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Sylvie and the Songman by Tim Binding
Book by Tim Binding
Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
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About the author
Tim Binding
24 books10 followersNovelist Tim Binding was born in Germany in 1947. A former editor at Penguin Books in London, he is a part-time commissioning editor at London publishers Simon & Schuster. He is the author of the novels, In the Kingdom of Air (1993), A Perfect Execution (1996) (shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize), Island Madness (1998), set on Guernsey during the Second World War, and Man Overboard (2005).
He co-wrote a comedy drama series for BBC television in 1998, entitled The Last Salute, working with Simon Nye, creator of the Men Behaving Badly comedy series. On Ilkley Moor: The Story of an English Town (2001), is a memoir and history of the area where he grew up. Anthem, a moving and entertaining story of the horror of war and its consequences, was published in 2003. His latest novel is Sylvie and the Songman (2008) and is illustrated by Angela Barrett.
Tim Binding lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.
He co-wrote a comedy drama series for BBC television in 1998, entitled The Last Salute, working with Simon Nye, creator of the Men Behaving Badly comedy series. On Ilkley Moor: The Story of an English Town (2001), is a memoir and history of the area where he grew up. Anthem, a moving and entertaining story of the horror of war and its consequences, was published in 2003. His latest novel is Sylvie and the Songman (2008) and is illustrated by Angela Barrett.
Tim Binding lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 6, 2010
One Sentence Review: A strange and lyrical book, though one that does feel as if it was written by an adult author who was trying to figure out the children's book genre.
January 5, 2023
Upon stumbling upon this book, I was looking into reading it as soon as possible. From the cover, the pictures, and the descriptions, it charmed me. Before hand, I didn't know about this book (or even about the author, Tim Binding) but, boy...I do love good surprises. It started out strong. There was some appeal on the everyday life of the main characters and how it slowly stumbles into the mysterious chaos caused by the villains. It also possessed some 'Studio Ghibli' whimsy that I love (since I'm a big enjoyer of the animation studio.) However, the true identity of the book slowly revealed itself upon reading it more.
The plot was your generic adventure of the protagonists, moving from one place to another (like a Macguffin quest.) It was a little underwhelming that it didn't put much effort in deviating from the usual structure. But I'm fine with it since this a kid's book (around prepubescent-adolecent). I do enjoy the animals that the two main protagonists encountered. At first, their speeches were confusing, but later I ascertained that it was the whole point (to be barely understandable, especially for the wild ones.) Another generic aspect of the book was its leading protagonist. The main villain, the Songman, was mostly motivated by power and greed (mostly greed.) There's nothing wrong with that alone, but the book barely fleshed him out. He was not threatening as well, for he only wanted to steal songs. The Woodpecker Man, though, was the villain I found threatening. Tim Binding did craft a cryptic, spooky, and relentless creature that could give some readers a nightmare. It's creepiness just nudged this book closer to a horror genre. Unlike the Songman (which was a person), the readers could never be sure of what it was, or what its own motives were. It acted more like a force of nature that the Songman used as a tool, focusing on being an enigma that adds spice on the mystery. My only grudge about it was that it should had more action/part in the later parts of the book.
Here are more problems I found in the book:
1. Overextended, and had a jarring shift of pacing (especially as the setting was changed into the lighthouse). Could easily cut 50 pages with no major alterations to the main plot.
2. It's too long because IT WAS WORDY. Over explains a lot of trivial stuff. It was a chore trudging through paragraphs about boring events. Please...SHOW, DON'T TELL
3. Because it's wordy, the third act of the book ws confusing. Also, couple of characters simply pop in, then disappear as fast.
4. Many stuff were left out. There was no 'other world' found in book description. The mother reveal kind of felt forced and arbitrary. George (the Deuteragonist) did little other than a voice of reason.
5. Etc. Read this book for you to find out.
Listen, I'm not offended by this book. It had good lessons for its target audiences. I could see its full potential, and that is why I'm disappointed. This is a 5/10 book, close to a 6/10 but not quite there.
The plot was your generic adventure of the protagonists, moving from one place to another (like a Macguffin quest.) It was a little underwhelming that it didn't put much effort in deviating from the usual structure. But I'm fine with it since this a kid's book (around prepubescent-adolecent). I do enjoy the animals that the two main protagonists encountered. At first, their speeches were confusing, but later I ascertained that it was the whole point (to be barely understandable, especially for the wild ones.) Another generic aspect of the book was its leading protagonist. The main villain, the Songman, was mostly motivated by power and greed (mostly greed.) There's nothing wrong with that alone, but the book barely fleshed him out. He was not threatening as well, for he only wanted to steal songs. The Woodpecker Man, though, was the villain I found threatening. Tim Binding did craft a cryptic, spooky, and relentless creature that could give some readers a nightmare. It's creepiness just nudged this book closer to a horror genre. Unlike the Songman (which was a person), the readers could never be sure of what it was, or what its own motives were. It acted more like a force of nature that the Songman used as a tool, focusing on being an enigma that adds spice on the mystery. My only grudge about it was that it should had more action/part in the later parts of the book.
