About This Book:
Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully delivers a charming picture book following the life of prolific composer and musician Franz Schubert through the eyes of the friends who helped him find success.
Franz Schubert was only eleven when he auditioned for the Emperor’s Choir School in Vienna, a place where everyone loved music. Franz barely spoke a word, but he sang like an angel, and his friends took to calling him “Little Mushroom” because he was small. As Franz continued to study and practice his music, his friends were amazed by his talent. The last thing Franz’s father wanted was for his son to be a musician—surely he would starve!—but Franz’s friends refused to let him quit. They vowed to help Franz devote himself to his music, and to make sure the world heard their talented friend.
Franz Schubert would go on to write a thousand pieces of music. Discover the true story of a prolific composer and musician in this beautiful tale about the strength of friendship and the rewards of hard work in finding success.
*Review Contributed By Beth Rodgers, Staff Reviewer*
The Power of Music
When he needed to get his music out to the masses, they held Schubertiades—events in people’s houses during which Franz would play the piano, people would dance, eat, play charades, and more. When he got sick near the end of his life, his friends pooled their money, hired a theater, and allowed Franz the chance to have a public concert. Months after the concert sold out, he passed away at the young age of 31. His friends continued to publish more of his works in the years following his death, with new pieces being discovered for the next 150 years, well into the 20th century.
Music is powerful in and of itself, but coupled with the power of friendship, hard work, and determination, Franz Schubert and friends proved that anything is possible. One just has to see the worth of their dream.
