A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM | THE STORY ORCHESTRA

A spellbinding musical picture book from the award-winning Story Orchestra series — A Midsummer Night's Dream brings Shakespeare's most beloved comedy to life through Jessica Courtney-Tickle's breathtaking folk art-style illustrations and 10 built-in sound buttons. Press the musical note on each page to hear a 10-second excerpt from a real orchestra playing Mendelssohn's incidental music as you follow the story through the courts of Athens and into the enchanted forest.

In ancient Athens, Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta are preparing for their wedding. But Hermia is forbidden to marry Lysander, and Helena still loves Demetrius. On one midsummer's night, the four young lovers flee to the forest — where mischievous fairy Puck, the fairy queen Titania, and the amateur actor Bottom (who ends up with a donkey's head) get caught up in a magical tangle of pranks, spells and mix-ups.

At the back of the book, find a short biography of Mendelssohn, musical notes on each excerpt discussing instruments, rhythms and techniques, and a glossary of musical terms.

• A Midsummer Night's Dream — The Story Orchestra series
• Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
• Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto)
• Hardback, published 10 October 2024
• 10 built-in sound buttons — press to hear real orchestral excerpts from Mendelssohn's score
• Includes composer biography, musical notes and glossary at the back
• Note: pull the white tab out of the back of the book before first use; press buttons firmly in the exact location to activate
• Also available in the series: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Four Seasons in One Day, Carnival of the Animals, The Magic Flute, In the Hall of the Mountain King, The Planets, Peter and the Wolf and I Can Play Vol. 1

A wonderful birthday or Christmas gift for children aged 3+ and a beautiful introduction to Shakespeare and classical music for the whole family.