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Description
★ “This is an inspiring biography that not only teaches kids who Stephen Sondheim is but also emphasizes the importance of their own curiosity.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★ The Horn Book ★ Kirkus Reviews ★ Publishers Weekly
Stephen Sondheim learns to assemble musicals like the pieces of a puzzle on his way to becoming an American theater icon in this inspiring nonfiction picture book on the creative process for kids ages 7–10.
Before he became a noted lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim was a boy filled with curiosity—a boy who loved figuring out how things worked. After his parents’ divorce scattered the pieces of his life, he found comfort in music.
Guided by his mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II, Sondheim learned that the best way to get better was to practice: choosing notes, choosing words, and putting it all together, piece by piece. Writing musicals wasn’t easy, and not everyone loved Stephen’s new and unusual shows. But Sondheim loved figuring it out, and loved the way the people in every show became like a family.
Author Erin Frankel’s prose and illustrator Stacy Innerst’s art combine in beautiful harmony. Together, they bring to life Stephen Sondheim as he solves musical puzzles, writing hit shows like West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and many more!
★ “This is an inspiring biography that not only teaches kids who Stephen Sondheim is but also emphasizes the importance of their own curiosity.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★ “This is an inspiring biography that not only teaches kids who Stephen Sondheim is but also emphasizes the importance of their own curiosity.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★ The Horn Book ★ Kirkus Reviews ★ Publishers Weekly
Stephen Sondheim learns to assemble musicals like the pieces of a puzzle on his way to becoming an American theater icon in this inspiring nonfiction picture book on the creative process for kids ages 7–10.
Before he became a noted lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim was a boy filled with curiosity—a boy who loved figuring out how things worked. After his parents’ divorce scattered the pieces of his life, he found comfort in music.
Guided by his mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II, Sondheim learned that the best way to get better was to practice: choosing notes, choosing words, and putting it all together, piece by piece. Writing musicals wasn’t easy, and not everyone loved Stephen’s new and unusual shows. But Sondheim loved figuring it out, and loved the way the people in every show became like a family.
Author Erin Frankel’s prose and illustrator Stacy Innerst’s art combine in beautiful harmony. Together, they bring to life Stephen Sondheim as he solves musical puzzles, writing hit shows like West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and many more!
This lovely picture book biography hooks readers in the opening with its puzzle metaphor. The lively, energetic illustrations pulse across the pages, visually entertaining as Stephen's life unfolds. Readers will relate to being curious and wanting to know how things work. They may also think about how some of their interests and talents will lead them in to a career. Stephen's background, talents, changes, and experiences prepared him to be a Broadway composer. Pieces of the Puzzle will appeal to fans of musical theater, music and creativity of every kind. Highly recommended.
5 stars
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5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Jennifer C, Reviewer
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was informative and taught my son and I about a name we've always heard but didn't know much about. It is a great story and teaches great lessons - finding your joy, practicing, persevering, and enjoying what you do. Glad to have read this with my son to show him what hard work and persistence gets you.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Carolyn C, Librarian
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Fans of musicals, and Stephen Sondheim will enjoy this interesting biography that describes the composer and lyricist's rise to success and fame. I think this would make a good text for a research project, especially for anyone interested in musicals. This would be a good text to use in music education classrooms for middle grade and elementary students.
I recommend this book for schools and libraries.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Samantha F, Reviewer
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
What a beautiful commemoration of Sondheim! Loved the extra information about his contributions at the end, as well. Appropriate for elementary learners to get an introduction to one of Broadway’s most influential people.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Featured Reviews
MDK F, Educator
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
This lovely picture book biography hooks readers in the opening with its puzzle metaphor. The lively, energetic illustrations pulse across the pages, visually entertaining as Stephen's life unfolds. Readers will relate to being curious and wanting to know how things work. They may also think about how some of their interests and talents will lead them in to a career. Stephen's background, talents, changes, and experiences prepared him to be a Broadway composer. Pieces of the Puzzle will appeal to fans of musical theater, music and creativity of every kind. Highly recommended.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Jennifer C, Reviewer
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was informative and taught my son and I about a name we've always heard but didn't know much about. It is a great story and teaches great lessons - finding your joy, practicing, persevering, and enjoying what you do. Glad to have read this with my son to show him what hard work and persistence gets you.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Carolyn C, Librarian
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Fans of musicals, and Stephen Sondheim will enjoy this interesting biography that describes the composer and lyricist's rise to success and fame. I think this would make a good text for a research project, especially for anyone interested in musicals. This would be a good text to use in music education classrooms for middle grade and elementary students.
I recommend this book for schools and libraries.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Samantha F, Reviewer
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
What a beautiful commemoration of Sondheim! Loved the extra information about his contributions at the end, as well. Appropriate for elementary learners to get an introduction to one of Broadway’s most influential people.
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