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The Story Orchestra Musical Puzzle: Swan Lake
Discover the spellbinding magic of Swan Lake in this musical retelling of the ballet – push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score.
This tale of a prince, a beautiful swan princess and an evil sorcerer begins in a woodland clearing far, far away. It is Prince Siegfried’s 21st birthday. He is playing games with his friends when his mother, the Queen, arrives to tell him he needs to stop having fun and start looking after the kingdom. Prince Siegfried dreams of running away.
He follows an enchanting flock of swans to a clearing by a lake, where four of the little cygnets begin to dance. The most beautiful swan transforms into the Princess Odette , who tells him that she has been cursed to turn into a swan by day and return to her natural form at night by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. As the prince and Odette dance, they begin to fall in love.
The story follows Prince Siegfried as he attends his birthday party, is tricked into proposing to Von Rothbart’s daughter Odile and returns to the lake to battle the evil sorcerer. Will the prince be reunited with his swan princess?
As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet’s music . Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music .
At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with details about his composition of Swan Lake. Next to this, you can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms.
The Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet, opera, and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores. With The Story Orchestra keyboard sound books, children can play the famous melodies themselves with the sound of a real grand piano.
Also available from the Story Orchestra series : The Magic Flute , I Can Play (vol 1) , Carnival of the Animals , The Sleeping Beauty , The Nutcracker , and Four Seasons in One Day .
Manufacturer’s please pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in exact location to work, which may be hard for young children. All sound clips are 10 seconds long.
The perfect primer to introduce children to classical music.
This tale of a prince, a beautiful swan princess and an evil sorcerer begins in a woodland clearing far, far away. It is Prince Siegfried’s 21st birthday. He is playing games with his friends when his mother, the Queen, arrives to tell him he needs to stop having fun and start looking after the kingdom. Prince Siegfried dreams of running away.
He follows an enchanting flock of swans to a clearing by a lake, where four of the little cygnets begin to dance. The most beautiful swan transforms into the Princess Odette , who tells him that she has been cursed to turn into a swan by day and return to her natural form at night by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. As the prince and Odette dance, they begin to fall in love.
The story follows Prince Siegfried as he attends his birthday party, is tricked into proposing to Von Rothbart’s daughter Odile and returns to the lake to battle the evil sorcerer. Will the prince be reunited with his swan princess?
As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet’s music . Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music .
At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with details about his composition of Swan Lake. Next to this, you can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms.
The Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet, opera, and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores. With The Story Orchestra keyboard sound books, children can play the famous melodies themselves with the sound of a real grand piano.
Also available from the Story Orchestra series : The Magic Flute , I Can Play (vol 1) , Carnival of the Animals , The Sleeping Beauty , The Nutcracker , and Four Seasons in One Day .
Manufacturer’s please pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in exact location to work, which may be hard for young children. All sound clips are 10 seconds long.
The perfect primer to introduce children to classical music.
24 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 12, 2020
This is a great easy telling of the story of swan lake. There is a plastic board in the back that will play little snippets from the ballet itself. I saw this and my little heart swooned. I love Tchaikovsky and his music. It’s a great synopsis of the story too. It’s easy to digest in one sitting. It reads fast.
A little note in the back matter does tell us there are 2 endings for the ballet and a few more people added later endings. This is the happy ending where all ends well. There is another ending where both loves die and reunite in the afterlife which most ballet companies use. Tchaikovsky wrote both.
The nephew wasn’t crazy about the story, but he loved punching the buttons to hear the music. He did think it was cool when the swans turned into people and he liked the evil wizard Rothbart being an owl. He thought this was pretty cool so he gave it 3 stars. I left it for the niece to read and I think she read it, but didn’t talk about it.
A little note in the back matter does tell us there are 2 endings for the ballet and a few more people added later endings. This is the happy ending where all ends well. There is another ending where both loves die and reunite in the afterlife which most ballet companies use. Tchaikovsky wrote both.
The nephew wasn’t crazy about the story, but he loved punching the buttons to hear the music. He did think it was cool when the swans turned into people and he liked the evil wizard Rothbart being an owl. He thought this was pretty cool so he gave it 3 stars. I left it for the niece to read and I think she read it, but didn’t talk about it.
March 30, 2021
This book is such a fun way to learn the story and music of Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky, and music in general. On each page you read the story and listen to about 10 seconds of the music that goes with that part of the ballet. At the end of the book there is an explanation of why each piece of music is paired with that part of the story - whether it indicates happiness, sadness, or a scary part. The book discusses which instruments were selected and why. My daughters love this book, I know it will get a lot of use. I can’t wait to read the others in The Story Orchestra series!
December 29, 2019
A stunning book and introduction to the story and ballet
December 6, 2019
This is a beautiful book. We love the Ballet and this brings the feelings and mood to life in your own home. The art, the music and the story. My daughter (8 years old) loves Ballet and the story is magical.
January 3, 2024
4.5 Stars. I recently won this puzzle story from a Goodreads Giveaway. It was a great experience, providing a unique and approachable way to introduce classical music and the ballet to young readers.
The first part is the story of Swan Lake, which is provided on a one-page sheet. The original tale can be quite complicated, but the author has managed to present it in a more accessible manner for young readers. Additionally, there is a short bio of the composer Tchaikovsky which is great. And, I particularly appreciated how each Act of the ballet was broken down, accompanied by a symbol to find on the puzzle with a corresponding button that plays different songs.
The puzzle itself is easy to complete, making it suitable for various age groups. It is a beautiful illustration of the ballet Swan Lake. What sets it apart, as mentioned above, is the addition of buttons that play the music from Swan Lake. This puzzle provides a multisensory experience.
The only part I believe could be better presented is the story format. Perhaps the one page could be in a book-like format, not long, less than 10 pages. This would allow for additional illustrations to enrich the reading journey. This would also allow for a glossary to explain terms such as scoring and key, which are introduced but not explained. These terms are concepts at a different level and possibly could have been omitted or explained.
The first part is the story of Swan Lake, which is provided on a one-page sheet. The original tale can be quite complicated, but the author has managed to present it in a more accessible manner for young readers. Additionally, there is a short bio of the composer Tchaikovsky which is great. And, I particularly appreciated how each Act of the ballet was broken down, accompanied by a symbol to find on the puzzle with a corresponding button that plays different songs.
The puzzle itself is easy to complete, making it suitable for various age groups. It is a beautiful illustration of the ballet Swan Lake. What sets it apart, as mentioned above, is the addition of buttons that play the music from Swan Lake. This puzzle provides a multisensory experience.
The only part I believe could be better presented is the story format. Perhaps the one page could be in a book-like format, not long, less than 10 pages. This would allow for additional illustrations to enrich the reading journey. This would also allow for a glossary to explain terms such as scoring and key, which are introduced but not explained. These terms are concepts at a different level and possibly could have been omitted or explained.
February 5, 2022
The story makes the prince sound very young, while also saying it's his 21st birthday.
Chooses a very happy, good-triumphs-over-evil ending, which is definitely not always the case.
The illustrations are good and the music clips chosen are very appropriate, concentrating on the well-known themes. Getting the music to play by pressing through the pages can be difficult; it may be easier to flip to the back to press the button.
Has the same problematic definition of "ballet" as in The Story Orchestra: The Sleeping Beauty: Press the note to hear Tchaikovsky's music.
The notes on the music clips at the back are good.
Chooses a very happy, good-triumphs-over-evil ending, which is definitely not always the case.
The illustrations are good and the music clips chosen are very appropriate, concentrating on the well-known themes. Getting the music to play by pressing through the pages can be difficult; it may be easier to flip to the back to press the button.
Has the same problematic definition of "ballet" as in The Story Orchestra: The Sleeping Beauty: Press the note to hear Tchaikovsky's music.
The notes on the music clips at the back are good.
February 9, 2025
Copying my review from the other books in the series because it again completely applies:
A lovely book to introduce (Swan Lake) to children. The story is well and simply summarized, the music quality is nice, and the book is well illustrated. What is keeping me from rating this a full 5-stars is the construction of the book itself. The buttons are very hard to press for little fingers (even adults have to press quite hard) and the snippets of music are a bit shorter than I'd want. If it weren't for other sound books which really seem to have overcome both challenges better (books like Welcome to the Orchestra and Allegro), I'd be a lot more forgiving. I think this could be produced a bit better.
A lovely book to introduce (Swan Lake) to children. The story is well and simply summarized, the music quality is nice, and the book is well illustrated. What is keeping me from rating this a full 5-stars is the construction of the book itself. The buttons are very hard to press for little fingers (even adults have to press quite hard) and the snippets of music are a bit shorter than I'd want. If it weren't for other sound books which really seem to have overcome both challenges better (books like Welcome to the Orchestra and Allegro), I'd be a lot more forgiving. I think this could be produced a bit better.
