Simon Makes Music

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Little Simon wants to entertain the animal world with music. He plays a
flute for a herd of sheep, a trumpet for a rooster, and a guitar for his
horse. Unfortunately, the animals are not appreciative. The sheep ignore
him, the rooster runs away, and Simon’s horse throws him off its back.
Simon consults a music expert who points out that animals have their own
music—the song of nature. Simon attempts to imitate the music of
nature, but again fails to find the right sound. Finally, Simon and his
friend Marlene meet another musician in the woods who tells them that
music is best when shared with friends. Simon calls all his musical
friends together and the resulting symphony is so beautiful even wild
birds join them.

This is the eighth book in Gilles Tibo’s multi-award-winning Simon
series. As usual, Tibo’s illustrations are outstanding. The story
line, which stresses the principles of both cultural sensitivity and
community cooperation, is also well done. Highly recommended.