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The Prince Who Was A Piccolo
When his father, the King, demands that the Prince be a "Royal Trumpet", the unhappy boy brings doom and gloom to the kingdom until a mystical maiden guides him to finding his own unique music. Barbara Roman's 'The Prince Who Was A Piccolo' teaches children about self-esteem, asserting independence, attitudes, and being comfortable with their own identity. They will also learn about different musical instruments and the influence of music on our lives and emotions. There are mystical qualities in the story as it metaphorically touches on meditation, intuition, and spiritual guidance. Beautifully illustrated by Vladimir Cebu, this book is a rich learning experience for children, as they learn about music instruments, and ways to express their emotions.
- GenresChildrens
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2022
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 26, 2025
The Prince Who Was a Piccolo is a charming and enjoyable new children's book from author B. Roman, whose adult fantasy and children's books I've read and recommended for a few years. From the beautiful illustrations and important messaging to the memorable characters and poignant moments, children and adults will find themselves thoroughly pleased with this latest work. A prince is born, but a warning cautions his parents to let the child choose what kind of instrument he wants to be when he grows up. Yet one of the parents does not listen, thrusting the land into terrible times. Even the little prince is miserable as he tries to play the drums and find alternative musical talents. Just goes to show us all that we cannot control someone else, but we can give them the tools and love to make the best decisions. Thankfully someone else steps in and puts the young lad on the right path to finding his truth. Highly recommended; I was pleasantly surprised to find the author had published a new story this year but even happier at how wonderful it was.
January 16, 2024
This book was short and to the point.
Determine what you want to be. Be that and you will be happy and those around you will be happy too.
5 Stars
Determine what you want to be. Be that and you will be happy and those around you will be happy too.
5 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
‘You will discover which instrument you are happiest being’ A radiant fairytale!
Barbara Roman writes children’s books using that name for ALICIA AND THE LIGHT BULB PEOPLE IN STAR FACTORY 13, HUBERT IN HEAVEN, and THE PRINCE WHO WAS A PICCOLO. For her Young Adult fantasy series THE MOON SINGER TRILOGY and her suspense novel WHATEVER BECAME OF SIN? she opts for the moniker B. Roman. But no matter the multiple nom de plumes, her writing is elegant and rich in visual delights and ideas, and her book brought into very fine focus by illustrator Vladimir Cebu.
The imagination Barbara shares in this splendid story opens the windows of children’s imagination. Her background in music, as a professional singer and composer, brings authenticity to this delightful fairytale that embraces magic, self-esteem, love, and other important values. The story – In the kingdom of Camelittle the King and Queen consult the Royal Prophet about their expected birth of their first child. The Prophet tells them the child will be a boy – and a musical instrument! – a fact the king refuses to accept, especially when the Prophet advises them that if the boy is forbidden to decide his musical instrument status, he will have an unhappy life. The Prince is born, and at the King’s command the lad must be a trumpet to support the King’s image. Prince grows into a lad who simply cannot sound like a trumpet, and in his despair he meets a girl who lives as a harp, making glorious music. Consoling the Prince, the girl shares that only he can decide what instrument he will be, and the adventure begins: Prince tries being a brass cymbal, a cello, and with each attempt the Prince fails, and the entire kingdom bears the brunt of his unhappiness: storms, floods, sleeping soldiers, and the kingdom is in danger. Ultimately an encouraging message from the girl allows the Prince to discover that as a piccolo he brings happiness and prosperity to the kingdom and finally the King is proud of his son and the happy ever after theme reigns!
The writing is solid, the concept endearing, and the lessons for children (both young ones and much older ones whose joy for fantasy has not diminished with age) are very well served. This little book is bond to become a popular classic. Very highly recommended.
