The Remarkable Farkle McBride

by John Lithgow

Other authorsC. F. Payne (Illustrator)
Paperback, 2001

Status

Available

Call number

J2L.602

Publication

Scholastic Inc.

Pages

40

Description

The musical prodigy Farkle McBride tries a number of instruments before discovering that conducting the orchestra makes him happy.

Collection

Barcode

519

Language

Original publication date

2000

Physical description

40 p.; 11.25 inches

ISBN

0439305225 / 9780439305228

User reviews

LibraryThing member kldsmith
Great childrens book about a musical prodigy
LibraryThing member dangerlibearian
A musical prodigy learns a new instrument every year, then to be promptly thrown out when he gets tired of it. In the end he discovers conducting and listening to all the instruments together. Fun for the kids to mime the instruments.
LibraryThing member bcowie
Farkle McBride has amazing musical talent, but he gets bored with his instrument quickly and takes up a new one. Once he has mastered each of the instruments in the orchestra, Farkle realizes that as conductor he can have control over them all at once.

The rhymes in the book make it great for
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reading out loud. I also enjoyed the illustrations. I do believe this is quality literature. I would happily include it in my school library. The book takes the reader to each section of the orchestra and teaches a little bit about each one without going too far over a young child’s head.

The book would be perfect to use in a music unit. Students could choose their favorite instrument from the book and learn about it.
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LibraryThing member whitneyfarmer
SUMMARY:
Farkle has an incredible musical talent, however after only a year of playing various instruments he becomes bored. He masters every instrument needed for an orchestra. Finally, he realizes his true love is not playing instruments, but conducting an entire orchestra on his own!
PERSONAL
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REACTION:
The illustrations for this book are tremendously wonderful. I absolutely loved the context, it is beautifully written. I was captured by the easy word flow, and dynamic plot.
EXTENSION IDEAS:
I believe this would be a great book to read before "music time." I think this could really inspire students to work hard at learning their instruments.
This book could also add to a lesson on never giving up. Keep working hard, never give up, and you will achieve your goals.
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LibraryThing member larisharenee
This about a musical prodigy that learns a new instrument every year, then he throws it out when he gets tired of it. In the end he discovers conducting and listening to all the instruments together.
LibraryThing member Bretny
Summary:
This is a picture book about a little boy who has a natural talent for music. He can play any instrument he wants, but every year or so he gets tired of it and throws it out. Everyone loves hearing him play! By the end of the book he decides he likes hearing all of the instruments together
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better than just one at a time. When he is 10 years old he gets the chance to be a conductor, and that's what he ends up loving more than anything.

Personal reaction:
I loved this book. The illustrations are great! I think this book is good for showing kids that they don't have to stick with one thing just because people say they're good at it. Kids might want to discover other things they're good at, but it does take time.

Classroom extension:
1. Kids could get in a circle and talk about what their talents are and if/why they like doing it. They could demonstrate it in a show and tell time.
2. The students could go see the band and learn about the instruments.
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Rating

(38 ratings; 4.1)

Awards

Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 2002)

Call number

J2L.602
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