I read this book such a long time ago, and yet it still remains etched in my memory so vividly.

Reading this book was a truly unique experience. As I delved into its pages, I was instantly transported into a world filled with blue waters that stretched as far as the eye could see and sunny skies that seemed to smile down upon everything. It was a world of hot summers, where the melodic sounds of trumpets filled the air, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

This book not only painted a beautiful picture but also formed an amazing friendship between the characters. Their bond was so beautiful and meaningful that it touched my heart deeply. I know for sure that I will make my future kids read this wonderful book. It has the power to inspire, to make them dream, and to show them the beauty of true friendship.

I can't wait to share this book with the next generation and watch as they too become immersed in its enchanting world.

If I had read this book as a child, I probably wouldn't have gotten very far. My reason would likely have been, "It's no Charlotte's Web," which is one of my all-time favorite children's stories. "Where's Wilbur? Is Charlotte going to appear?"

A young boy named Sam Beaver discovers some swans, one of whom is named Louis. Poor Louis is, as everyone likes to remind him, defective because he can't make swan noises. But he doesn't let that get him down! He has dreams, big dreams, and he is determined to win the heart of that lady swan, even though he can't communicate with her because love transcends all.

It's a cute story, with some adventure and financial debt. However, there is a lot of misogyny that is hard to overlook. After all, this is a children's story, and what are we teaching our young readers? Dream big, kids, don't worry if you're broken; you'll one day own a woman!

Also, it's not Charlotte's Web, and I can't forgive it for that. It's really unfair to the memory of E.B. White and all, but come on. Charlotte's Web is simply radiant. (But this book is not nearly as heartbreaking as Charlotte's Web either.)

Children reading this book will learn all about swans, that women are possessions, the word 'crepuscular', that all musicians are poor, and that math is stupid.

It's a quick read for an adult reader, taking me less than two hours. Thanks to the person (who I think I'm actually friends with here on GR) who left this in one of those free library mailbox things in Regent Square. I'll take it back to another mailbox so hopefully an actual child who hasn't read it can get some joy out of it.

This is quite possibly the silliest book I’ve ever read. However, that very silliness makes it a great kids/family book.

Imagine a story about a swan that is born without a voice. He believes that he can't possibly find love without being able to communicate verbally. So, he decides to learn how to read and write. But unfortunately, his family can't read, so his efforts seem to be in vain.

Then, his dad comes up with a rather unconventional solution. He breaks into a music store to steal a trumpet for his son. The swan then learns to play the trumpet, gets multiple jobs, befriends humans, and saves $4,000.

If you're into such a unique and absurd story, then this is the one for you. However, if you're a bit weirded out by the idea of animals having conscious thought, interacting with humans, and even getting married, then you might want to read this book just for comedy purposes.

Overall, it provides good entertainment and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

The incomparable classic children's author, E.B. White, is truly a master of his craft. He not only penned the delightful fantasy in Charlotte's Web but also created another gem in The Trumpet of the Swan.

This book holds great appeal for both young elementary students as a wonderful read-aloud and for older elementary readers as a great chapter book.

The story follows Louis, a swan who is born without a voice. However, through his ingenuity and a touch of fantasy, he discovers ways to lead a full life. As he grows older, he also manages to woo the beautiful swan he falls in love with.

The Trumpet of the Swan would be an excellent introduction to a discussion about celebrating differences and learning how to cope with disabilities, regardless of their magnitude. It is a wonderful classic children's book that, unfortunately, I missed both as a child and as an elementary teacher.

Thankfully, it is never too late to discover the magic and wisdom within its pages.

I read this for the 2016 YA/MG Book Battle.

This story was rather cute. However, in the end, it felt overly self-conscious, which made it less appealing to me. I did have a moment of enjoyment when Louis, the swan who had been gathering possessions that hung around his neck, began to list them off and then quipped, “I’m beginning to look like a hippie.” But unfortunately, there was a lack of real tension in this book. Louis’s path was unobstructed by any serious challenges. In fact, he managed to win the heart of the girl swan of his dreams through an unrealistic weather contrivance. It all seemed a little too effortless. What had worked so well for me in Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web simply didn't occur here.

The book lacked the depth and the sense of struggle that would have made it more engaging and memorable. It felt as if everything was neatly packaged and resolved without much effort on the part of the characters or the author. I was left with a sense of disappointment, as I had hoped for a more exciting and thought-provoking read.

Perhaps if the author had introduced some more significant obstacles for Louis to overcome or had developed the characters and their relationships in a more complex way, the book might have had more of an impact on me. As it stands, it was a pleasant enough read, but not one that I would highly recommend.