Barbara Roman writes children’s books using that name for ALICIA AND THE LIGHT BULB PEOPLE IN STAR FACTORY 13, HUBERT IN HEAVEN, and THE PRINCE WHO WAS A PICCOLO. For her Young Adult fantasy series THE MOON SINGER TRILOGY and her suspense novel WHATEVER BECAME OF SIN? she opts for the moniker B. Roman. But no matter the multiple nom de plumes, her writing is elegant and rich in visual delights and ideas, and her book brought into very fine focus by illustrator Vladimir Cebu.
The imagination Barbara shares in this splendid story opens the windows of children’s imagination. Her background in music, as a professional singer and composer, brings authenticity to this delightful fairytale that embraces magic, self-esteem, love, and other important values. The story – In the kingdom of Camelittle the King and Queen consult the Royal Prophet about their expected birth of their first child. The Prophet tells them the child will be a boy – and a musical instrument! – a fact the king refuses to accept, especially when the Prophet advises them that if the boy is forbidden to decide his musical instrument status, he will have an unhappy life. The Prince is born, and at the King’s command the lad must be a trumpet to support the King’s image. Prince grows into a lad who simply cannot sound like a trumpet, and in his despair he meets a girl who lives as a harp, making glorious music. Consoling the Prince, the girl shares that only he can decide what instrument he will be, and the adventure begins: Prince tries being a brass cymbal, a cello, and with each attempt the Prince fails, and the entire kingdom bears the brunt of his unhappiness: storms, floods, sleeping soldiers, and the kingdom is in danger. Ultimately an encouraging message from the girl allows the Prince to discover that as a piccolo he brings happiness and prosperity to the kingdom and finally the King is proud of his son and the happy ever after theme reigns!
The writing is solid, the concept endearing, and the lessons for children (both young ones and much older ones whose joy for fantasy has not diminished with age) are very well served. This little book is bond to become a popular classic. Very highly recommended.
November 3, 2022
A Story to Enlighten the Young
The Prince Who Was a Piccolo, written by Barbara Roman, a singer and composer, is a story that most children will thoroughly enjoy. The book is illustrated with incredible pictures showing various scenes from the plot. Pictures attract children, especially ones like these beautifully colored ones. They bring the reader right into the story. The book’s illustrator is to also be commended.
Beyond the pictures, the story itself is a marvelous rendition of how a King dominated his son, the Prince, until the whole kingdom was in shambles. Once the Prince went out on his own, and learned the ways of life, was he able to right the wrongs of his father. How this comes about is truly spontaneous.
The story has great moral and ethical value for a young child just learning about life. It’s a great example of apparent allowing or encouraging a child to express their unique gifts; also a message about the child being their own person and finding their purpose. Stories like these have a way of slipping into the psyche of a young child to help form them for life ahead.
I enjoyed this story and enjoy Barbara Roman’s other books. It takes a special mind to write opposite ends of story genres. Her children’s books are set apart from other books for the young. Her mysteries as intricate and mind-boggling. Whether you like children’s stories or mysteries, Barbara Roman is a go-to author.
The Prince Who Was a Piccolo, written by Barbara Roman, a singer and composer, is a story that most children will thoroughly enjoy. The book is illustrated with incredible pictures showing various scenes from the plot. Pictures attract children, especially ones like these beautifully colored ones. They bring the reader right into the story. The book’s illustrator is to also be commended.
Beyond the pictures, the story itself is a marvelous rendition of how a King dominated his son, the Prince, until the whole kingdom was in shambles. Once the Prince went out on his own, and learned the ways of life, was he able to right the wrongs of his father. How this comes about is truly spontaneous.
The story has great moral and ethical value for a young child just learning about life. It’s a great example of apparent allowing or encouraging a child to express their unique gifts; also a message about the child being their own person and finding their purpose. Stories like these have a way of slipping into the psyche of a young child to help form them for life ahead.
I enjoyed this story and enjoy Barbara Roman’s other books. It takes a special mind to write opposite ends of story genres. Her children’s books are set apart from other books for the young. Her mysteries as intricate and mind-boggling. Whether you like children’s stories or mysteries, Barbara Roman is a go-to author.
