1 / 7The Story Orchestra: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sound Book
Sound Book: The Story Orchestra’s Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream retells the play alongside ten short orchestral excerpts of Mendelssohn’s music. Page buttons make it an interactive introduction to the story and its score, while the composer biography and musical notes add context at the back.
At a glance
- Illustrated retelling of Shakespeare’s comedy, set in Athens and the nearby woods.
- Ten buttons play short orchestral excerpts from Mendelssohn’s music.
- Back matter includes a composer biography, musical discussion, instrument and rhythm details, and a glossary.
- The clips can be replayed from the back of the book.
Reference price: $24.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Pairs a familiar story retelling with recorded orchestral music, giving children both narrative and listening material.
- The back-of-book discussion and glossary provide extra context beyond the page-by-page sound buttons.
Cons
- Each musical excerpt is only 10 seconds, so the clips are brief listening samples rather than full pieces.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | Frances Lincoln Children's Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 1, 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 24 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 071129738X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0711297388 |
| Reading age | 3 - 8 years, from customers |
| Grade level | Kindergarten - 3 |
| Dimensions | 10.8 x 0.35 x 12.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 10.4 ounces |
| Music excerpts | 10 excerpts |
|---|---|
| Clip duration | 10 seconds long |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
Pull the white tab from the back before first use. Buttons need a firm press in the exact location, and young children may need adult help. The listing describes the book as suitable for ages 3–8, while noting that this age range is based on customer input.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families introducing young children to Shakespeare through an illustrated, simplified story.
- Readers who want a children’s book combining classical music clips with introductory information about the composer and musical features.
Less suited to
- Listeners looking for full-length recordings or extended music excerpts.
- Children who cannot yet press small page buttons firmly and accurately without help.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
87% 87% - 4 stars
8% 8% - 3 stars
1% 1% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback is strongly favorable, with the illustrated presentation, story and orchestral clips highlighted as appealing, and reports that children return to the book. That enthusiasm suits a picture-led introduction to the ten brief excerpts, but it does not change the practical limits: the clips last only 10 seconds and require firm, precise button presses. A smaller share of ratings are less positive, and the supplied feedback does not explain why.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the illustrations, musical clips and child-friendly presentation.
- The supplied feedback describes children enjoying the story and returning to play with the book.
Frequently asked questions
How many music clips does the book play?
The listing describes ten Mendelssohn excerpts, each 10 seconds long. It says all ten can also be replayed from the back of the book.
How do you activate the sounds?
Pull the white tab from the back before use, then press firmly in the exact button location on the page. Young children may need adult assistance.
What music information is included?
The back includes a short biography of Felix Mendelssohn, discussion of the excerpts and their instruments and musical techniques, plus a glossary.
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