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The Song for Everyone
This stunningly illustrated picture book debut about the power of music to transform hearts and minds will be an instant classic.
A cat, a boy, an elderly woman, and a line of students may appear to have little in common, but when they pass under the same window, each are swept up and transformed in different ways by the magical music that streams toward them and buoys their weary spirits. But one day, the music stops, and the town must work together to save the music that they grew to love.
The Song for Everyone is a stunning allegory for the emotional complexities we carry within us, the universally soothing effects of music, and the importance of community. Timeless and comforting, this picture book is one to read again and again.
A cat, a boy, an elderly woman, and a line of students may appear to have little in common, but when they pass under the same window, each are swept up and transformed in different ways by the magical music that streams toward them and buoys their weary spirits. But one day, the music stops, and the town must work together to save the music that they grew to love.
The Song for Everyone is a stunning allegory for the emotional complexities we carry within us, the universally soothing effects of music, and the importance of community. Timeless and comforting, this picture book is one to read again and again.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2020
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 15, 2020
This book has one of the most impressive illustrations I've ever seen. Even if there was no story; I'd like to look at it and just be happy to see them. I like how muted colours are in line with the story, which is very cute! The power of music and living in harmony with your townspeople is important, and this excellent book teaches that in a beautiful way. Loved this!
August 21, 2020
What a sweet story! I was enchanted not only by the illustrations but by the way such a simple story could bring such joy. This author truly has a gift of story and the illustrations show that as well.
I think my faovorite part was seeing (visually) how the stong interacted with the people of the town and how it changed them.
To me, the message of this book is clear: all it takes is one small thing to change a whole persepctive! Whether it be a sweet song or a gentle kindness.
I think this would be wonderful for children and a greaty way for people to teach kindness to them.
——
Thanks to the publisher for giving me an early look at this story via digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
I think my faovorite part was seeing (visually) how the stong interacted with the people of the town and how it changed them.
To me, the message of this book is clear: all it takes is one small thing to change a whole persepctive! Whether it be a sweet song or a gentle kindness.
I think this would be wonderful for children and a greaty way for people to teach kindness to them.
——
Thanks to the publisher for giving me an early look at this story via digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2020
A beautiful story about the power of music!
June 16, 2022
the most stunning illustrations. a beautiful heartwarming story
November 28, 2020
I'm a sucker for illustrations.
This cover and the end papers "had me at hello", so to speak.
Waves of swirling, floating, interrelated, airy, floral details move across the pages with the sweep and lift of a conductor's baton. Rather than musical notes or more literal images, these delicately drawn and closed snippets combine to create the visual song that is, indeed, for everyone in a sad little village.
Without knowing its source, the music transforms the people of that town one by one, until the song suddenly stops. Sadness descends, but the people do not revert to their previous isolated lives. Instead, the awakening they experienced draws them together to restore the missing music.
There is so much t love in the literal story, in both text and iamge. There is even more to appreciate when viewed as an analogy about the power of individuals, of music, of community.
Picture books are, by definition, stories told through visual narratives, exclusively or in combination with text. That sounds easy to plenty of people who haven't tried it.
In fact, the text of a superb picture book is like the most literary poetry- not necessary rhymed or formally constrained, but text in which every single word is purposeful and effective.
The illustrations are NOT meant to translate the words into pictures. Instead, the illustrations share the task fo storytelling in every way, expanding and exploring and elevating quality text to even higher levels of excellence. THE SONG FOR EVERYONE does all of that and more.
This cover and the end papers "had me at hello", so to speak.
Waves of swirling, floating, interrelated, airy, floral details move across the pages with the sweep and lift of a conductor's baton. Rather than musical notes or more literal images, these delicately drawn and closed snippets combine to create the visual song that is, indeed, for everyone in a sad little village.
Without knowing its source, the music transforms the people of that town one by one, until the song suddenly stops. Sadness descends, but the people do not revert to their previous isolated lives. Instead, the awakening they experienced draws them together to restore the missing music.
There is so much t love in the literal story, in both text and iamge. There is even more to appreciate when viewed as an analogy about the power of individuals, of music, of community.
Picture books are, by definition, stories told through visual narratives, exclusively or in combination with text. That sounds easy to plenty of people who haven't tried it.
