1 / 7The Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sound Book
Book: The Story Orchestra’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream retells Shakespeare’s play with illustrations and ten short excerpts from Mendelssohn’s music. Each sound button needs a firm press in the correct place, so younger readers may need adult help.
At a glance
- Retells Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Mendelssohn’s music.
- Ten sound buttons play short orchestral excerpts. The clips can also be replayed at the back of the book.
- Includes a short Mendelssohn biography and notes on the music, instruments, rhythms and techniques, plus a glossary.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pairs the story and illustrations with brief music excerpts for an interactive read-aloud.
- Back-of-book music notes and a glossary add context beyond the story.
Cons
- Each sound button requires a firm, accurately placed press, which may be difficult for some young children.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | Frances Lincoln Children's Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 10 Oct. 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 24 pages |
| Reading age | 2 - 9 years, from customers |
| Grade level | Reception - 3 |
| Weight listed | 294 g |
| Dimensions | 27.43 x 0.9 x 31.12 cm |
| ISBN-10 | 071129738X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0711297388 |
| Number of excerpts | 10 |
|---|---|
| Length of each sound clip | 10 seconds |
What to know before buying
- Pull the white tab from the back of the book before use. The sound buttons need a firm press in the exact location, and young children may need adult help.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families introducing young children to classical music through a storybook.
- Shared reading with an adult who can help operate the sound buttons.
- Readers interested in a child-friendly retelling of Shakespeare and Mendelssohn’s music.
Less suited to
- Children who want a straightforward or fully detailed retelling of the play. Customer feedback says the story can be hard to follow.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
87% 87% - 4 stars
8% 8% - 3 stars
1% 1% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback highlights the illustrations, accompanying classical music and appeal as a gift, while also noting that the story can be hard to follow. That is worth considering for a 24-page retelling of Shakespeare, even though the book adds music notes and a glossary. The rating distribution is largely five-star, but aggregate ratings do not explain individual experiences.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the illustrations and the classical music that accompanies them.
- Customers describe the books as enjoyable to read and appealing as gifts.
Negative themes
- Customers report that the story can be hard to follow.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback appreciates the content while raising concerns about readability.
Frequently asked questions
How many music clips are included?
The listing describes ten excerpts, each 10 seconds long. It says they can be played from the story pages and replayed at the back.
How do the sound buttons work?
Pull the white tab from the back before use, then press firmly in the exact button location. Younger children may need adult help.
Does the book include information about the music?
Yes. The listing says it includes a short Mendelssohn biography, discussion of the music and its instruments, rhythms and techniques, and a glossary.
What age is the book intended for?
The listed reading age is 2–9 years, with the qualification “from customers”. Sound buttons may be difficult for younger children to operate alone.
Alternative options
Florence Nightingale (78) (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
£9.44
A World Full of Dickens Stories: 8 best-loved classic tales retold for children (5)
£9.45
Taylor Swift: The Sunday Times Bestseller (115) (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
£5.48
Beatrix Potter (139) (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
£9.49
The Great Mouse Orchestra: A gloriously magical winter adventure
£13.69
A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories: 12 Tales from the world's most famous playwright: 3 (World Full of...)
£10.36
Jane Austen (12) (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
£7.62
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker: Press the Note to Hear Tchaikovsky's Music: 2
£13.49
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day: Press the note to hear Vivaldi's music (1)
£9.64
The Story Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals: Press the note to hear Saint-Saëns' music (5)
£14.35
The Story Orchestra: I Can Play: Learn 8 easy pieces from the series! (7)
£13.29
The Story Orchestra: The Sleeping Beauty: Press the note to hear Tchaikovsky's music (3)
£14.35
