* GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST KIDS BOOK AWARD 2023 WINNER* Discover the spellbinding magic of The
Planets in this musical reimagining of one of Holst’s most famous suites. Push the button on
each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Holst’s score.
This tale is about a brother and sister who adventure deep into our solar system. Our story
begins one night as Helen and Tim get ready for bed in their new space rocket bunk beds… but
sleep will have to wait as they magically blast up up up into the glittering night sky
leaving planet Earth far below them. Helen and Tim journey here there and everywhere
through our majestic solar system. They soar past the cold rocky surface of Mars as it rises
into towering peaks and plunges into deep canyons and glide through a bumpy asteroid belt made
of icy rocks. They blast deeper into our solar system exploring the dazzling stars and
astounding planets along the way. But now it really is time to head home! As the rocket
speeds towards Earth Tim and Helen watch the sun rise over their planet. As you and your
little one journey through the magical scenes you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts
from the score . Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds encouraging
interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music . At the back
of the book find a short biography of the composer Gustav Holst with details about his
composition of The Planets . Next to this you can replay the musical excerpts and for each of
them read a discussion of the instruments rhythms and musical techniques that make them so
powerful. A glossary defines musical terms. The Story Orchestra series brings classical
music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet opera
and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their
musical scores. Also available from the Story Orchestra series : Four Seasons in One Day
The Nutcracker The Sleeping Beauty Swan Lake Carnival of the Animals The Magic Flute I
n the Hall of the Mountain King and I Can Play (vol 1) . Manufacturer’s note: please pull
the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in
exact location to work which may be hard for young children. All sound clips are 10 seconds
long. The perfect primer to introduce children to classical music.