In fact, the text of a superb picture book is like the most literary poetry- not necessary rhymed or formally constrained, but text in which every single word is purposeful and effective.
The illustrations are NOT meant to translate the words into pictures. Instead, the illustrations share the task fo storytelling in every way, expanding and exploring and elevating quality text to even higher levels of excellence. THE SONG FOR EVERYONE does all of that and more.
May 23, 2024
What a beautiful story to enchant and delight anyone who shares the reading of this book. Your little ones will love it; the simple words and the magical illustrations that bring the tale to life.
Sometimes we are so caught up in our own busy lives; hurrying here and there, filled with worries and burdened with stress and anxiety we fail to see the needs of others or reflect on the beauty of life and the things our senses tell us about our environment.
A perfect story where something becomes precious and perhaps taken for granted. How we can avoid missing special moments by slowing down and being in tune with our world. How we can repair and fix things to empower others and care for one another.
Sometimes it is only when I am on a country walk or at our caravan I notice nature in all its glory. When I see vibrant colours, enjoy the sounds around me and take an interest in how to perpetuate those thoughts and emotions.
I hope this story lifts your soul and eases your load. May it bring you the joy I felt and the love shared as I read it to my grandson.
Sometimes we are so caught up in our own busy lives; hurrying here and there, filled with worries and burdened with stress and anxiety we fail to see the needs of others or reflect on the beauty of life and the things our senses tell us about our environment.
A perfect story where something becomes precious and perhaps taken for granted. How we can avoid missing special moments by slowing down and being in tune with our world. How we can repair and fix things to empower others and care for one another.
Sometimes it is only when I am on a country walk or at our caravan I notice nature in all its glory. When I see vibrant colours, enjoy the sounds around me and take an interest in how to perpetuate those thoughts and emotions.
I hope this story lifts your soul and eases your load. May it bring you the joy I felt and the love shared as I read it to my grandson.
January 13, 2023
Nice illustrations and a pleasant story about a village that enjoys listening to a lovely tune every morning, until one day it stops. It wasn't completely clear to me what the resolution was or if it was a good one, it looks as though they thought the song came from an open window but it was actually a wren. The boy who heard it climbs up to live there? He takes food and sings out of the window.
A nice idea that music cheers you up and brings people together but I'm not sure what the owners of the house will think when they find a singing boy has moved in. They might have been perfectly happy with their wren.
A nice idea that music cheers you up and brings people together but I'm not sure what the owners of the house will think when they find a singing boy has moved in. They might have been perfectly happy with their wren.
October 6, 2020
This is a lovely book which is inspiring and uplifting. It is about a community where the people are feeling sad until some beautiful music starts playing from an upstairs window. The music helps everyone to feel better and it brings them happiness and joy. One day, the music stops and the people try to find out why. My daughter and I enjoyed this book, with it's lovely story and beautiful graphics.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
I thought that this was a lovely little story.
There were not many words but the illustrations bring the few words used to life.
The story was easy to read, follow and understand and it was a hit with my daughter too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I loved the message from the story – highly recommended!
There were not many words but the illustrations bring the few words used to life.
The story was easy to read, follow and understand and it was a hit with my daughter too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I loved the message from the story – highly recommended!
January 19, 2021
A gorgeous picture book, brimming with kindness and hope and full of gentle colours and magical realism, Lucy Morris’s ‘The Song for Everyone’ reminds me of ‘Miss Rumphius’ in its simple and beautifully illustrated presentation of the simple message that the beauty of nature and one person’s choice to celebrate it can make a huge difference in the world.
August 18, 2021
A pretty book which is going to resonate with adults more than kids. In a small town, a song eminates from a high window. Nobody knows who's making the song, but they all find it magical. Then, one day it stops. The town bands together to find out why.
September 11, 2024
Every day, a small town is uplifted by an enchanting song. When it stops, the community work together to discover why. An uplifting & beautifully illustrated story about the power of music to forge bonds & create empathy. #picturebook #music
June 29, 2022
Such a wonderful story and message! The illustrations are gorgeous!
February 21, 2023
The Song for Everyone is a perfect book for bedtime and music lovers!
November 15, 2025
Simple and sweet, a pretty illustration of music and community.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews