Why Beethoven Threw the Stew (And Lots More Stories about the Lives of Great Composers)
N/A Series
on Goodreads (289)
What’s inside...
In 'Why Beethoven Threw the Stew,' renowned cellist Steven Isserlis introduces readers to six great composers as friends: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and Stravinsky. He describes their personalities and characteristics in a witty and informative way, making classical music approachable for children and newcomers. The book is enhanced with lively black and white illustrations, making it enjoyable for individual reading or sharing with an adult.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
148 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do Beethoven and other composers in the book exhibit that you admire?
How do the challenges these composers faced influence the music they created?
If you could meet one of the composers from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Can you think of a time when you turned a difficult situation into something creative or positive, like the composers did?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the composers' lives, relate their experiences to challenges the child faces in school or their personal life, making the conversation relevant to their experiences.
Encourage your child to think about how music can express different emotions and tell stories, just like their favorite songs do.
Create a small fun activity where the child can create a simple tune or rhythm, emulating the great composers they've read about, fostering a deeper connection to the content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: The book showcases how Beethoven and other composers faced various challenges but continued to pursue their passion for music.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and focused on their goals, regardless of the obstacles they encounter in school or in their hobbies.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The stories illustrate how each composer brought unique contributions to the world of music, constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what was known.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think creatively in their projects and find their unique voice in any artistic or academic endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of practice and dedication
Explanation: The composers' stories emphasize the hours of practice and dedication required to master their musical skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to consistently practice and dedicate time to their studies, sports, or artistic pursuits to achieve excellence.
Example Lesson: Overcoming personal hardship
Explanation: The book delves into personal hardships some composers endured, such as Beethoven’s hearing loss, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome personal challenges and use them to fuel their ambitions, rather than seeing them as limitations.
Example Lesson: Valuing art and culture
Explanation: By reading about the lives of these great composers, children gain an appreciation for the arts and understand their impact on culture and society.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate diverse forms of art and culture, enhancing their cultural literacy and empathy.