Publishing for providing me with an early digital copy in exchange for a review.

I read this story with my daughter (under 1 yr). She enjoyed looking at the pictures and touching the tablet screen. So, I do plan on purchasing this when it comes out. I was unable to get the music to work on my phone (if it was even possible for the digital version), but I love Tchaikovsky.

This is me being picky, but I do wish there was a bit more complexity to the story - there's so much to pull from the original source material. But that's just me. My daughter will still enjoy the book.

[Angela Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The illustrations are beautiful, and it is a shame the history isn't complete it's a great start for a little one. The book has music that you can hear and match with the story, so it will be great for any parent or school who wants to introduce the little ones to the world of ballet.
I've been looking forward to buying it or adding it to our kid's library.
Thank you so much for NetGalley allowing me to read and hear this beautiful book

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute board book version of Swan Lake! I think the illustrations were great & it gave just enough of the story to introduce the youngest kiddos to the classic story. Overall, just a delightful retelling!

Thanks to NetGalley, Jessica Courtney-Tickle, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review.

[Alesandra: banter_or_bust · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think is great for 1-2 year olds. The story is short enough to allow them to keep turning pages. The pictures are beautiful and detailed enough to invite them to ask questions and point to what they like. It’s really cute!

[Željko Filipin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book with a different, very short, classical music piece on every page. Great for toddlers.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves this one. We tried some of the story orchestra page books from the library too but board book is the way to go right now. Cute illustrations and perfect sound snippets.