The Carnival of the Animals (Book & CD)
What’s inside...
A great way to introduce children to classical music. America's first Children's Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky, has written new verses to accompany Camille Saint-Saëns's The Carnival of the Animals. The illustrator of the Harry Potter books, Mary GrandPré, has turned these verses into a picture book filled with fun. Included is a CD with the music and Jack Prelutsky reading the verses. A note from Judith Bachleitner, head of the music department at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, provides suggestions on how preschoolers can act out the music, like tromping like an elephant or hopping like a kangaroo, and how older children can be creatively inspired by this joyful work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which animal in the carnival was your favorite and why?
How do you think the music changed the way we thought about each animal?
What kind of animal would you like to be in a carnival and what music would play for you?
How do the illustrations and words work together to make you feel like you're at the carnival?
Can you think of a story where your favorite animal goes on an adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, introduce the concept of a carnival and discuss different types of animals they might expect to see.
Play the accompanying CD while reading to help immerse your child in the musical and thematic elements of the book.
Ask your child to imagine and describe an animal not featured in the book and discuss what music might represent it.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book and explain their choice.
Link the themes of the book to real-life experiences by planning a visit to a local zoo or musical performance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Classical Music
Explanation: Through the accompanying CD featuring Camille Saint-Saëns' composition, children are introduced to classical music in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an early appreciation for music, understanding rhythm, and perhaps pursuing learning an instrument.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Prelutsky’s playful poems about animals in the Carnival encourage children to use their imagination to visualize the scenes.
Real-World Application: This skill helps in creative thinking and problem-solving by imagining various outcomes and solutions in daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Understanding Poetry and Rhythm
Explanation: The rhymes and rhythmic verses in the book introduce children to the basics of poetry, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills.
Real-World Application: Helps in improving verbal skills and memory, necessary for educational success especially in languages.
Example Lesson: Empathy toward Animals
Explanation: The portrayal of different animals in a whimsical manner teaches children to appreciate and empathize with different creatures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to respect living beings and can lead to more compassionate interactions with pets and wildlife.
Example Lesson: Cultural Exposure
Explanation: By featuring a classic piece by a French composer along with inventive poems, children gain exposure to a blend of literary and musical cultures.
Real-World Application: Fosters a broader worldview and a curiosity about different artistic and cultural histories, promoting inclusivity and diversity understanding.