Book Nook: That's My Piano, Sir!

The Little Stories of Great Composers series is launching with That’s My Piano, Sir! by Ana Gerhard, illustrated by Marie Lafrance. The story is based on a real event in the life of young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Travel through time with a charming little mouse named Minim who loves cheese and music. He seems to always be bumping into musical geniuses.

Minim the intrepid mouse pops up in two more upcoming "Little Stories" titles: A Delicious Taste of Mozzarella! (featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky) on April 1st, and Some Creatures Have All the Luck! (featuring Antonio Vivaldi) on May 1st. All three stories are narrated by actor Colm Feore (House of Cards, The Amazing Spiderman 3, The Chronicles of Riddick).

Each colorfully illustrated 32-page hardbound book includes a CD with the story narration and two recordings by the featured composer. The Secret Mountain commissioned the chamber orchestra I Musici de Montréal to record these iconic pieces. Author Gerhard studied piano at the Mexican National Conservatory and is an internationally renowned music educator who has authored several other award-winning books for The Secret Mountain, including Listen to the Birds and Amazing Water.

I had a chance to interview Dr. Ana Gerhard to learn more.

Why was the Little Stories series created?

I've spent a lot of time researching the biographies of classical composers, and in the process, I came across anecdotes that inspired me to write the little stories that led to this series. I thought it would be nice to have a character that would accompany the reader throughout each story, but the tricky part was figuring out how to jump between different countries and time periods. I didn’t want to use a time machine, so I settled on a curious little mouse. 

Why is it so important for kids to have a basic understanding of music concepts and history?

Classical music is very popular, but most people associate it with grown-ups and higher education. When people think about Mozart and Vivaldi, they often imagine serious-looking statues and wigs. Little Stories of Great Composers shows children that even great composers were once children and young musicians with hopes and dreams, too. Every little story has an element of suspense. So I hope that as children follow Minim on his adventures, the pleasure of music and some historical or geographical details also catch their attention. Classical music has a way of staying with you, and accompanying you through life’s emotions and situations. 

How can parents and caregivers encourage musical exploration even if they themselves aren't musicians? 

You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate music. Of course, music lessons are one way, but there are many ways to explore music—whether through history, culture, dance, or just as an avid listener. Little Stories of Great Composers offers children multiple ways to approach the subject—adventure, history, musical recordings, and even activity sheets. My advice to parents is to take a similar approach. Provide multiple avenues for exploration, and support your child down the path they choose. 

Read the interview with Dr. Ana Gerhard about how these books can bring children into the world of classical music HERE.