Here are more problems I found in the book:
1. Overextended, and had a jarring shift of pacing (especially as the setting was changed into the lighthouse). Could easily cut 50 pages with no major alterations to the main plot.
2. It's too long because IT WAS WORDY. Over explains a lot of trivial stuff. It was a chore trudging through paragraphs about boring events. Please...SHOW, DON'T TELL
3. Because it's wordy, the third act of the book ws confusing. Also, couple of characters simply pop in, then disappear as fast.
4. Many stuff were left out. There was no 'other world' found in book description. The mother reveal kind of felt forced and arbitrary. George (the Deuteragonist) did little other than a voice of reason.
5. Etc. Read this book for you to find out.
Listen, I'm not offended by this book. It had good lessons for its target audiences. I could see its full potential, and that is why I'm disappointed. This is a 5/10 book, close to a 6/10 but not quite there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
I bought this book in a pound shop ages ago, but have only just read it. I quite enjoyed the story, but it feels like it's not sure of its audience. I assume that it's aimed at the group just before young adult (9-13?), but some of the language is complex enough that it would alienate some of that group, and it's also a bit harrowing in a couple of places.
Outside of struggling to understand the target audience, there's an awful lot of talking between Sylvie and George at times when they are supposed to be stealthily hiding!
Outside of struggling to understand the target audience, there's an awful lot of talking between Sylvie and George at times when they are supposed to be stealthily hiding!
February 4, 2011
All is not well in London, England. Sylvie has noticed that the birds refuse to whistle, and her own dog, Mr. Jackson, apparently has lost his bark. The fox she always sees from the train isn’t on his platform, watching her pass. Her father, Daniel, a creative musician who builds and plays his own insturments, has just discovered an entirely new note. Shortly afterward, he disappears, leaving only an eye drawn on the bathroom mirror with toothpaste to give Sylvie a clue to work with. Sylvie and her friend George must find Daniel and figure out why the world has stopped singing – and all the while running from the evil Woodpecker Man and his master.
Buying this book was a gamble: I hadn’t heard anything about it, but it looked too good to pass up. (I don’t normally just buy books because nowadays, unless I’ve read them from the library and just have to have them on my shelf.) Sylvie and the Songman definitely could have gone either way, but I was willing to take the chance.
It was amazing. I read it once last December, and I just finished it for the second time. What a ride! It’s full of mystery, interesting (and sometimes scary) characters, and a fascinating battle between good and evil. The Songman is a psychological and puzzling man, worthy of note. His helper (one of those wicked characters who, even though he works for someone, isn’t actually bound to that person) is the Woodpecker Man, a frightful character who flies in a balloon pulled by swans, surrounded by green woodpeckers. Then there’s Rabbit-tooth and the Knitting woman. Daniel and Sylvie and George themselves are masterpieces. Daniel is still saddened by the loss of his wife, but loves Sylvie and wants her to be happy. Sylvie and George make quite a duo: Sylvie is quiet and curious, while George is proud and ambitious. They work well together and emit a wonderful sense of loyalty throughout the book.
Tim Binding is a very talented writer. His style forms this story into what it is – a beautiful piece of prose, a wonderful work of the English language. And I can tell you now… You’ll never see woodpeckers the same again.
Buying this book was a gamble: I hadn’t heard anything about it, but it looked too good to pass up. (I don’t normally just buy books because nowadays, unless I’ve read them from the library and just have to have them on my shelf.) Sylvie and the Songman definitely could have gone either way, but I was willing to take the chance.
It was amazing. I read it once last December, and I just finished it for the second time. What a ride! It’s full of mystery, interesting (and sometimes scary) characters, and a fascinating battle between good and evil. The Songman is a psychological and puzzling man, worthy of note. His helper (one of those wicked characters who, even though he works for someone, isn’t actually bound to that person) is the Woodpecker Man, a frightful character who flies in a balloon pulled by swans, surrounded by green woodpeckers. Then there’s Rabbit-tooth and the Knitting woman. Daniel and Sylvie and George themselves are masterpieces. Daniel is still saddened by the loss of his wife, but loves Sylvie and wants her to be happy. Sylvie and George make quite a duo: Sylvie is quiet and curious, while George is proud and ambitious. They work well together and emit a wonderful sense of loyalty throughout the book.
Tim Binding is a very talented writer. His style forms this story into what it is – a beautiful piece of prose, a wonderful work of the English language. And I can tell you now… You’ll never see woodpeckers the same again.
November 12, 2010
Loved the premise, kooky, kind, likable father invents musical instruments that capture the sounds of animals, birds and even humans not found on conventional musical instruments. When these instruments strike a powerful, loud chord, the adventure begins. Sylvie's mother had drown at sea a year earlier, then her lovable father mysteriously disappears after he hits this chord, setting in motion an adventure for Sylvie, thirteen, her friend George, and her dog, Mr. Jackson, who mysteriously lost his bark. They go on the search for her father after being chased by a man who resembles a woodpecker and can control the actions of other woodpeckers, leading them into an underground world of animals, where Sylvie, after being bitten by a fox who had always watched her on the train, gains the ability to hear the thoughts of all the animals around her. The children slowly discover the madman, aka The Songman, behind animals, one by one, losing their songs or voices, the reason for her dad's disappearance, the relentless pursuit of the woodpecker man, and why the animals so badly want Sylvie and George to stop the Songman in his evil plot to silence all the animals, birds and humans for his control.
I loved the idea behind this adventure story, the resiliency of the children, and the evil plot, however, the plot becomes a bit convoluted at times, as you can tell even from a plot summary. I felt as though Binding tries to do too much and tie up too many details, when I wished he would have spent a little more time on relationships between the characters and the characters and animals. I hope Binding continues writing for children, brilliant imagination!
I loved the idea behind this adventure story, the resiliency of the children, and the evil plot, however, the plot becomes a bit convoluted at times, as you can tell even from a plot summary. I felt as though Binding tries to do too much and tie up too many details, when I wished he would have spent a little more time on relationships between the characters and the characters and animals. I hope Binding continues writing for children, brilliant imagination!
September 16, 2009
The illustrations are pencil drawings, with lots of shadow and light, afew clear images but mostly suggestions. Thats probably the best description of the book too. Sylvie has lost her mother and then her father disappears. She has to search for him and then rescue him from the Songman, who is determined to steal the songs of all creatures so he can control the world. Its an interesting idea, with many of the elements of good YA. And an overall enjoyable book. But I'd have enjoyed a hint of color in the shadows and light.
July 1, 2012
I loved the animals' songs and the way they were expressed in a way that was vaguely human. Beautifully imagined.
February 4, 2016
3.5--The Songman is definitely creepy! I enjoyed this book though--especially Angela Barrett's illustrations!
September 6, 2020
I'm going to give this book 4 stars because the world gave me the shivers and also delighted me. There are some narrative holes and weird shifts in the writing that gave me pause as an adult reading this but if I had come to it as a child I would have been spell bound.
While it is geared for readers between 10 and 13, there's also some scary/heavy situations in this book. Mr. Jackson dies and it's pretty rough.
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable escape of a book.
While it is geared for readers between 10 and 13, there's also some scary/heavy situations in this book. Mr. Jackson dies and it's pretty rough.
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable escape of a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
I really liked this book. The characters Sylvie, her awkward friend George and her beloved dog Mr. Jackson were beautifully drawn and the story of make believe and magic worked very well. The story had all the characteristics of a beloved fairy tale with villains and heroic journeys. It was an uplifting read in a world that has become so dark for so many people.
October 13, 2019
Such an original story!
It is an adventure that children and adults should read and join the melodies and music that come in waves from the book.
Tim Binding, you are great!
Absolutely suggesting it to everyone!
It is an adventure that children and adults should read and join the melodies and music that come in waves from the book.
Tim Binding, you are great!
Absolutely suggesting it to everyone!
September 14, 2015
As a musician I fully expected to love this book. While I did enjoy it, I also spent a fair amount of time being confused or even bored.
Sylvie: Sylvie was an okay character. She's kind, stubborn and brave. But she's also mulish, selfish and hotheaded. She dragged her friend George into her adventure, and while I was grateful to have George along, he didn't gave much of a choice in the matter. During the period in the book when she was listening to her song, I hated her for her selfishness.
George: George is a unique character. He's chubby and out of shape. Most characters with this kind of appearance end up either being child geniuses, or selfish, greedy brats, but George only has a talent with kites and a strong potential for kindness. He was Sylvie's friend throughout the entire book, and, even if he didn't have much of a choice in the matter, he did choose to come with Sylvie, and he chose not to complain too much about it, and to do everything he could to help Sylvie, not just so that he could go back home, but also because he cared about her. During the times I was hating Sylvie, George kept me reading.
Mr. Jackson: What can I say about Mr. Jackson that isn't obvious. He's a dog, a sweetheart, a loyal friend. I loved him even more than I loved George. It was worth reading this book just for sweet little Mr. Jackson.
Sylvie's father was not in the story very much, but he was interesting. I like his sense of adventure, and I really liked his musical instrument creations. It was nice to have a classical musician for a character.
The Songman: The Songman was not a very interesting villain. He wanted his music to be heard all over the world, but he didn't want to do the work of trying to get it heard without hurting people. He had a soft spot for Sylvie, but was still more than willing to hurt her and those she cared about in order to get what he wanted. His identity wasn't much of a surprise.
The Woodpecker man was a weird character. He was the crony who carried out the main-villains desires. He was much more interesting then The Songman, but I don't remember him really having any actual motivations. He had a lot of potential, with his magic coming from music (the triangle can make music through rhythm, even if it is an unpitched instrument,) but without motivation, what was the point of having a unique villain, instead of a paper cutout like Crabbe or Goyle?
Sylvie's mother: Okay, I'm confused, was Sylvie's mother a selkie? Do selkies get sick if they stay on land too long? What was the purpose of having Sylvie's mother be alive, but barely in the story, and certainly not in the ending? Or what was the point of Sylvie thinking her mother was dead? If she'd known her mom was alive, but that she couldn't be with them because she'd get sick, wouldn't that have been a more interesting take on this common tale? I don't know if the author was trying to make Sylvie's mother being alive a twist, but I was not at all surprised by that so-called twist.
The story was decent, but if the author had addressed some of the plot-holes, unsurprising twists and character problems, the book could have been amazing.
Sylvie: Sylvie was an okay character. She's kind, stubborn and brave. But she's also mulish, selfish and hotheaded. She dragged her friend George into her adventure, and while I was grateful to have George along, he didn't gave much of a choice in the matter. During the period in the book when she was listening to her song, I hated her for her selfishness.
George: George is a unique character. He's chubby and out of shape. Most characters with this kind of appearance end up either being child geniuses, or selfish, greedy brats, but George only has a talent with kites and a strong potential for kindness. He was Sylvie's friend throughout the entire book, and, even if he didn't have much of a choice in the matter, he did choose to come with Sylvie, and he chose not to complain too much about it, and to do everything he could to help Sylvie, not just so that he could go back home, but also because he cared about her. During the times I was hating Sylvie, George kept me reading.
Mr. Jackson: What can I say about Mr. Jackson that isn't obvious. He's a dog, a sweetheart, a loyal friend. I loved him even more than I loved George. It was worth reading this book just for sweet little Mr. Jackson.
Sylvie's father was not in the story very much, but he was interesting. I like his sense of adventure, and I really liked his musical instrument creations. It was nice to have a classical musician for a character.
The Songman: The Songman was not a very interesting villain. He wanted his music to be heard all over the world, but he didn't want to do the work of trying to get it heard without hurting people. He had a soft spot for Sylvie, but was still more than willing to hurt her and those she cared about in order to get what he wanted. His identity wasn't much of a surprise.
The Woodpecker man was a weird character. He was the crony who carried out the main-villains desires. He was much more interesting then The Songman, but I don't remember him really having any actual motivations. He had a lot of potential, with his magic coming from music (the triangle can make music through rhythm, even if it is an unpitched instrument,) but without motivation, what was the point of having a unique villain, instead of a paper cutout like Crabbe or Goyle?
Sylvie's mother: Okay, I'm confused, was Sylvie's mother a selkie? Do selkies get sick if they stay on land too long? What was the purpose of having Sylvie's mother be alive, but barely in the story, and certainly not in the ending? Or what was the point of Sylvie thinking her mother was dead? If she'd known her mom was alive, but that she couldn't be with them because she'd get sick, wouldn't that have been a more interesting take on this common tale? I don't know if the author was trying to make Sylvie's mother being alive a twist, but I was not at all surprised by that so-called twist.
The story was decent, but if the author had addressed some of the plot-holes, unsurprising twists and character problems, the book could have been amazing.
November 13, 2015
Sylvie and the Songman is a evenly-paced book that follows Sylvie, George, and Mr. Jackson through the English countryside as they search for Sylvie's missing father. With the Songamn's two evil henchmen, Rabbit-Teeth and Mildred, after the kids on the ground and the Woodpecker Man in the hot air balloon, they make their way toward the lighthouse with the help of the fox and his friends.
Tim Binding has created a wonderful story about a young girl in search of her missing father. He has created a perfectly ruthless villain in the Woodpecker Man. We never really get a back-story on him, so we are left wondering how he came into being. He never talks so all we witness are his actions. Plus, he is kind of gross, with bugs coming out of his sleeves and worms in his hair, so it left me wondering how he came into being. To top it off, he controls a descent of woodpeckers that are quite a terror to witness as they try to get at the kids.
As for the Songman, his goal is to rule over a quiet world where he has stolen away everyone's voices. People and animals will do whatever he wants them to just for a chance of hearing their songs, which he sings beautifully. He can control everyone, like a puppet master, except for one breed of animal that seems to be able to resist his magical voice.
I really liked the two main character of Sylvie and George. I think young readers will instantly bond with both of them and will be cheering for them as they make their way through the many dangers in this book. I didn't really like the convoluted way that animals think as Sylvie began to understand them. I do realize that animals probably don't think the way humans do, but after a while I gave up trying to understand what they were saying and just skipped over that part. I also didn't like the way Sylvie and George escaped from the island. I found it a little too far of a reach for me to believe.
The artwork by Angela Barrett is quite wonderful and really compliments the storytelling style of Tim Binding. I always looked forward to seeing what new picture out pop up next, and I was never disappointed.
Overall, Sylvie and the Songman is great story that I looked forward to sitting down with every night and reading. Sure, there were a few things I didn't particularly like about the book, but I could overlook those for the intriguing story and the well-written characters. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a story that is a little different from the norm. I look forward to reading more book by Tim Binding and hopes that he writes soon.
I rated this book an 8½ out of 10.
Tim Binding has created a wonderful story about a young girl in search of her missing father. He has created a perfectly ruthless villain in the Woodpecker Man. We never really get a back-story on him, so we are left wondering how he came into being. He never talks so all we witness are his actions. Plus, he is kind of gross, with bugs coming out of his sleeves and worms in his hair, so it left me wondering how he came into being. To top it off, he controls a descent of woodpeckers that are quite a terror to witness as they try to get at the kids.
As for the Songman, his goal is to rule over a quiet world where he has stolen away everyone's voices. People and animals will do whatever he wants them to just for a chance of hearing their songs, which he sings beautifully. He can control everyone, like a puppet master, except for one breed of animal that seems to be able to resist his magical voice.
I really liked the two main character of Sylvie and George. I think young readers will instantly bond with both of them and will be cheering for them as they make their way through the many dangers in this book. I didn't really like the convoluted way that animals think as Sylvie began to understand them. I do realize that animals probably don't think the way humans do, but after a while I gave up trying to understand what they were saying and just skipped over that part. I also didn't like the way Sylvie and George escaped from the island. I found it a little too far of a reach for me to believe.
The artwork by Angela Barrett is quite wonderful and really compliments the storytelling style of Tim Binding. I always looked forward to seeing what new picture out pop up next, and I was never disappointed.
Overall, Sylvie and the Songman is great story that I looked forward to sitting down with every night and reading. Sure, there were a few things I didn't particularly like about the book, but I could overlook those for the intriguing story and the well-written characters. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a story that is a little different from the norm. I look forward to reading more book by Tim Binding and hopes that he writes soon.
I rated this book an 8½ out of 10.
February 25, 2019
~2.5 stars~
I am so torn about this book because the story was kind of interesting and there were a lot of really good parts to it and I really wanted to like it and even throughout it I wanted to read it but overall it just wasn't a great book.
~SOME THOUGHTS~
• There were some *GORGEOUS* poetic phrases that I just wanted to wrap up in a cosy little blanket and put on a wall and some of the prose was so so great
• This story had a great premise and a great idea it was just the execution of these ideas that I had problems with.
• A lot of this book was just not believable and the characters made really poor decisions. SO much of this book was in no way plausible and I kind of just had to put the book down and sigh and take a walk.
• I can see how this book was difficult to write because of like animal languages and things but the way it was written also made it really difficult to read.
I understand this book and why a lot of people enjoyed it but it really just didn't grow on me. I really liked the beginning of it and was super excited but then it was kind of off and on. Honestly if you were to ask me whether or not I liked it I really don't know how to answer that.
This book seems older than it is too. Apparently it was written in 2008 but the writing style is really old-fashioned which I actually didn't mind I guess. Also it takes place in England and was never really translated from British English like the American versions of books usually are which was cool. IT'S CONFUSING THOUGH because like half of it is in British English with British spellings and the other half is American spellings so that was weird like PICK A DIALECT PLEASE.
I started reading this book because I figured it wouldn't take too long. It's fairly short but it took me SO DAMN LONG to read. Yes, I was busy. But also, I just didn't want to pick it up very often because I wasn't particularly enjoying it all the time.
Overall I just think that this book was intended for a younger audience (ALTHOUGH IT WAS ACTUALLY MUCH DARKER THAN I EXPECTED HOLY KAZOO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS WERE DYING I JUST WOW). It just read more like a middle grade book and I think that's what it was.
So I appreciate this story and I think that a lot of people will enjoy it and that this book deserves to be enjoyed, but it will not be making the list of books I really liked.
I am so torn about this book because the story was kind of interesting and there were a lot of really good parts to it and I really wanted to like it and even throughout it I wanted to read it but overall it just wasn't a great book.
~SOME THOUGHTS~
• There were some *GORGEOUS* poetic phrases that I just wanted to wrap up in a cosy little blanket and put on a wall and some of the prose was so so great
• This story had a great premise and a great idea it was just the execution of these ideas that I had problems with.
• A lot of this book was just not believable and the characters made really poor decisions. SO much of this book was in no way plausible and I kind of just had to put the book down and sigh and take a walk.
• I can see how this book was difficult to write because of like animal languages and things but the way it was written also made it really difficult to read.
I understand this book and why a lot of people enjoyed it but it really just didn't grow on me. I really liked the beginning of it and was super excited but then it was kind of off and on. Honestly if you were to ask me whether or not I liked it I really don't know how to answer that.
This book seems older than it is too. Apparently it was written in 2008 but the writing style is really old-fashioned which I actually didn't mind I guess. Also it takes place in England and was never really translated from British English like the American versions of books usually are which was cool. IT'S CONFUSING THOUGH because like half of it is in British English with British spellings and the other half is American spellings so that was weird like PICK A DIALECT PLEASE.
I started reading this book because I figured it wouldn't take too long. It's fairly short but it took me SO DAMN LONG to read. Yes, I was busy. But also, I just didn't want to pick it up very often because I wasn't particularly enjoying it all the time.
Overall I just think that this book was intended for a younger audience (ALTHOUGH IT WAS ACTUALLY MUCH DARKER THAN I EXPECTED HOLY KAZOO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS WERE DYING I JUST WOW). It just read more like a middle grade book and I think that's what it was.
So I appreciate this story and I think that a lot of people will enjoy it and that this book deserves to be enjoyed, but it will not be making the list of books I really liked.
January 5, 2015
So the premise of this book, is that Sylvie's Dad is kidnapped, because he's always inventing new musical instruments, and with all his instruments combined he creates this one monster note.
There's a bad-guy, who has figured out how to sing other creature's songs, and once he's sung their song, he's stolen their voice, and - this part is unclear, some of them do his bidding. Some don't.
This book has a vague-ness about it's writing that I thought took away from the storyline. Also, a lot of what the characters do, that propels the story, is all for naught, except propelling the story. They spend a lot of time running from, simply to run too. There's a lot of holes in the warp and weft of the story - for instance sorry - all my for instances were spoilers. But there's a pretty long list of things that don't seem entirely clear. And this book is perhaps a wee bit longer then it needs to be. I believe I was %30 into it, before there was any actual momentum into the plot. It dragged, giving way to many details in some things, and clearly not enough in others.
The part I liked about the book, was the funny way the animals spoke (the fox always calling Mr. Jackson "Fartdog" as a term of...domesticity). But that was the only thing that really stood out to me.
There's a bad-guy, who has figured out how to sing other creature's songs, and once he's sung their song, he's stolen their voice, and - this part is unclear, some of them do his bidding. Some don't.
This book has a vague-ness about it's writing that I thought took away from the storyline. Also, a lot of what the characters do, that propels the story, is all for naught, except propelling the story. They spend a lot of time running from, simply to run too. There's a lot of holes in the warp and weft of the story - for instance sorry - all my for instances were spoilers. But there's a pretty long list of things that don't seem entirely clear. And this book is perhaps a wee bit longer then it needs to be. I believe I was %30 into it, before there was any actual momentum into the plot. It dragged, giving way to many details in some things, and clearly not enough in others.
The part I liked about the book, was the funny way the animals spoke (the fox always calling Mr. Jackson "Fartdog" as a term of...domesticity). But that was the only thing that really stood out to me.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com
Thirteen-year-old Sylvie Bartram's father is not just any musician in SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN by Tim Binding. Daniel Bartram is an inventor and composer whose search for that one perfect note leads to more trouble than anyone could have imagined.
One night, father and daughter experiment with his homemade instruments and hit an unusual note. The next day, Sylvie comes home from school to find that her father is missing and a mysterious message is on the bathroom mirror. The novel traces Sylvie's and her best friend George's adventures as they set off on a quest to find him.
Daniel's note seems to have drawn the attention of the Songman, a mysterious figure who has been stealing the voices of animals. As Sylvie and George search for her father, they must elude The Drummers, a strange old couple who are able to control behavior through the rhythmic beats they create, and the Woodpecker Man. The Woodpecker Man travels in a hot air balloon pulled by swans and accompanied by myriads of green and red birds.
Sylvie is aided by Mr. Jackson, her much-loved dog who has lost his voice, and a friendly fox who gives her the ability to understand the language of animals. Sylvie discovers that animals communicate in ways that are much different than humans, and their understanding of the world can help her to see the things around her differently, as well.
The adventure undertaken by these two children opens their hearts to realizations that though the adults around them are motivated by a variety of actions which the children do not always see, their parents' love for them is never out of reach. The novel is a lovely story of friendship, love, and belonging.
Alongside Binding's captivating text, Angela Barrett's beautiful illustrations bring the characters and story to life.
Thirteen-year-old Sylvie Bartram's father is not just any musician in SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN by Tim Binding. Daniel Bartram is an inventor and composer whose search for that one perfect note leads to more trouble than anyone could have imagined.
One night, father and daughter experiment with his homemade instruments and hit an unusual note. The next day, Sylvie comes home from school to find that her father is missing and a mysterious message is on the bathroom mirror. The novel traces Sylvie's and her best friend George's adventures as they set off on a quest to find him.
Daniel's note seems to have drawn the attention of the Songman, a mysterious figure who has been stealing the voices of animals. As Sylvie and George search for her father, they must elude The Drummers, a strange old couple who are able to control behavior through the rhythmic beats they create, and the Woodpecker Man. The Woodpecker Man travels in a hot air balloon pulled by swans and accompanied by myriads of green and red birds.
Sylvie is aided by Mr. Jackson, her much-loved dog who has lost his voice, and a friendly fox who gives her the ability to understand the language of animals. Sylvie discovers that animals communicate in ways that are much different than humans, and their understanding of the world can help her to see the things around her differently, as well.
The adventure undertaken by these two children opens their hearts to realizations that though the adults around them are motivated by a variety of actions which the children do not always see, their parents' love for them is never out of reach. The novel is a lovely story of friendship, love, and belonging.
Alongside Binding's captivating text, Angela Barrett's beautiful illustrations bring the characters and story to life.
January 20, 2010
J Binding T
Sylvie Bartram faces several mysteries in this book. Where has her father, a musician and inventor, disappeared to? Why are so many animals losing their voices? Why are mysterious and upsetting characters searching her house? She sets off with friends, human and animal, to find the answers and bring her missing father home.
What attracted me to this book initially was a startling cover. The book is well illustrated and it prompted me to take a look at the inner flap. It revealed an imaginative and unusual plot so I had to take it home and learn more. The author brings to life the many animals Sylvie meets on her journey through their inner voices, expressed through a kind of semi-nonsensical poetry which is different for each species. I think the author brings to the young reader an appreciation for the diversity of the animal kingdom as well as an appreciation for the freedom of expression, in this case through the sounds we hear in nature.
Novelist shows a reading level of grades 4-6 for this book. It has a relatively benign theme but there are deaths and some violence in this that would make me hesitate to recommend it to younger, sensitive readers that read above their grade level.
Sylvie Bartram faces several mysteries in this book. Where has her father, a musician and inventor, disappeared to? Why are so many animals losing their voices? Why are mysterious and upsetting characters searching her house? She sets off with friends, human and animal, to find the answers and bring her missing father home.
What attracted me to this book initially was a startling cover. The book is well illustrated and it prompted me to take a look at the inner flap. It revealed an imaginative and unusual plot so I had to take it home and learn more. The author brings to life the many animals Sylvie meets on her journey through their inner voices, expressed through a kind of semi-nonsensical poetry which is different for each species. I think the author brings to the young reader an appreciation for the diversity of the animal kingdom as well as an appreciation for the freedom of expression, in this case through the sounds we hear in nature.
Novelist shows a reading level of grades 4-6 for this book. It has a relatively benign theme but there are deaths and some violence in this that would make me hesitate to recommend it to younger, sensitive readers that read above their grade level.
January 29, 2024
Sylvie’s father is a musician extraordinaire who has devoted his career to building various instruments that play the “songs” of nature. He’s searching for the perfect note. Little does he know that the Songman plans to use his instruments for his own diabolical plan. One day, Sylvie returns home to find her father and his instruments missing. When their house is ransacked, Sylvie realizes that someone is looking for the written notes her father made about the sequence of events that lead to the explosive note. For the time being, these notes are safe in her school backpack. With the help of her best friend, George, and an unusual fox, Sylvie sets out to rescue her father. Their search ends at a remote lighthouse where they finds the Songman gearing up for a concert in which he plans to steal all of the world’s “songs.” After this, only he will have a voice, and he will have supreme control over all of the animals and humans. It’s up to Sylvie and George to foil his plot.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
December 27, 2009
Sylvie's musician/inventor father doesn't come home one night, and this is the start of Sylvie's surreal adventures as she tries to find him and defeat the very bad guys. All of her father's musical instruments have vanished, and Sylvie, except for the help of her friend George, realizes that she is on her own. Why don't the birds sing anymore, and why does Sylvie's dog, Mr. Jackson, also seem to have lost his voice? Who is the scary Woodpecker Man and why is he chasing them? This often frightening book reminded me strongly of The Dark is Rising, but was less apocalyptic. The detail of Sylvie's missing mother seemed a bit tossed in, and appeared to serve only one purpose near the end of the story. Otherwise, the plot was pretty interesting and the soft yet precise art lovely. 5th grade and up.
July 30, 2011
This book is so unique and original--a really fresh fantasy plot. I really enjoyed reading something so different. I also really, really liked the "animal language" and the talking to animals stuff...the animals were adorable, endearing, and heartbreaking.
The book did start off really slowly and was overly "British," I felt...kind of hard to understand what some words meant. Also, the majority of the characters didn't seem very full and complete. I didn't really ever feel like I got into any of their heads, even Sylvie. The ones I felt the most connected to were the animals.
The villain was suitably horrible and creepy and awful. I hope there's a sequel coming, because there are a lot of unanswered questions (I'd like to know more about certain water-type people, for example...don't want to put any spoilers here) and a lot more of Sylvie's world to explore.
The book did start off really slowly and was overly "British," I felt...kind of hard to understand what some words meant. Also, the majority of the characters didn't seem very full and complete. I didn't really ever feel like I got into any of their heads, even Sylvie. The ones I felt the most connected to were the animals.
The villain was suitably horrible and creepy and awful. I hope there's a sequel coming, because there are a lot of unanswered questions (I'd like to know more about certain water-type people, for example...don't want to put any spoilers here) and a lot more of Sylvie's world to explore.
October 5, 2009
I started reading an ARC of this... it's many things I SHOULD by all accounts love...mystery, fantasy, TERRIBLY British in wit and wry humour, full of animals, kites, and clueless young girls... and yet I got about 85 pages in and realized that I was skimming through an encounter with the first "Monster", a Woodpecker man. This is not good, considering I had another 250+ pages to go and was already on the skim.
I wonder if it's just not the time for the book. It's a quick enough read, but my heads not in it. Also, the mechanics of music as a fantasy element always throw me. I can't wrap my head around it. So there's that. Maybe it's just not the book for me, but someone out there is bound to love it.
