This book, when reading the beginning, gives the impression that it is truly a story for children. Everything unfolds simply, slowly, and is resolved too gently, so it can be a bit boring to read. However, as the story progresses, it becomes more serious, touching on complex issues of adults such as going to work, making money, how to interact with each other, negotiations, compromises... Many plot details give the feeling that a darker development is about to be revealed, but in the end, everything also unfolds smoothly and peacefully. Children reading it probably won't notice, but this is an excellent way to initially introduce them to the complexities of the outside society.

There are some plot details that leave an impression after reading, such as the father swan's affection for Louis, the way Louis twists and turns to make money in human society, and the music of the uncle with the trumpet. Besides those things, generally speaking, the content of the book is quite comfortable and easy to predict, but for a book clearly intended for children, this is more than enough.

The author has utilized many situations to incorporate various teachings for children, such as the swan's habit of choosing a place to build a nest and lay eggs, their migratory journey, the way to list a series of animals in the zoo, or even the way to calculate the money Louis earns. With these elements, this book is more suitable for parents to read together and learn new things with their children. The illustrations are quite sufficient, but unfortunately, they are only printed in black and white, so they are not very clear. If they were printed in color, it would be even better, especially for children.

From the perspective of an adult reader, one will probably be attracted by the free, unrestrained, and carefree soul of the swan Louis, especially his liberation from the cycle of human society, from those debts and financial worries. This is probably the dream of anyone still trapped in that cycle.

It is not an outstanding children's book, but it is also of a relatively good type and worthy of being read.

Reading at school is of great significance to students. It not only broadens their horizons but also enriches their knowledge.

On April 3rd, the reading activity at school was successfully completed. The students actively participated and immersed themselves in the wonderful world of books.

During the activity, various reading forms were adopted, such as individual reading, group sharing, and reading competitions. These forms not only stimulated the students' interest in reading but also cultivated their teamwork spirit and communication skills.

The teachers also played an important role in this activity. They carefully selected suitable books for the students and provided guidance and help in the reading process.

In conclusion, the reading activity at school on April 3rd was a great success. It not only allowed the students to gain a lot from reading but also laid a solid foundation for their future growth and development.

Somehow I missed this one growing up! Sadly, I think this is one of those times where that made a difference.

I wasn't as willing to go with the implausible parts of a story that seems set in the real world. It felt a bit too much of a stretch for me.

I wasn't sure I wanted to root for Louis and Serena. Their relationship didn't quite click with me. I am not sure I buy their love story!

And I didn't like the part where Louis promised to give the zoo some of his and Serena's cygnets. So he and Serena get to be free, but not all of their kids? That really sucks.

It makes me question the fairness of the situation. Why should only some of them be free while others are left in captivity?

This aspect of the story just didn't sit well with me and made me a bit disappointed in the overall narrative.

I guess I was hoping for a more satisfying and just resolution for all the characters involved.

What a treat it is to listen to this endearing and timeless story narrated by the author himself.

It was truly a pleasant surprise. I downloaded the book initially just because the book cover caught my eye. It shows a beautiful swan with a trumpet tucked under its wing.

As I delved into the story, I quickly fell in love with Louie, the main character, and his exciting adventure.

The author's narration brings the story to life, making it even more engaging and captivating.

Each scene is vividly described, allowing the reader to easily picture the events unfolding.

Louie's determination and courage in the face of challenges are truly inspiring.

His journey is filled with ups and downs, but he never gives up.

This story is not only entertaining but also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and following one's dreams.

I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a heartwarming and enjoyable listen.

Great read aloud!

This is not just a simple statement, but a wonderful experience. When we engage in a great read aloud, it's like opening a door to a whole new world of imagination and knowledge.

The words come alive as they are spoken, painting vivid pictures in our minds. We can feel the emotions of the characters, experience the excitement of the story, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

A great read aloud can be shared with others, creating a sense of community and connection. It can be a family gathering, a classroom activity, or a group of friends getting together.

Whether it's a classic novel, a children's story, or a non-fiction book, a great read aloud has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. So, pick up a book, gather some people, and let the magic of a great read aloud begin!

The sky, he wrote on his slate,

“is my living room.” He had a special connection with the vast expanse above. It was like a limitless space where his imagination could soar.

The woods, on the other hand, were his parlor. The rustling leaves and the chirping of birds created a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

The lonely lake was his bath. The clear waters were refreshing and rejuvenating.

He couldn't remain behind a fence all his life. He yearned for freedom and adventure.

Love from childhood. It was a love for nature, for the beauty and wonder that surrounded him. It was a love that would stay with him throughout his life.

This love inspired him to write, to share his thoughts and feelings with the world.

And through his words, he hoped to touch the hearts of others and make them see the world in a new light.

Just like E.B. White in The Trumpet of the Swan, he found joy and inspiration in the simple things of life.

He believed that nature was a source of无尽的 inspiration and that we should all take the time to appreciate its beauty.

For in nature, we can find peace, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

And that is a love that will never fade.

Acquired: I purchased a used copy at a book/garage sale or thrift shop.

Reason for Reading: This year, I've decided to randomly select books from my bookshelf and read them. This particular book is the first one I've chosen from that shelf. It has always been a favorite of mine.