November 2, 2022
The Prince Who was a Piccolo, by Barbara Roman, is a children's book about a young boy, the son of a King, who tries to please his father by following a path the King believes is best suited to him on the road to ultimately becoming King himself. The young boy is constantly faced with unhappiness and failure as he attempts to be something, he is not. As a result, the kingdom falls into a depressed state as his mood worsens. Without spoiling this magical story, there is a wonderful message in this book that is both contemporary and inspiring. We see in this young boy the same fate that many people face when they try to live according to someone else's ideals and dreams, and not their own. When they fail to follow the path that makes them happy, but instead, concede to pressure from others and end up unhappy. If I were reading this story as a young child, it would have an impact on me, reminding me, or teaching me, to follow the path that makes me feel alive and happy. As an adult it reminds me that any happiness which I have truly found in my life are the times I did not compromise my dreams - no matter what others said, no matter the challenges I faced. I recommend this book for your children and yourself. It's a short read, but one that you will no doubt read to them many times.
November 4, 2022
It is important to find your own talents and accept others' talents can be different
‘The Prince Who Was A Piccolo’ by Barbara Roman is a lovely tale about the importance of children finding their talents and what is good for them. The little prince, who wanted to please his dad, the king, was unhappy with his dad’s choice for him to be a trumpet. This unhappiness spread out over the world around the boy. Fortunately, an encounter showed him he could search for what instrument would make him feel happy and so he tried different ones.
The little prince found what he wanted to be and was happy. And his father, the king, acknowledged that he had made the wrong choice for his son, he now supported the prince in all he was and wanted to be.
I also love the fact that the author brings her music world into the story. This is an enrichment for kids to learn about this in the sidelines.
‘The Prince Who Was A Piccolo’ by Barbara Roman is a lovely tale about the importance of children finding their talents and what is good for them. The little prince, who wanted to please his dad, the king, was unhappy with his dad’s choice for him to be a trumpet. This unhappiness spread out over the world around the boy. Fortunately, an encounter showed him he could search for what instrument would make him feel happy and so he tried different ones.
The little prince found what he wanted to be and was happy. And his father, the king, acknowledged that he had made the wrong choice for his son, he now supported the prince in all he was and wanted to be.
I also love the fact that the author brings her music world into the story. This is an enrichment for kids to learn about this in the sidelines.
October 31, 2022
The Prince Who Was a Piccolo is a wonderful story with the subtle underlying moral value for children to believe in themself and strive for their own talents in life, whatever those talents may be. I fell in love with the prince and his brave attitude to not give up searching for his own musical talent, even though his musical talent may not please his father the king. The story is so well written that I believe this book will become a classic in children's literature. The artwork is fantastic. This story is one of the most creative stories I've read in children's literature in several years. Kudos to the author! I was given a free pdf copy of this book for an honest review.
October 31, 2022
5 star
The Prince Who was a Piccolo by Barbara Roman
A delightful fantasy about a young prince who is searching for who he is supposed to be. His struggle to please his dad and find his talents. Good book for young children. The colorful illustrations are beautiful.
The Prince Who was a Piccolo by Barbara Roman
A delightful fantasy about a young prince who is searching for who he is supposed to be. His struggle to please his dad and find his talents. Good book for young children. The colorful illustrations are beautiful.
October 27, 2022
The Prophet predicts the King and Queen will have a Prince who will also be a musical instrument. The King insists if this happens he must be a royal trumpet. He is warned if this makes the Prince unhappy all will be unhappy. As the prince ages he makes dreadful sounds as a trumpet and the chickens quit laying eggs, the fish go belly up, and the rain threatens to flood all away. Worse the kingdom is no longer protected. How will the Prince learn what instrument his is to bring his world back into balance? Read to discover how to be happy again. The illustrations are fantastic.