I wonder if it's just not the time for the book. It's a quick enough read, but my heads not in it. Also, the mechanics of music as a fantasy element always throw me. I can't wrap my head around it. So there's that. Maybe it's just not the book for me, but someone out there is bound to love it.
January 3, 2010
All the animals have lost their voices. Sylvie's father has disappeared. Things start to get very strange. Sylvie and her friend George, along with Sylvie's faithful dog Mr. Jackson, set off on a quest to find Sylvie's father, help the animals recover their voices, and defeat the Songman.
Throughout the book there were moments when I was reminded of various other children's fantasy books. However, the similarities did not bother me. This book was really its own story, despite the similarities, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially loved Mr. Jackson. What a great dog and what a great character. Anyone who has ever had a beloved dog as a part of the family will appreciate the loyal Mr. Jackson.
Throughout the book there were moments when I was reminded of various other children's fantasy books. However, the similarities did not bother me. This book was really its own story, despite the similarities, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially loved Mr. Jackson. What a great dog and what a great character. Anyone who has ever had a beloved dog as a part of the family will appreciate the loyal Mr. Jackson.
May 3, 2013
I know at times I thought it wasn't worth my time. But then, I came across gems like this... http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/a-no...
I was irritated with how detailed parts of it were. I wondered in places where the story was going and how there were so many pages left to finish it.
But in the end, it was all worth it.
It was one of those fantasies where you don't need to understand everything. It was a real, frightening, thrilling world of hope and despair. I loved the illustrations - and the fact that the illustrator had obviously read the book. I loved the whole design of the book, with the number of woodpeckers increasing with each chapter. Ominous, inviting. Hitting just the right note of anticipation.
http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/sylv...
I was irritated with how detailed parts of it were. I wondered in places where the story was going and how there were so many pages left to finish it.
But in the end, it was all worth it.
It was one of those fantasies where you don't need to understand everything. It was a real, frightening, thrilling world of hope and despair. I loved the illustrations - and the fact that the illustrator had obviously read the book. I loved the whole design of the book, with the number of woodpeckers increasing with each chapter. Ominous, inviting. Hitting just the right note of anticipation.
http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/sylv...
November 25, 2009
Set in England, this story is about a girl named Sylvie who lives with her eccentric father, Daniel, and their dog, Mr. Jackson, in a rural area of Cornwall. Daniel is an inventor of instruments, and he is creating ones that capture sounds of nature. When her father goes missing, Sylvie enlists the help of her friend George to find him. Together with Mr. Jackson and a fox to which Sylvie has a special bond, they battle the evil Songman who is trying to steal the songs of all animals. This was a great fantasy -- lots of adventure, humorous British characters, really evil bad guys, and a heroine you could root for.
August 27, 2013
This book holds ethereal qualities, infusing a touch of magic into a familiar landscape of family, friendship, animals, nature, and the battle between good and evil. The way the animals speak, especially Sylvie's beloved Mr. Jackson, is exceptionally moving and the book was headed for my stack of "favorites." However, the last chapters were a little murky for me. Maybe I was trying to read too much symbolism into the story or else I didn't understand the symbolism presented. Either way, this book is definitely on my good story list and may definitely make its' way to many other readers' stack of favorites.
October 8, 2013
I read this book because the protagonist had the same name as me. Although I at first enjoyed the book, the plot eventually seemed to become too sporadic. Things kept happening that didn't fully get explained, but I guess I understood it. More of my problem with this book was that I never connected to the characters. Sylvie and George are very sweet, but I never got to know them the way I know characters in most books. My favorite part of this book was the dog, Mr. Jackson. At a couple points Mr. Jackson actually made me laugh, and he was probably what kept me reading.
October 20, 2010
This author should stick to adult fiction. I almost gave up on this book a few times it dragged on and just didn't have that spark for me. The idea of being able to talk to animals was interesting but, I felt handled a bit clunkly. The plot itself was a bit of a cliche but, world domination through song was a unique twist I suppose. I do not believe this book would hold a kids attention past the first few chapters.
February 10, 2011
Some parts of the book I really enjoyed, like the way the animals spoke. TOwards the end, there is this really strange section about addiction, which I think would be over the heads of elementary students. I'm not sure who I would recommend this book to. There are also two scenes where the young characters drink wine. It is apparent that the do this, not because they want to get drunk, but because they are frightened and are trying to act like adults.
December 29, 2023
A children's adventure with a feel of universal and completely new myth about it. Everyone should read this. Love, loss, loyalty, betrayal and what is our and creation's essential deep nature. This is hugely scary, even for adults. What warped imagination spawned the woodpecker man? Like an iridescent cross between the child-catcher and the judderman, he is the stuff of nightmares......Read it, love it.
October 9, 2009
Interesting concept. The world building slipped at times, but it's well written. I got bored off and on, though, and I'm not sure if it's because I had to put it down so often after reading two or three pages because of the kids, or if it's because I was reading during midnight feedings with the baby.
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