Gr 1-5-In this picture-book biography, both illustration and text are characterized by a saucy style, impeccable pacing, and a richness of content, and the two harmonize splendidly in a manner befitting the subject. Anderson's words and anecdotes are well chosen, and his sense of timing heightens impact whether describing mischievous childhood antics of the classical composer (the boy smuggling a clavichord past unsuspecting parents) or solemn occasions (the circumstances surrounding the creation and performances of the Messiah). The author is also adept at conveying the spirit and flavor of Handel's music. Hawkes's highly textured acrylics manage to combine depth and drama with a great sense of fun. Double-page spreads display a shimmering River Thames during a performance of Water Music as well as ornate opera halls and drawing rooms. Close inspection of the scenes and the elaborately carved frames surrounding the text reveal comedic cameos. The attention to detail extends to a whimsical, scrolled Latin copyright message and graceful gold arabesques on the endpapers. Clear definitions of technical terms are embedded in decorative panels throughout. This performance is worthy of a standing ovation.-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Readers don't need to know anything about the composer to enjoy this lively biography, but it is hard to imagine anyone reading these pages who wouldn't want to run right out to hear the "Water Music" or a snatch of the "Messiah." Handel's father didn't want him to be a musician, but the boy snuck a clavichord into the attic and practiced in secret anyway. ("Not everyone has the courage to smuggle a clavichord past their parents.") Thanks to the intervention of a noble, Handel was allowed to begin training, but as a compromise, was forced to study law as well. He studied in various places in Germany, where he was born, traveled in Italy, but settled in England to write opera. As Anderson (Burger Wuss, 1999, etc.) describes Handel's operas, "The characters would sing arias in Italian, some of the most beautiful music ever heard onstage. Then they would stab each other." Handel's duel with a friend, the success of the "Water Music" and the disaster of the "Royal Fireworks," and the final and continuous triumph of the "Messiah" are energetically reported in a light-hearted accounting. Hawkes (Dial-a-Ghost, p. 741, etc.) employs 18th-century borders and patterns in his fulsomely colored acrylics: light and shadow are used to excellent effect, and humorous touches abound. Handel himself, with his cherubic face and large fuzzy white wig, bounds from almost every page, fairly glowing with good will and music. (chronology, discography, further adult reading) (Biography. 8-12)
Like its subject, M.T. Anderson's charming large-scale picture book is ambitious. It seeks to amuse and instruct the young reader with both text and illustration...lovely, if somber-hued, illutstrations by Kevin Hawkes in an impressionistic style employ elaborate gilt-edged frames to surround the text.
—New York Times Book Review
In this wittily irreverent picture-book biograph, the legendary baroque composer is vividly brought to life...These gifted collaborators deserve a Hallelujah Chorus of their own for this volume, as well as a request for a speedy encore.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In this picture-book biography, both illustration and text are characterized by a saucy style, impeccable pacing, and a richness of content, and the two harmonize splendidly in a manner befitting the subject.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Anderson never forgets his audience in his enthusiasm for his subject. Illustrating the scenes, Hawkes' lively acrylic paintings are beautifully composed, dramatically lit, and irresistibly appealing.
—Booklist (starred review)
A clearly defined theme, stated in the title; a lively text, sufficiently detailed but not overburdened with minutiae; and stunning illustrations, many embellished with baroque-style frames, make this biography a fully integrated experience for young readers...a book worthy of a standing ovation.
—The Horn Book (starred review)
Readers don't need to know anything about the composer to enjoy this lively biography...Handel himself, with his cherubic face and large fuzzy white wig, bounds from almost every page, fairly glowing with good will and music.
—Kirkus Reviews
Just as Handel was a composer who knew what he liked, M.T. Anderson is an author who knows what kids like.
—The Horn Book Guide
The delightful text and drawings of this picture book not only capture the essential Handel better than any children’s book I know, they also surpass many a bio-graphical tome. A marvelous achievement!
—Ellen T. Harris, Professor of Music at M.I.T
This splendid costume drama plus music history induces readers to provide the only missing ingredient: a sound track.
—Riverbank Review
In an intriguing introduction to the famous composer, a humorous, lively text about Handel's boyhood, music, and career is complemented by highly textured illustrations that are dramatic and full of fun.
—Boston Globe