The first chapter of a book is often the most crucial, as it sets the tone and hooks the reader. It has the power to draw you in and make you eager to explore further.

Some first chapters are truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression. They might start with a captivating scene, an intriguing character, or a thought-provoking question.

The best first chapter ever written is a subjective matter, as different readers have different preferences. However, there are certain elements that can make a first chapter stand out.

It could be the masterful use of language, creating a vivid and immersive world. Or perhaps it's the way the story is introduced, with just the right amount of mystery and anticipation.

Whatever the case may be, a great first chapter has the ability to transport you to another realm and make you fall in love with the story from the very beginning. It's a literary masterpiece that leaves you craving for more.

This is truly a remarkable book that is suitable for the entire family.

The story it tells is not only engaging but also filled with valuable education about animals and the great outdoors. It offers a wonderful opportunity for family members of all ages to learn and be entertained at the same time.

What makes this book even more special is the excellent audio reading by the author. The author's voice brings the story to life, adding an extra layer of charm and authenticity.

Whether you are looking for a book to read aloud with your family on a cozy evening or a way to introduce your children to the wonders of nature, this book is an excellent choice. It is sure to become a favorite in your family's library.

One of my favorites is a particular thing that holds a special place in my heart. It could be a book that has transported me to different worlds, filled with captivating stories and characters.

Or perhaps it's a piece of music that has the power to move me deeply, its melodies and rhythms evoking a range of emotions.

Maybe it's a place, a beautiful beach or a peaceful mountain retreat, where I can find tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whatever it is, this favorite thing has become an integral part of my life, bringing me joy, inspiration, and a sense of comfort.

I cherish it and look forward to the moments when I can engage with it, allowing myself to be fully immersed in its wonder and charm.

It is truly one of the most precious things to me.

From my memory, this book just comes off as my favorite E.B White book. However, now that I think about it more deeply, I realize that I'll have to ponder on that a little bit longer.

This book was truly great, and all I have to say is that his works are classics for a very good reason. E.B White has a unique way of captivating readers with his engaging stories and beautiful prose.

The characters in his books are always so vivid and relatable, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the story.

Whether it's the adventures of a little mouse or the friendship between a spider and a pig, White's stories have a way of touching the hearts of readers of all ages.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of his works and continuing to be inspired by his writing.

5 stars.

This book was truly a delight, filled with an abundance of humour and the beauty of nature. The old cob was absolutely hilarious, especially when his wife chimed in with her two cents. There were numerous other funny scenes that had me laughing out loud, such as the one at the school and the one in the music store! ;) I have always had a great fondness for this book, and it seems my younger siblings do too.

However, there are a few euphemisms that I would not use myself. Additionally, there is a mention of Nature "giving cygnets a shell-breaking tooth" and a statement that "God failed to give Louis a voice." These are some aspects that might require further consideration or interpretation.

*new review to come upon reread*

I'm re-reading this with my kid.

When I was a child, I loved this book deeply. It was an all-time childhood favorite. Now, as I read it again, I really enjoy it.

Especially, I can understand all the literary and biblical references that I didn't get when I was Nicco's age.

I love the over-the-top flowery sentiments of Louis' father.

When I was young, it seemed much more exciting and dangerous.

However, I completely missed the disturbing hypocrisy of Louis.

He is the weak and defected cygnet among his siblings.

He agreed to sell his own future weak offspring into zoo slavery to prevent his lady love from being enslaved in the zoo.

It may have bothered me less if he hadn't, on the previous page, said to the bird man of the zoo, "safety and security are well and fine, but I prefer freedom."

Now, as an adult, I can see the complexity and moral ambiguity in the story, which makes it even more interesting to me.

A story about overcoming adversity is truly inspiring. Consider a swan that has no voice and yet desires to find a mate. How would it manage? Well, in this zany tale, the swan's father, who knows how to make speeches, takes matters into his own hands and eventually steals a trumpet for his voiceless offspring. This leads to a series of adventures as the swan now has the ability to talk and play the trumpet.

I did enjoy this story, but I must admit that it felt 75 pages too long. The book really should have come to an end much earlier. The last scene with the father seemed completely unnecessary and it really dragged the story. However, there is something truly powerful about the theme of overcoming a handicap. Louis, the swan, didn't get angry or lash out at those around him. Instead, he channeled his energy into learning to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of his goal. It's not just a story about perseverance, but also a fun and entertaining one. I have now read 3 of E. B's works and I would rate this as his second best, with Charlotte's Web being his first.