Because written by Caldecott Medalist Mo Willems and illustrated by artist Amber Ren is a beautiful tale about how one good thing can often lead to another good thing. “Because a man named Ludwig wrote beautiful music—a man named Franz was inspired to write his own.” This begins a chain of events around music.
Because many people decided to play a musical instrument it caused an orchestra to be formed. And, because it was formed people could buy tickets and come to the performances.
The author also injects serendipity. Because a man came down with a cold he could not accompany his wife to a concert causing her to take her niece. The young girl in Row C Seat 14 is absolutely transformed by the experience. It makes a lasting impression on her. She decides to devote her life to making music. She eventually becomes a composer and conductor!
The illustration of the orchestra, made up of musicians from multiple cultures, is striking and beautiful. When you turn the page and see the musicians playing, you can almost hear the power of the music as it lifts up from the orchestra in golden plumes sending music throughout the hall----- transforming the little girl in Row C Seat 14.
Because written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Amber Ren is a story about events opening doors to other events, inspiration and how getting anything done often takes a village—in this case, musicians, ticket printers, lighting directors, orchestra conductors, ushers and audience members. The book will speak to children 4-7 years of age and the whole family (Hyperion Books for Children, 2019).
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. A link to the podcast and activity questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Questions for Because
At the back of the book you can see the score of “The Cold” by composer Hillary Purrington. She was invited by the author of this book to be part of this publication. How does the title of this composition relate to this story? You can go online and hear this creative music. You can also find Franz Schubert’s Symphony no. 8 in B-minor online. Parents can help. How does this symphony relate to the story?
Close your eyes and listen again to one or the other of these compositions. Then draw a picture of how the music made you feel. You can use colors, lines, patterns, shapes and /or scenes to describe how the music made you feel. Be sure to trust your feelings.
Younger kids can play an “I Spy” game and find the following instruments in this book: piano, kettle drums, violin, trumpet, bass, cello, trombone, French horn, flute and bassoon. Parents can help.
The girl in this story was inspired to become a conductor and composer after she saw and heard a concert played by a symphony orchestra. Have you ever been inspired by a person or event to do something you never considered before? Make a list of those important turning points.
