Thursday, January 23, 2014

In The Hall of The Mountain King by Allison Flannery, Book Review


Illustrated by: Vesper Stamper
Published by: self published
Released on: April 1st, 2013
Source: book from author to review
4 Owls: We Really Enjoyed It!
Purchase it From: HERE
Add it to Goodreads

This beautifully illustrated story brings to life Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg's musical masterpiece and Henrik Ibsen's timeless characters. Geared toward children 4-9, the story follows young Peer "into the forest and out the other side" where he finds the mysterious Mountain King's castle and begins a harrowing chase that mirrors the movement of the music it’s based on. The book includes a CD with orchestral performances of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" and four other pieces from the "Peer Gynt Suite."



My kids really enjoyed this book. It was easy for them to read, and follow along was we read about Peer's story.  I enjoyed the folklore feel of the story. I thought Flannery did a great job with bringing Henrik Ibsen's play, Peer Gynt, to life. Set in beautiful Norway, illustrated Vesper Stamper's illustrations alone make this book I would have picked up. In The Hall of the Mountain King is a complete package of children book awesomeness. You can't go wrong with a fabulous story, great illustrations, and a musical CD that helps bring the wonder, and imagination fun of childhood to life. 

This book is a great addition for any home, classroom or library. With lively illustrations, and a fun adventurous story, young readers are sure to enjoy this book. Not only is it a great story, but it's a story that can be used in a lesson for any Kindergarten or First Grade classroom. The CD that comes with book will have readers dancing and singing along to Grieg's music. 

* Be sure to check out Allison's site for more info and useful tips on using the book in the classroom, HERE.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~