The Musical Life of Gustav Mole

This book and cassette are excellent. My younger sister listened/read this cassette/book 8 years ago, and now that my sister is older, my own young kids have enjoyed this wonderful story and the sweet accompanying narration and music.The story is beautifully narrated and the background tunes are catchy and fun. I would have liked the music better if it were a real orchestra instead of a sampler/synthesizer, but it is really enjoyable nonetheless. There is a good range of instruments and musical styles to listen to, and the story is interesting and engaging for children. I highly recommend this book for any young child. (And if the cassette is not included, then I would recommend buying that as well).

What a wonderful, engaging book and tape to open the world of music to our children! It is a lifesaver in the car that even the driver will enjoy! The story is sweet, the illustrations beautiful and the music is rich! Thank-you Catherine Meyrick and Michael Twinn!! What a gift!!

This tape, based on the lovely book of the same title, is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of music. The original compositions are beautiful, and the naration, provided by Patrick Macnee (Steed from "The Avengers" TV series) is perfection-full of warmth and love and whimsy, as if he's talking directly to his own grandchildren sitting on his lap. Our daughter loves this tape, and my wife and I never tire of listening to it either.

I am a music teacher and absolutly love this book! While it can be shared with almost any primary class, I saved it for my second graders and used it with the cassette. The story tells of Gustav's musical life from infancy to adulthood. On a quest to find his "musical self" he discovers jazz, classical, big band music and much more. Following the story, we play a game that I developed using segments from the cassette. My students had a great time identifying the different instruments played in the story. I would recommend this book and cassette to all! Enjoy!

I love this book/cassette combination. I encountered it at my 3yr old son's nursery.We follow the adventures of Gustav Mole as he grows through life, playing different kinds of music with his animal friends and loves. Many categories of European/American music are explored, ranging from classical through romantic and folk to jazz. Highly entertaining.