I always assumed that this was more solemn than it actually is.

However, it turns out to be very silly!

My kids absolutely ate it up. They just couldn't get enough of the old cob's grandiose speeches.

It's truly remarkable how much they enjoyed it.

And on top of that, it really is a joy to read aloud just on the sentence level.

The words flow so smoothly and the rhythm is quite engaging.

It makes the reading experience not only fun but also somewhat enchanting.

Even I, as an adult, find myself getting caught up in the charm of it all.

It's a wonderful thing to see my kids so excited about something that I initially thought was rather serious.

It just goes to show that sometimes, our expectations can be completely off, and we end up discovering something truly special and unexpected.

Another great children's story!

I read this book to my kids at bedtime over a few months.

Surprisingly, although my kids seemed to really like it, I found it kind of disappointing.

It is imaginative and has a few good characters. My personal favorite was Louis' dad.

However, I have several complaints.

First, the "romance" with Serena REALLY irritated me. Not only was there nothing redeeming about her other than her looks, but it was also ridiculous that she "blew off course" while in Montana and just happened to end up at the Philadelphia zoo.

Second, I had moral issues with the fact that he agreed to give up some number of his future offspring as "sacrifices" to the zoo. I know I might be taking this way too seriously.

Third, it feels kind of disjointed. The overall plot doesn't hold together very well.

Finally, it lacks the emotional connection and wonder of a book like Charlotte's Web, which is a true masterpiece.

This book had potential, but in my opinion, it didn't quite live up to it.

I typically don't review children's books here unless they are very long or very good.

This book is both. I'm not sure how I escaped reading this as a child but I'm certain that I didn't because the story is unique and memorable.

Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice, employs determination and smarts to remedy this obstacle. He faces many challenges along the way but never gives up. He uses his creativity and resourcefulness to find a way to communicate and make his dreams come true.

All the while, he embarks on adventures and works to right wrongs. He meets many interesting characters and learns valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship.

My 8-year-old daughter said "this book teaches children to be a rightful citizen and an honest and kind friend." What could be better than that? A story with morals, comedy, and a nature lesson. It's a book that both children and adults can enjoy and learn from.

4.25 - 4.5 stars

If someone had told me that I would enjoy a book discussing the life of a swan, I would have been extremely skeptical. I would have doubted the existence of such a book and been hesitant to believe that I could find it interesting. However, here I am, having been completely won over by this charming story. It doesn't come as a surprise that this book is from the same author who wrote a book about a spider saving their best friend pig's life.

I truly appreciated the fact that the author himself narrated this book. His voice is pleasant and engaging, and I would be more than willing to listen to another book that he narrates. In fact, I think he is better than some of the other authors I've listened to, even with the advantages of more modern recording technology. What really surprised me was the addition of a trumpet in certain parts of the recording. Although these parts were a bit louder compared to Mr. White's smooth voice, it's understandable as it's difficult to play a brass instrument softly. The good volume overall makes this not too much of a problem, but I would still recommend listening in a quiet area to fully enjoy the story. As someone who doesn't play an instrument, I really liked this added detail in the audiobook. I also read a print copy of the story while listening to the audiobook and found that the audiobook enhanced my enjoyment of the story even further. There were no distracting background noises like static that can sometimes be present in older recordings.

The story itself was adorable. It was heartwarming to see how the swan parents and their human friend came together to help their son and friend have as many advantages as possible. It was especially nice to hear about how someone who couldn't talk was not pitied too much but instead tried to live a normal yet extraordinary life. I'm so glad that I decided to give E.B. White another chance, as I really enjoyed "Charlotte's Web" by him as well. This book has once again shown me the author's talent for creating beautiful and engaging stories that can touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

Read for middle grade March

March is a wonderful month for middle grade students to engage in reading.

It offers a great opportunity to explore different genres and expand their vocabulary.

Students can choose from adventure stories, mysteries, and even historical fiction.

By reading regularly, they can improve their comprehension skills and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Moreover, reading can also be a fun and relaxing activity that helps reduce stress.

Teachers and parents can encourage middle grade students to read by providing them with a variety of books and creating a reading-friendly environment.

They can also organize reading clubs or discussions to enhance the students' reading experience.

In conclusion, March is a great time for middle grade students to pick up a book and start reading.

Let's encourage them to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

This was an extremely cute story that truly left me in a state of daze.

Never before has anything managed to touch my imagination in such a profound way.

The experience of reading something so unique and unfamiliar was simply wonderful.

It was as if a whole new world had opened up before my eyes, filled with charm and wonder.

The story had a certain magic that pulled me in and made me completely forget about the outside world.

Each word seemed to dance on the page, creating vivid images in my mind.

I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

It was a refreshing and delightful escape from the ordinary, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

Bianca claims that it's a tie between Trumpet of the Swan and Charlotte's Web as her favorite book. She "recommended" it to me after her third reading, and it truly was extremely worthwhile.

This is a captivating and remarkable little book that tells the story of a mute swan who overcomes his difficulties and persists. I really like how White takes real-life challenges and makes them enjoyable and understandable through the use of animals. I truly wish I had read this one when I was a child. I firmly believe that it should be compulsory reading for all kids, along with Charlotte's Web of course.

As I was reading, I completely understood why this is a favorite of Bianca's - with its music, humor, and sweetness. It's a great book. I recommend it to both children and adults alike.

Oh, and can I just mention how very much I LOVED the illustrations in this version? They are so sweet!

4.5

My favorite among the E.B White books is due to a friend who recommended reading it in late elementary school.

It was a wonderful discovery that opened up a whole new world of imagination for me. The stories in E.B White's books are so engaging and full of charm.

Each character is vividly brought to life, and the adventures they embark on are both exciting and heartwarming.

Through his writing, E.B White taught me valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself.

I would often find myself lost in the pages of his books, completely immersed in the magical worlds he created.

Thanks to my friend's recommendation, I have developed a lifelong love for E.B White's works and continue to be inspired by them to this day.

A fun little story that truly delighted the girls.

I had never even heard of The Trumpet of the Swan until this year when I read it to the girls.

Although it might not be as memorable as E.B. White’s most popular book Charlotte’s Web, I have to admit that I actually enjoyed it more.

One of the great things about this book is that it doesn't try to make me feel guilty for liking bacon, which is a refreshing change.

Moreover, the book is filled with numerous little details and witty quips that constantly made me chuckle.

Overall, it is a really good children’s read-aloud that can bring joy and laughter to both children and adults alike.

It's a story that engages the imagination and leaves a lasting impression, despite not being as widely known as some of the other classics.

I'm glad I discovered it and had the opportunity to share it with the girls.

It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a charming and entertaining read for their children.

E.B. White was truly a remarkable writer with an extraordinary talent for crafting stories that had the unique ability to captivate both children and adults alike. This particular book is no exception and it truly does not disappoint.

Right from the start, we are introduced to a swan who has a rather unusual predicament - he is unable to make any noise at all, which is where the title of the book comes into play. However, in a rather ingenious twist, he manages to learn how to communicate with the world around him through the use of a small chalkboard.

Some might think that this concept is a bit preposterous, but despite this initial impression, this book is actually an excellent piece of literature. It has a charm and a warmth that is truly endearing and it offers valuable lessons and insights that are relevant to both children and adults. I would most definitely recommend this book to my own children in the future, as I believe it would spark their imagination and teach them important values. Moreover, I would also highly recommend it for adults, as it has the power to transport us back to a simpler time and remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world.