The Composer Is Dead
What’s inside...
There's dreadful news from the symphony hall—the composer is dead! In this intriguing murder mystery, the Inspector investigates the unusual suspects, all of whom are musical instruments, to uncover the truth behind the composer's death. Everyone has a motive and an alibi, making it a perplexing case to solve. Join the Inspector and listen to the accompanying audio recording featuring Lemony Snicket and the music of Nathaniel Stookey performed by the San Francisco Symphony to unravel the clues of this well-orchestrated evening.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-11
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the composer might be considered important in an orchestra?
How do the different instruments 'speak' or tell the story in the book?
What feelings do you think the author wants you to feel when reading about each musical instrument?
How does the detective try to solve the mystery of the composer’s death?
If you were to add another character or instrument to the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the sounds of different instruments mentioned and relate them to emotions or colors.
Discuss the roles different instruments play in an orchestra and how each contributes to making music.
Allow your child to guess 'whodunit' before the book reveals it, discussing clues and potential motives along the way.
After reading, listen to a piece of an orchestra together and identify the instruments you've learned about in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding roles and responsibilities
Explanation: The book introduces various musical instruments and their unique roles within an orchestra, unveiling the structure and teamwork needed for a symphony.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of knowing their role in group activities and how cooperating with others leads to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: The narrative's mystery format, where the detective investigates the composer’s death, encourages readers to think critically and solve puzzles alongside the characters.
Real-World Application: This can help children approach problems methodically in real life, enhancing their analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for music and arts
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling and interaction with orchestral music, the book fosters a love for the arts, illustrating how music can tell stories and express emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate different forms of art and culture, enriching their personal and educational growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding expressions and emotions through music
Explanation: As each instrument is suspected and inspected, children learn how music can represent different moods and sentiments, becoming a language of its own.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to express themselves and interpret others’ emotions through the universal language of music, aiding their emotional intelligence development.