The Musical Life of Gustav Mole (Child's Play Library)

For years I have recommended this book many times to parents, relatives, and parent groups. It is a charming story, and clearly demonstrates how to encourage a child's musical experience. Every household does not have to operate at the level of Gustav's, but the lesson is clear: to raise a musical child, expose him to music of all kinds and musical experiences from an early age. The story also illustrates that a musical career is not an easy road; it requires hard work and discipline and can be discouraging at times. Once a musician finds his instrument and his niche, however, he can achieve a satisfaction that he will never have in another career. Lucky the child born into a family that recognizes his interest and allows him to develop it as he will.

This is a wonderful story of a musical family and their musical friends. The CD that comes with it is an enriching addition, complete with enchanting music and narration (some people said the CD was missing, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was attached). It's a book to be treasured and re-read over and over by the whole family, and it's very inspirational. (I imagine it will motivate a lot of kids to practice their instruments!) It also introduces various instruments in picture, description, and example. I can't wait to share it with my grandchildren!

I love this book and purchased as a gift for a friend's child. I use to use it when I taught classroom music as a fun way to introduce children to music. The illustrations are wonderful and the music on the CD represent the styles of music discussed.

The Musical Life of Gustav Mole is a must have for every child growing up. Wonderful characters and the narration is very fun for kids and adults alike. My 30 year old daughter, still repeat the narration exactly. Get this book and Cd. You won't be sorry you did!

This is a wonderful 20 minute book/CD. I use it as an introduction in my primary music classes for our unit on musical instruments and the instrument families. The kids actually maintain attention fairly well through the entire 20 minutes as long as you let them clap or sing along when appropriate on certain pages (others they need to be quiet and listen to the beautiful music on the CD). They can identify with some of the rhythm instruments and learn about others, expecially strings.A good buy for anyone actually.

This is one of our long time favourites, and I have recently bought a couple more copies (ours was so old it had a yellow cover & you had to buy the CD separately, but thankfully not this copy.) As a mother, aunt & piano teacher, this is one of my all time favourites for introducing young children to classical music (and a bit of jazz). I like it much better than the "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" series.

My daughter loved listening to the tape at bedtime when she was a toddler/elementary school age. Although she is now grown, I purchased this to replace the worn out tape and much "loved" book. We still listen to the tape on occasion. It is one of the most read (and listened to) books in our home.

This is the first of two books by Kathryn Meyrick. This book is absolutely lovely, the Cd and the music, the story.The second book called "The lost music" has not been given much credit because the book cannot be read by itself without the CD. Make sure you get both first and second books WITH THE CD. The second book is wonderful in that all kinds of instruments and music from all over the world can be heard in the CD.EXCELLENT MUSIC APPRECIATION BOOKS

My children could probably recite this story word for word. It had the blessed benefit for their parents that we could bear to read and listen to it over and over too without gritting our teeth. Our version came with a cassette tape which we wore out and, although my children are now teenagers, it was one of those books that was carefully put to one side and kept when many others went to the charity shops. So I've watched out over the years for a copy with a CD and bought it as soon as I found it. It means that much to the family.

Had to get this as part of our Jo Jingles term; the teacher used it during classes. Really liked the book and the CD - the CD is a little "slow" and really drags the book out, for my LO at the time as she was coming up for 3yrs old - probably be better to listen to now as she's a year older. The book is very nice and has lots in it to talk about and gives some ideas to make own "instrument" like banging a saucepan - shaking dried beans etc for younger children. I would definitely recommend this.

I specifically chose this buyer because it was showing the edition with the CD, but in fact on arrival the case inside the cover was empty!Very very disappointed and certainly will NOT be recommending this seller! :-(

A favourite book bought to replace a lost copy.

What a good book to teach young ones about music. Would recommend to any one to get your kids interested and possible musicians.