November 2, 2022
The Prince Who was a Piccolo, by Barbara Roman, is a children's book about a young boy, the son of a King, who tries to please his father by following a path the King believes is best suited to him on the road to ultimately becoming King himself. The young boy is constantly faced with unhappiness and failure as he attempts to be something, he is not. As a result, the kingdom falls into a depressed state as his mood worsens. Without spoiling this magical story, there is a wonderful message in this book that is both contemporary and inspiring. We see in this young boy the same fate that many people face when they try to live according to someone else's ideals and dreams, and not their own. When they fail to follow the path that makes them happy, but instead, concede to pressure from others and end up unhappy. If I were reading this story as a young child, it would have an impact on me, reminding me, or teaching me, to follow the path that makes me feel alive and happy. As an adult it reminds me that any happiness which I have truly found in my life are the times I did not compromise my dreams - no matter what others said, no matter the challenges I faced. I recommend this book for your children and yourself. It's a short read, but one that you will no doubt read to them many times.
November 30, 2022
This lovely 5 Star review of "The Prince Who Was A Piccolo" comes from Readers Favorite Reviewer Emily-Jane Hills Orford:
The Prince Who Was A Piccolo by Barbara Roman looks to define us in terms of musical instruments. What instrument are you? Have you ever thought about it? Every instrument has a tone and a timbre that expresses an emotion. For example, a flute is sensitive and whimsical, and a cello can be very melodramatic and somber. Perhaps you are a different instrument each day, depending on your mood. The King has told his son he must be the royal trumpet, but the Prince feels no connection with the royal trumpet and when he tries to play, it’s so bad, everyone plugs their ears. This makes the Prince very unhappy; try as he might to please his father, he just can’t define himself as a royal trumpet. But what instrument should he be? He tries various instruments, but each one fails miserably, and he falls further into despair. Even the kingdom is suffering from his moods, and then one day, a simple laugh and the encouragement of a group of playful children help the Prince define himself as his very own instrument of choice.
Barbara Roman’s The Prince Who Was A Piccolo is a clever story that teaches young readers about finding their own kind of music, for it’s through music that we can define ourselves and assert our independence. Music is a powerful tool when used wisely. By creating a main character that must metaphorically adopt a specific instrument, the author has distinctly made the profound connection between music, life, and self-identity. The story is told like a classic fairy tale, with colorful illustrations, and develops quickly as young readers are introduced to the various instruments the Prince attempts to make his own. This is a beautiful, kind, gentle story that will touch the hearts of all who read it.
The Prince Who Was A Piccolo by Barbara Roman looks to define us in terms of musical instruments. What instrument are you? Have you ever thought about it? Every instrument has a tone and a timbre that expresses an emotion. For example, a flute is sensitive and whimsical, and a cello can be very melodramatic and somber. Perhaps you are a different instrument each day, depending on your mood. The King has told his son he must be the royal trumpet, but the Prince feels no connection with the royal trumpet and when he tries to play, it’s so bad, everyone plugs their ears. This makes the Prince very unhappy; try as he might to please his father, he just can’t define himself as a royal trumpet. But what instrument should he be? He tries various instruments, but each one fails miserably, and he falls further into despair. Even the kingdom is suffering from his moods, and then one day, a simple laugh and the encouragement of a group of playful children help the Prince define himself as his very own instrument of choice.
Barbara Roman’s The Prince Who Was A Piccolo is a clever story that teaches young readers about finding their own kind of music, for it’s through music that we can define ourselves and assert our independence. Music is a powerful tool when used wisely. By creating a main character that must metaphorically adopt a specific instrument, the author has distinctly made the profound connection between music, life, and self-identity. The story is told like a classic fairy tale, with colorful illustrations, and develops quickly as young readers are introduced to the various instruments the Prince attempts to make his own. This is a beautiful, kind, gentle story that will touch the hearts of all who read it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews