The Story Orchestra Four Seasons in One Day

The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

I am SO unbelievably excited to share this book with you that I can hardly contain it all.  This one blew-my mind with its format, text, and incredible illustrations.  It is easily one of my favorite books that has come out this year thus far.

For starters, look at that cover!  It is bursting with beautiful seasonal tress with the most delightful little details and gold foil (I love some sparkle!) embellishments on the cover that glimmer beautifully.  It is the perfect predecessor of the beauty that is to come inside. When you open the book, the first page is an introduction where the narrator explains that you will be visiting all four seasons in one day with this story and that along the way you will hear music selections from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” to bring the story to life.  Next you are introduced to the little protagonist Isabelle and her accompanying dog Pickle.

What commences is absolutely magic.  With each turn of the page you are led through the four seasons starting with spring in the morning, then summer in the early afternoon, autumn in the late afternoon, and winter in the evening.  Each page spread has a “press here” music note icon that you can press that plays a short selection of  “The Four Seasons” that matches the season and the page spread (with incredible, over-the-top, gorgeously detailed, illustrations) you are currently enjoying and the accompanying story.  As stated, it is pure magic.

Then, at the end, they didn’t miss the opportunity to add a page spread (image included below) that gives a little information on the composer Vivaldi, with a mini glossary, and all the music buttons that you pressed throughout the story.  Each selection of “The Four Seasons” that has a button includes a brief explanation of the background of that part of the composition.  This helps children make the conection between the music and the visual imagery that Vivaldi was trying to convey and that this book accompanies.

The amazing quality of the book construction, text and illustrations, innovative format, and even just sound quality of the music, all combine to make this book an absolute masterpiece.

Click here to purchase: The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day  *affiliate link