Description
A chance encounter with a starling inspires Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this picture book based on a true story.
Star: The Bird Who Inspired Mozart is based on the true story of how Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world's most remarkable musicians, was inspired by one of the world's most unremarkable birds: a starling.
In this charming picture book, author Mireille Messier tells the story of a very special relationship and how it began: with a chance musical encounter. And Matte Stephens's playful art captures both the grandeur of 18th century Vienna and the budding unlikely friendship between a famous musician and a humble starling.
About the authors
Mireille Messier est une autrice jeunesse née à Montréal, qui a grandi à Ottawa et qui habite maintenant à Toronto. Elle a travaillé dans les domaines de la radiodiffusion et du théâtre. Mireille a publié plus de trente livres en français ou en anglais destinés aux enfants de tous les âges, dont l’album Sergent Billy: La vraie histoire du chevreau devenu soldat. Son album Ma branche préférée a été mis en nomination pour les prix Shining Willow, Blue Spruce et pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général du Canada. Avant de devenir autrice, Mireille a été animatrice à la télévision et à la radio, scénariste, critique littéraire — des domaines dans lesquels elle œuvre toujours de temps à autre. Mireille vit à Toronto avec cinq chats, deux oiseaux et plus d’une centaine de poissons rouges (mais pas de chevaux !).
Mireille Messier's profile page
Matte Stephens is an illustrator and fine artist, and a firm believer in the idea that art can be found all around us. Mr. Flux is his first full-length picture book. Matte and his lovely wife, Vivienne, make all kinds of art in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in the company of their five cats and one dog, where change is always welcome.
Editorial Reviews
"[A]n endearing piece of historical fiction, and perhaps an early entry point into Mozart’s oeuvre." —School Library Journal
"Messier’s Vienna burbles with German-language sounds, including a cat’s “miau” and a townsperson’s “Guten morgen,” providing opportunities for readers to imitate along with the starling. Stephens renders high-contrast illustrations using unlined shapes to create simple, blocky figures portrayed with fanciful skin tones in whimsically off-kilter cityscapes." —Publishers Weekly
"In this historical fiction, Messier provides child readers with a chance to learn about this interesting and fun encounter in Mozart’s life, sparking curiosity. . . . Highly recommended." —CM Reviews
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