I've read this book several times. Initially as a child, then as an adult, and again when I read it aloud to my eldest son. Now, reading it once more, I find that the book still retains its charm for me. It will make a great bedtime read for my husband (dh), my son (ds), and I'll be adding it to their pile. Trumpet is my favorite among White's three children's novels. Louis, the protagonist, is a humble hero with a strong sense of right and wrong, dignity, and a determination to work hard to achieve his goals in life. Born without a voice, he manages to get by until he reaches mating season. Then, unable to attract the female he loves, his father goes to the city and steals a trumpet for him. Louis is extremely grateful and learns to play it. However, first, he must earn money to repay his father's debt for the trumpet and the damage he caused to the store. Thus begins the story of Louis' adventures as he earns a living at various venues, first as a bugler and then, after a minor operation on one foot, learning to fully use the trumpet. He becomes famous in the towns and cities where he plays, but his heart always remains set on earning enough money to return to his family and his beloved. He is also repeatedly assisted and visited by Sam Beaver, a boy he met when he was just a newly hatched gosling.

It is a simple story, perhaps considered slow by some compared to more modern books, but it tells a wonderful tale. It's a story about good people, mostly animals with good human qualities. Both Sam and Louis are excellent role models, the kind of people we all aspire to be like someday. Although written in the seventies, there isn't much in the story to date it. There are a few instances that bring this to the reader's attention; I remember the word "hippie," but otherwise, the book has a quaint charm and could be set in any time period of the more mannered and polite past. It's a lovely story that is sure to be enjoyed by animal lovers.

One of my goals in reading books from this random shelf is to declutter my house by getting rid of books that won't be part of my permanent collection. However, this one is a keeper. I had initially wanted to obtain the hardcover, collector's edition to match Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, which I already own and have been beautifully colourized. But when I saw the hardcover version of this book, I noticed that the illustrations had been completely redone by a new illustrator, so I decided not to get that version. In fact, the paperback versions also include the new illustrations. The original illustrations don't seem to be available in any currently published new editions. Therefore, I'm keeping this edition, which is exactly the same one I had as a child.

The Trumpet of the Swan is an utterly remarkable and enchanting book. It is a must-read for all children, as well as the parents of children.

Louis, a swan, was unfortunately born without a voice. Once he became aware of this, his father offered him some wise words: "Do not let an unnatural sadness overtake you, Louis. Swans should be cheerful, not sad; graceful, not awkward; brave, not cowardly. Remember that the world is filled with youngsters who have some kind of handicap that they must overcome. You clearly have a speech defect. But I am certain that you will overcome it in time. There may even be a slight advantage, at your age, in not being able to say anything. It forces you to be a good listener. The world is full of talkers, but it is rare to find someone who truly listens. And I can assure you that you can gather more information when you are listening than when you are talking."

This is the captivating story of how Louis manages to find his voice. The characters in this book are incredibly lovable, and the plot is highly intriguing. The climax is truly fascinating. There are numerous parallels to real life that can spark great conversations with children, such as overcoming hardship, discovering what you truly want to do in life, taking care of nature, accepting others, and kindness. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book to your kids.

It is a wonderful literary work that can bring joy, inspiration, and valuable life lessons to both children and adults alike.

I have always cherished this book from my childhood. As I grew up, I was a bit hesitant to re-read it, fearing that the beautiful memory I had of it might not match the actual content. However, I soon realized that my concerns were unfounded.

This book is truly a delightful and entertaining story. It tells the tale of Louis, a swan who was born without a voice and embarks on a journey to find a way to communicate. It is impossible not to fall in love with Louis as we follow his adventures and cheer him on in his quest.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author himself. Every moment of it was a joy. It felt as if my grandpa was sitting beside me, sharing this wonderful story. It was truly a 5-star experience that I will never forget.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of age. It is a timeless classic that will touch your heart and bring a smile to your face.

EB White's profound love for birds, lakes, and wildlife is beautifully evident in this charming book.

Just like the magical "Charlotte's Web," this book is equally wonderful.

The vivid descriptions of nature and the endearing stories within it would surely capture the hearts of elementary students.

It has the potential to be a delightful read aloud, transporting young listeners into a world filled with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

EB White's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a perfect choice for introducing children to the joys of literature and the importance of protecting our environment.

Whether read alone or shared with a group, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a love for nature in the hearts of its readers.

Meh.

Strange indeed. I find myself not being a fan of the stealing of the trumpet. It's such an odd and rather unethical act.

Who would think of stealing a trumpet? It seems like a random and perhaps even a bit comical thing to do.

But then again, in this strange world, there are all kinds of strange behaviors.

Maybe the person who stole the trumpet had some sort of strange motivation or need for it.

Or perhaps they were just being plain mischievous.

Whatever the reason, it's still a strange and rather disappointing thing to hear about.

I can't help but wonder what will happen to the stolen trumpet and if it will ever be recovered.

It's a mystery that leaves me feeling a bit meh.

My coworker, who is the head of the children's department at my bookstore and is extremely sweet, ranted to me about how precious a certain book was. Since I had never read it, she decided to lend me her copy.

I clearly couldn't refuse her kind offer.

Although the story is definitely a bit dated, I found it to be so sweet and wholesome that I couldn't hold back my tears.

It's truly precious, and I wish I had read it when I was younger.

As a charming children's classic, it undoubtedly deserves a 5/5 stars rating.

The love that the swan in the story has to communicate and tell the swan he loves that he loves her is just so touching.

He learned how to write for her and how to play a trumpet to profess his love.

It makes me want to cry every time I think about it.

It's a beautiful and heartwarming tale that will surely stay with me for a long time.