August 14, 2020
3.5 stars. I had high hopes for this book and my children did love it. But i must admit that I was annoyed by the brief, tinny clips played repeatedly throughout the day as my children joyfully pressed the buttons over and over. The good thing is that it will expose your child to manageable clips of the ballet’s music, and the resulting familiarity might open the door to listening to a complete version. I will next try the full length cd with narration.
March 22, 2021
I love these Story Orchestra books. You have to push on the buttons fairly hard to get the music to play, but the sound is very good quality for a musical book. I love that they feature classical music. The story of Swam Lake is one of my favorites. This is a decent retelling, but very short and simple. Great for my preschooler.
October 24, 2021
Ok, I brought this more for me and my play neices mum, than the birthday girl in question. After giggles and the cutest "thanks auntie", she was off trampoling. But I am sure she will be loving the tranquility of the music and the feel of the massive, but airy light hardback at bedtime (fingers crossed).
December 28, 2023
I won this story/puzzle from Goodreads' FirstReads. This is a very interesting idea. It has the basic story in the box, you read the summary of each section of the ballet, then put the puzzle together to see the end of the story. Some of the puzzle pieces have holes in them so that you can access the buttons that play the music from the ballet that goes with each act.
June 13, 2024
Ik schrijf nooit echt reviews, maar bij deze even een uitzondering, want ik ben maar een klein beetje heel erg verliefd geworden op dit boek. De prachtige ingebouwde muziek, tekeningen en het verhaal: niet voor niets heb ik het boek, dat ik gisteravond kreeg, al heel wat keren gelezen.
Vijf sterren zonder twijfel en ik ben bang de start van een nieuwe verzameling.
Vijf sterren zonder twijfel en ik ben bang de start van een nieuwe verzameling.
November 27, 2022
Very cute and musical read. Onky my second version of Swan Lake I've ever read and curious about the original. Very enchanting little story and love the historical tidbit at the end about the music and ballet 😊
June 1, 2023
We love the different books in The Story Orchestra series. The Swan Lake is beautiful, with the enchanting story adapted for kids and the symphony music clips on each page. These books are such a great way to introduce kids to symphony music in a fun way.
May 26, 2024
Gekocht voor mijn dochter. Ik heb het boek in het Nederlands gelezen. Prachtig boek. Mooie illustraties en een mooi sprookje. Ontzettend leuke manier om kinderen in aanraking te laten komen met klassieke muziek.
January 25, 2021
This is a pretty book. Love the music.
March 6, 2021
Is it just me, or does the music from Harry Potter sound a bit like Swan Lake?
Good art. Okay story. My kids love playing the music.
Good art. Okay story. My kids love playing the music.
December 31, 2021
Too cute and such enchanting pictures. I wish I could rip them out and hang them on my wall
February 2, 2022
E: I like this book because it has music and the music is nice. I like the ending. There is nothing I didn't like.
Parent: A beautiful and creative way to introduce children to the classics.
Parent: A beautiful and creative way to introduce children to the classics.
February 4, 2022
The illustrations, and of course the music, in this book are so beautiful. Rosalind and I really love reading and listening to this one together.
February 6, 2022
Nice intro to the story and music for small fry. The music selections could be longer though.
October 23, 2023
The music gets 4-5 stars
The storytelling gets 3.5
The 3 year old boys I was reading this to mainly cared about the music, not the story or illustrations
Read 10/22/2023
The storytelling gets 3.5
The 3 year old boys I was reading this to mainly cared about the music, not the story or illustrations
Read 10/22/2023
December 26, 2023
Cute and educational. Would make a wonderful gift.
I received this book as a Goodreads first-reads winner.
I received this book as a Goodreads first-reads winner.
April 11, 2024
Music aside, this series is the best kid-friendly adaptation of these typically-dark fairy tale type stories.
November 30, 2024
Wonderful! Picked this up for a friend's kid and it's beautifully made. Lovely retelling of Swan Lake that includes a few seconds of the whole composition on every page and the art is beautiful.
September 30, 2025
Interactive books like this will always get a high rating from me. I enjoy the music from Swan Lake and the story they tell here is a nice, kid friendly version.
December 28, 2025
love these books so much and this one is no exception giving you the story of Swan Lake alongside snippets of Tchaikovsky's fantastic score!
April 5, 2026
ah..dunyanin en guzel kitaplarindan. kucuk sena oyle cok severdi ki bu kitaplari!
oh..one of the most beautiful book in whole world! it’s amazing to healing inner child 💗🦢🤍✨
oh..one of the most beautiful book in whole world! it’s amazing to healing inner child 💗🦢🤍✨
January 27, 2026
i love the music in this it’s so beautiful and perfect for dancing
May 1, 2026
Rothbart!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews