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The Remarkable Farkle Mcbride
Reedle-ee
Rootle-ee
Vroom-pety BANG!
Young Farkle McBride is a musical He plays the violin, the flute, the trombone, and the drums with incredible skill. But he's never Something is missing.
In his first book, actor and musician John Lithgow introduces a memorable character, a fickle yet lovable child prodigy who brings the sounds and rhythms of an orchestra to sprawling visual life. With a double gatefold showing the entire orchestra, this is the ultimate book for the music lover in all of us.
Deedle-ee
Doodle-ee
Doom-pety CLANG!
Rootle-ee
Vroom-pety BANG!
Young Farkle McBride is a musical He plays the violin, the flute, the trombone, and the drums with incredible skill. But he's never Something is missing.
In his first book, actor and musician John Lithgow introduces a memorable character, a fickle yet lovable child prodigy who brings the sounds and rhythms of an orchestra to sprawling visual life. With a double gatefold showing the entire orchestra, this is the ultimate book for the music lover in all of us.
Deedle-ee
Doodle-ee
Doom-pety CLANG!
70 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
3 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
John Lithgow
104 books308 followersJohn Lithgow is a prolific actor with two Tonys, six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations to his name. He has starred in the hit TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown, and in beloved films like The World According to Garp, Shrek, and Terms of Endearment. Lithgow has appeared on Broadway twenty-five times and in England with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He is also the bestselling author of nine children’s picture books, and his recordings for kids have landed him four Grammy nominations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 21, 2012
Perhaps better known to adults for his stage and screen work, actor John Lithgow has an amazing body of work for children. His picture books are some of my (and my children’s) absolute favorites!
Topping the list for me is The Remarkable Farkle McBride. The story centers around a young boy who is a musical prodigy. He is able to master instrument after instrument with ease, but throws each one away as he becomes bored with it. Through an unfortunate illness on the part of the orchestra conductor one evening, Farkle discovers that it is the sound and experience of ALL the instruments together which brings him joy, as opposed to the mastery of an individual instrument.
The illustrations by C.E. Payne are amazing in their vibrancy and humor. (They remind me of David Catrow with slightly more realistic human facial features.) The text is extremely exciting for several reasons: (1) the melody and rhythm of the words lends itself to read-alouds; (2) the language, while being the opposite of condescending to young readers, is still challenging in vocabulary with words like “beseeching,” “rhapsodical” and “bombastic”; (3) the text contains multiple original examples of onomonapoeia when describing instruments, which offers an excellent opportunity to teach both that specific literary technique, and as an introduction to language as sound, music, and poetry.
The story of Micawber again sees the same team of author and illustrator relate the story of a squirrel who lives in Central Park and enjoys going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One afternoon he sees an art student copying one of the artworks on the wall. This is the first time it has ever occurred to him to think about how the paintings were created in the first place. Intrigued, he stows away in her satchel and accompanies the young student home. Once she is asleep, Micawber, for the first time, experiments with her paints. Using his tail as a brush, he creates his own masterpiece, ties it up with one of the student’s shoelaces and returns home. Once back in Central Park, he converts the upper floor of a carousel into an art museum for the other animals where he shows his growing collection of original canvases.
The same things that are wonderful and thrilling about Farkle exist here in this story about the visual arts. The vocabulary includes words such as “peregrination” and “viridian”. Payne is just as delightful in his illustrations, particularly the image where the student has discovered her shoe–without its shoelace.
Marsupial Sue and Marsupial Sue presents the Runaway Pancake, I’m a Manatee, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College, I Got Two Dogs are additional works by Lithgow.
The Marsupial Sue books are about a kangaroo that wants to be something MORE than a kangaroo, but after traveling to many other areas and trying the ways of several different animals, she determines that being a kangaroo is EXACTLY who and what she wants to be.
I Got Two Dogs is a simple, delightful rhyme about the author’s two dogs with colorful collage-ish illustrations similar in style to those of Todd Parr. I’m a Manatee is a fun, imaginative tale of a boy and a manatee. It can be used for children who are already familiar with and interested in the manatee, or as an introduction to the animal, as well as the dangers to its existence. In my opinion, Mahalia Mouse is the weakest of all his picture books, but it is still a nice little story–just not anything exceptional.
All of Lithgow’s books come with CDs when sold in hardcover. The author usually sings the text of each story on the CD which is great to use at bedtime or in the car.
Lithgow also has music CDs available, which I use at home with my own children, and for my theatre and dance classes. There is an entire Farkle and Friends CD which includes the story of Farkle as well as other pieces of music highlighting orchestral instruments, styles and sounds.
The CDs On the Sunny Side of the Street and Singin’ in the Bathtub contain Broadway and jazz-style songs for children. Some are children’s songs, some songs have the lyrics altered to be extremely silly and appeal specifically to children (and those of us who love music and are children at heart). They are harder to find in retail outlets, but easy to purchase from amazon.com, etc.
Lithgow’s work is for ANYONE who loves language, stories or the arts. I think they are truly brilliant and stand among some of my very favorite books. I highly recommend his work for independent and read-aloud selections.
Topping the list for me is The Remarkable Farkle McBride. The story centers around a young boy who is a musical prodigy. He is able to master instrument after instrument with ease, but throws each one away as he becomes bored with it. Through an unfortunate illness on the part of the orchestra conductor one evening, Farkle discovers that it is the sound and experience of ALL the instruments together which brings him joy, as opposed to the mastery of an individual instrument.
The illustrations by C.E. Payne are amazing in their vibrancy and humor. (They remind me of David Catrow with slightly more realistic human facial features.) The text is extremely exciting for several reasons: (1) the melody and rhythm of the words lends itself to read-alouds; (2) the language, while being the opposite of condescending to young readers, is still challenging in vocabulary with words like “beseeching,” “rhapsodical” and “bombastic”; (3) the text contains multiple original examples of onomonapoeia when describing instruments, which offers an excellent opportunity to teach both that specific literary technique, and as an introduction to language as sound, music, and poetry.
The story of Micawber again sees the same team of author and illustrator relate the story of a squirrel who lives in Central Park and enjoys going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One afternoon he sees an art student copying one of the artworks on the wall. This is the first time it has ever occurred to him to think about how the paintings were created in the first place. Intrigued, he stows away in her satchel and accompanies the young student home. Once she is asleep, Micawber, for the first time, experiments with her paints. Using his tail as a brush, he creates his own masterpiece, ties it up with one of the student’s shoelaces and returns home. Once back in Central Park, he converts the upper floor of a carousel into an art museum for the other animals where he shows his growing collection of original canvases.
The same things that are wonderful and thrilling about Farkle exist here in this story about the visual arts. The vocabulary includes words such as “peregrination” and “viridian”. Payne is just as delightful in his illustrations, particularly the image where the student has discovered her shoe–without its shoelace.
Marsupial Sue and Marsupial Sue presents the Runaway Pancake, I’m a Manatee, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College, I Got Two Dogs are additional works by Lithgow.
The Marsupial Sue books are about a kangaroo that wants to be something MORE than a kangaroo, but after traveling to many other areas and trying the ways of several different animals, she determines that being a kangaroo is EXACTLY who and what she wants to be.
I Got Two Dogs is a simple, delightful rhyme about the author’s two dogs with colorful collage-ish illustrations similar in style to those of Todd Parr. I’m a Manatee is a fun, imaginative tale of a boy and a manatee. It can be used for children who are already familiar with and interested in the manatee, or as an introduction to the animal, as well as the dangers to its existence. In my opinion, Mahalia Mouse is the weakest of all his picture books, but it is still a nice little story–just not anything exceptional.
All of Lithgow’s books come with CDs when sold in hardcover. The author usually sings the text of each story on the CD which is great to use at bedtime or in the car.
Lithgow also has music CDs available, which I use at home with my own children, and for my theatre and dance classes. There is an entire Farkle and Friends CD which includes the story of Farkle as well as other pieces of music highlighting orchestral instruments, styles and sounds.
The CDs On the Sunny Side of the Street and Singin’ in the Bathtub contain Broadway and jazz-style songs for children. Some are children’s songs, some songs have the lyrics altered to be extremely silly and appeal specifically to children (and those of us who love music and are children at heart). They are harder to find in retail outlets, but easy to purchase from amazon.com, etc.
Lithgow’s work is for ANYONE who loves language, stories or the arts. I think they are truly brilliant and stand among some of my very favorite books. I highly recommend his work for independent and read-aloud selections.
March 3, 2010
What a delightfully funny story! The Remarkable Farkle McBride is a story about a musical genius who masters playing every instrument as an expert. He is praised and adored for his incredible talent yet he is never satisfied. Year after year he masters one instrument after another to discover that something is missing. It isn't until he asked to be the conductor of the orchestra that he discovers what he has been searching for and that is the collaboration of all the instruments. John Lithgow introduces a humorous and lovable child prodigy that learns a lesson of cooperation and working as a team as he brings to life the sounds and rhythms of a grand orchestra. The illustrations are intricate and lively and bring great life and humor to the story. This book could be used with students to teach important life lessons such as working as a team and cooperation with humor and lightheartedness that would be receptive and welcoming to students.
March 22, 2018
Here's a comical, light-hearted read! Farkle McBride just can't decide on which instrument he likes and then, he has a brilliant idea.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Farkle throws a "tantrum" and throws some instruments - it is supposed to be ridiculous and over the top.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Farkle throws a "tantrum" and throws some instruments - it is supposed to be ridiculous and over the top.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
March 2, 2016
This is a fun rhyming book we have read over and over and over when the kids were younger...3/18/15
Read again for CC1 wk#19. Love this book!..krb 3/2/16
Read again for CC1 wk#19. Love this book!..krb 3/2/16
December 28, 2025
I read this the last week of 5th grade as I send the kids to choose band instruments. It’s ridiculous and I don’t care. I love it. The vocab is plenty of fodder for a 5th grader to chomp on too- not one for the 1st graders.
October 21, 2020
Absolutely terrific. Won't spoil it but I recommend it! the story the way it is laid out, everything.
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October 12, 2009Summary: Star of 3rd Rock from the Sun, actor John Lithgow is less well known as a music enthusiast, but in his comical verse story The Remarkable Farkle McBride, he has created the musical prodigy he would perhaps like to have been. Farkle is a little boy with astounding talents (he's playing violin with the orchestra by the age of 3) but little perseverance. Each year he gets bored with his instrument, takes up and masters a new one, and then gets bored with that. Of his recently beloved trombone, he says, "The racket is more than my eardrums can bear! So return it or throw it away! I don't care!" In the end, Farkle realizes that the whole orchestra is his instrument: he finds satisfaction as a conductor, and the book ends with a gatefold of him triumphantly leading all the other musicians. C.F. Payne's illustrations combine a Norman Rockwell realism with a caricaturist's sense of humor. (Ages 5 and older) --Richard Farr
Audience:
- Reading level- Early Transitional
- Genre- Fiction
- Topic-Music, talent
Curricular uses: Read aloud- could be used for teaching children about taking the good with the bad to find out what they truly love to do in life
Social Issues: Anger and abuse is presented when Farkle gets mad at his instruments and breaks them and tosses them to the trash.
Literary elements: Onomatopoeia is present when the author provides the sounds of the instruments that Farckle is currently playing. Rhyming throughout the book give it a musical feel.
Interactions and counteractions of text and image: The text and images interact to show how young Farkle compared to other musicians and it expresses how talented he really must be. When he becomes the director, he is directing older musicians but they appear to take him very seriously.
Audience:
- Reading level- Early Transitional
- Genre- Fiction
- Topic-Music, talent
Curricular uses: Read aloud- could be used for teaching children about taking the good with the bad to find out what they truly love to do in life
Social Issues: Anger and abuse is presented when Farkle gets mad at his instruments and breaks them and tosses them to the trash.
Literary elements: Onomatopoeia is present when the author provides the sounds of the instruments that Farckle is currently playing. Rhyming throughout the book give it a musical feel.
Interactions and counteractions of text and image: The text and images interact to show how young Farkle compared to other musicians and it expresses how talented he really must be. When he becomes the director, he is directing older musicians but they appear to take him very seriously.
February 25, 2015
Personal Reaction-I enjoyed this book a lot because of its vocabulary towards music and its engaging illustrations. The main character, Farkle, goes through many different instruments which gives a flavor of each instrument which helps children see different pictures and names of instruments that they could play.
Purposes:
You could read this book aloud with k-2 and get their minds thinking about what different instruments are out there. The Remarkable Farkle McBride would be a good book in the classroom because of two reasons, it promotes music and also has a sing-song flow that makes it fun and easy to read. Music is very important in school and with funding being cut, I believe this book would be very good for students to remember how fun instruments are and how many different varieties of music there is. Violin, trumpet, flute, drums, and the idea behind the conductor. The pictures used are very realistic and use bright colors. The main character, Farkle, looks like a regular young boy and mostly throughout the story has a positive expression on him. The illustrator put a lot of work into their drawings and really puts the instruments in the big picture. The vocabulary used is a lot of onomatopoeia, this is great because it gives a students a sound and visual for how the instruments sound. Vocabulary used that will help children understand some music terms are "conductor," "recital," and "percussionist." This vocabulary expands students because it is rare for students to hear terms like this unless they are involved with music. I could use this book when we are discussing music or if music tryouts are around the corner and students are debating on joining.
Purposes:
You could read this book aloud with k-2 and get their minds thinking about what different instruments are out there. The Remarkable Farkle McBride would be a good book in the classroom because of two reasons, it promotes music and also has a sing-song flow that makes it fun and easy to read. Music is very important in school and with funding being cut, I believe this book would be very good for students to remember how fun instruments are and how many different varieties of music there is. Violin, trumpet, flute, drums, and the idea behind the conductor. The pictures used are very realistic and use bright colors. The main character, Farkle, looks like a regular young boy and mostly throughout the story has a positive expression on him. The illustrator put a lot of work into their drawings and really puts the instruments in the big picture. The vocabulary used is a lot of onomatopoeia, this is great because it gives a students a sound and visual for how the instruments sound. Vocabulary used that will help children understand some music terms are "conductor," "recital," and "percussionist." This vocabulary expands students because it is rare for students to hear terms like this unless they are involved with music. I could use this book when we are discussing music or if music tryouts are around the corner and students are debating on joining.
March 16, 2008
Farkle McBride is not satisfied. He's a musical genius who masters every instrument he picks up, only to toss it away out of boredom soon after. By the end of this story, told in fun, lilting verse, Farkle has found a way to be involved in music; a way that also holds his interest.
John Lithgow's books are a cut above many other children's books written by celebrities. The rhymed verse that he uses to tell Farkle's story bounces and rambles along, and it's almost impossible not to hear Lithgow's voice in your head, "reading" the book to you.
The illustrations by C.F. Payne are at once sensitive and wonderfully silly; they're a perfect match for Lithgow's text. Before I had a child, I was known to bring this book out for friends and just open it to certain pages (such as the one showing Farkle with the cymbals) to exclaim, "Look at this painting! Look at the kid's face. Isn't that a riot? And the story's really good too!"
My daughter, who is currently 2, loves this book. She enjoys the rhymed text and the musical onomatopoeia in the story (the trombones go "vroompety doompety," the flutes go "reedle-ee deedle-ee," etc.) and she likes the little details in the illustrations (the butterfly perched on the end of Farkle's trombone, the bird that seems to be singing along with Farkle's flute, etc.). The beautiful double-gatefold illustration showing the entire orchestra fascinates her. I don't think any of us will get tired of this book any time soon!
John Lithgow's books are a cut above many other children's books written by celebrities. The rhymed verse that he uses to tell Farkle's story bounces and rambles along, and it's almost impossible not to hear Lithgow's voice in your head, "reading" the book to you.
The illustrations by C.F. Payne are at once sensitive and wonderfully silly; they're a perfect match for Lithgow's text. Before I had a child, I was known to bring this book out for friends and just open it to certain pages (such as the one showing Farkle with the cymbals) to exclaim, "Look at this painting! Look at the kid's face. Isn't that a riot? And the story's really good too!"
My daughter, who is currently 2, loves this book. She enjoys the rhymed text and the musical onomatopoeia in the story (the trombones go "vroompety doompety," the flutes go "reedle-ee deedle-ee," etc.) and she likes the little details in the illustrations (the butterfly perched on the end of Farkle's trombone, the bird that seems to be singing along with Farkle's flute, etc.). The beautiful double-gatefold illustration showing the entire orchestra fascinates her. I don't think any of us will get tired of this book any time soon!
October 11, 2009
This book is all about a little boy named Farkle McBride who is searching for an instrument to play. He is really talented, and loves to play! Each time he plays one, he plays it for awhile and then he gets really annoyed of it and really tired of it and throws it away until he finds another one. He goes from playing the violin to the flute to the trombone to the drums; though his parents would get disappointed when he got rid of them he didn’t care! Finally, at the end of the book, he realizes that what he really loves is the sound of all of the instruments together. The conductor gets a cold so he has the opportunity to conduct and he is finally satisfied and loves it! The last page of the book folds out to be twice as big as the book and shows Farkle in the middle of the orchestra with his arms out and a huge grin on his face-he loved it!
I loved the story line of this book, and how Farkle never gave up looking for an instrument to play even though he got really frustrated through the process. I felt really happy for him once he finally found the instrument he wanted to play! One of my favorite things about this book, and one of the reasons I chose this book for this assignment, is the illustrations. They are very realistic and I loved how they looked! You could use this book thematically when talking about musical instruments and/or not giving up on your dreams and the things you want!
I loved the story line of this book, and how Farkle never gave up looking for an instrument to play even though he got really frustrated through the process. I felt really happy for him once he finally found the instrument he wanted to play! One of my favorite things about this book, and one of the reasons I chose this book for this assignment, is the illustrations. They are very realistic and I loved how they looked! You could use this book thematically when talking about musical instruments and/or not giving up on your dreams and the things you want!
May 14, 2011
Not just a book for children, this is one of those that many adults will be able to read over and over. A truly delightful book that simply demands one reads it aloud! Loved the CD too. Excellent, extremely humorous look at a very gifted little boy with very indulgent and wealthy parents who wasn't happy until he found the best place for him. Lots of conversation to be found in this deceptively simple, funny book.
I suspect there are a whole lot of Farkle McBride look-a-likes of all ages out there who will enjoy a good chuckle as they recognize themselves.
Illustrations are wonderful, especially the dog looking at the violin and the fish looking at the flute. Pure fun!
I do understand the parents who have concerns about Farkle's behavior but I'd like to offer this thought (my children are now adults). Bad behavior exists all around us. Learning to handle the temptation and still choose what's right is part of growing up. Books are wonderful way to be safely exposed to new ideas and learn from them. On the other hand, parents are normally experts on their children and if your children are not ready to handle it, don't read it to them.
I suspect there are a whole lot of Farkle McBride look-a-likes of all ages out there who will enjoy a good chuckle as they recognize themselves.
Illustrations are wonderful, especially the dog looking at the violin and the fish looking at the flute. Pure fun!
I do understand the parents who have concerns about Farkle's behavior but I'd like to offer this thought (my children are now adults). Bad behavior exists all around us. Learning to handle the temptation and still choose what's right is part of growing up. Books are wonderful way to be safely exposed to new ideas and learn from them. On the other hand, parents are normally experts on their children and if your children are not ready to handle it, don't read it to them.
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April 28, 2015Kelly Wiegand
April 27, 2015
EDL54500 Library Materials for Children and Youth
Title: The Remarkable Farkle McBride
Author: John Lithgow
Plot: Farkle McBride is a musical prodigy; however, once he masters an instrument he cannot stand the sound of it. He learns that he loves hearing the instruments playing all together, rather than independently and finds himself in a fascinating position.
Setting: Orchestra; Farkle McBride's House
Characters: Farkle McBride; Farkle's Parents
Point-of-View: The story is told in third-person.
Themes: Perseverance; Finding what you love to do; Practice; Perseverance; Frustration
Style: There is rhyming and onomatopoeia in this book, and it follows a pattern of him learning an instrument and getting frustrated, then moving on.
Copyright: 2000
Reflection: John Lithgow books are all fun, upbeat, creative, and this one followed suit. Kids can pick up on the pattern of the story and practice making predictions. They can make the musical sounds with you as you read along. This would be a good story to recommend to the music teacher!
April 27, 2015
EDL54500 Library Materials for Children and Youth
Title: The Remarkable Farkle McBride
Author: John Lithgow
Plot: Farkle McBride is a musical prodigy; however, once he masters an instrument he cannot stand the sound of it. He learns that he loves hearing the instruments playing all together, rather than independently and finds himself in a fascinating position.
Setting: Orchestra; Farkle McBride's House
Characters: Farkle McBride; Farkle's Parents
Point-of-View: The story is told in third-person.
Themes: Perseverance; Finding what you love to do; Practice; Perseverance; Frustration
Style: There is rhyming and onomatopoeia in this book, and it follows a pattern of him learning an instrument and getting frustrated, then moving on.
Copyright: 2000
Reflection: John Lithgow books are all fun, upbeat, creative, and this one followed suit. Kids can pick up on the pattern of the story and practice making predictions. They can make the musical sounds with you as you read along. This would be a good story to recommend to the music teacher!
October 14, 2010
This unusual rhyming book, full of wordplay and visual humor, tells the story of a child prodigy who, each year of his life, masters a new musical instrument and then tires of it, throwing it away in dramatic frustration. At age ten he reaches the pinnacle of his musical career when he is asked to conduct the orchestra, and his musical capabilities are at last fulfilled.
The text is cleverly written with unusual vocabulary, a snappy rhythm, and a sly mood. C.F. Payne, who has been called "The New Normal Rockwell," provides wry and interesting illustrations, and his use of light and perspective (while occasionally disconcerting) add to the fantastically dream-like quality of the story.
Some parents may object to young Farkle's dramatic angry outbursts as he reaches the end of each instrument's potential, but if they are willing to overlook this bad behavior, Lithgow's playful story may be used to help introduce children to the instruments that make up the orchestra, as well as the mood and dress that go with that social environment.
The text is cleverly written with unusual vocabulary, a snappy rhythm, and a sly mood. C.F. Payne, who has been called "The New Normal Rockwell," provides wry and interesting illustrations, and his use of light and perspective (while occasionally disconcerting) add to the fantastically dream-like quality of the story.
Some parents may object to young Farkle's dramatic angry outbursts as he reaches the end of each instrument's potential, but if they are willing to overlook this bad behavior, Lithgow's playful story may be used to help introduce children to the instruments that make up the orchestra, as well as the mood and dress that go with that social environment.
Read
March 19, 2025My granddaughter loves this book! The Remarkable Farkle McBride is a fun, rhyming story that introduces lots of different instruments. It’s super cute, but I was a little disappointed that Farkle ends up destroying his instruments or throwing them in the lake or garbage. I guess it could be a good teaching moment, though! Overall, it’s a fun and engaging book that my granddaughter really enjoys.
January 26, 2013
Mommy's review from 11/26/11 -
This is the only Lithgow book Julia and I haven't liked. After reading Micawber I fell in love with Lithgow's writing and we're since read quite a few. (His self-read audio's are very, very worth checking out also!)
But the illustrations here are so stomach-turning that I couldn't even concentrate on the story. Julia felt the same way even though she said it in a different way. She kept groaning each time we turned the page.
On a smaller note, I tend to dislike books that have "sounds" needing to be read out. "Sounds" that aren't real words. (Deedle-ee Dee, for example.)
The rhyming is done well but you'll probably find a few words that need to be defined, even with older children. I really wish we'd have both liked this more but it wasn't to be. :(
This is the only Lithgow book Julia and I haven't liked. After reading Micawber I fell in love with Lithgow's writing and we're since read quite a few. (His self-read audio's are very, very worth checking out also!)
But the illustrations here are so stomach-turning that I couldn't even concentrate on the story. Julia felt the same way even though she said it in a different way. She kept groaning each time we turned the page.
On a smaller note, I tend to dislike books that have "sounds" needing to be read out. "Sounds" that aren't real words. (Deedle-ee Dee, for example.)
The rhyming is done well but you'll probably find a few words that need to be defined, even with older children. I really wish we'd have both liked this more but it wasn't to be. :(
October 6, 2010
I loved this book--the illustrations are realistic but sort of off, and coming from a musical family I can't get enough of the picture books that feature classical musical instruments. The story is told in rhyme, and I reading it I can almost hear John Lithgow's voice telling the story. Another reason I love this book is that the Orchestra musicians are members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and on the last big fold out image of the entire orchestra, you can see my mom in the bass section (it couldn't be anybody else...she's the only professional double bassist I've ever met, and certainly the only one who plays with the CSO).
October 21, 2015
I love John Lithgow! He's a funny actor, a serious actor (both movies and Broadway), and he picks a pretty mean banjo. His delightful musical album "Singin' in the Bathtub" is a long-time favorite in my family. Well, this children's book (Lithgow's first) is also a delight. It's got funny rhymes and a great story about a boy named Farkle who just can't decide on which musical instrument to play. I guess you'd say that Farkle is fickle because he keeps changing his mind. Along the way, this book teaches young readers about various musical instruments and how orchestras are put together. The illustrations by C. F. Payne are fantastic! Fun, fun book!
May 25, 2023
What a fun read! Farkle McBride is a child prodigy in just about every instrument. At three, he plays violin...and smashes it as four. At five, he picks up the flute; at seven the trombone. After a year on each, he trashes them, tired of their sound. Only with the entire orchestra coming together does he finally become satisfied with the deedle-ee, tootle-ee too, doom-pety, crash sounds.
Gorgeous artwork, great rhymes, good word choice (boulevards, rhaspodical, beseeching, superb), and good musical vocabulary (rosin, percussionist, downbeat, brass, winds, strings) as well a fantastic two page fold out ending.
This would pair well with a music class or can be enjoyed by any musician.
Gorgeous artwork, great rhymes, good word choice (boulevards, rhaspodical, beseeching, superb), and good musical vocabulary (rosin, percussionist, downbeat, brass, winds, strings) as well a fantastic two page fold out ending.
This would pair well with a music class or can be enjoyed by any musician.
June 20, 2010
I picked up this book because of the amazing illustrations by C.F. Payne, but also found many uses for teaching with this book by author and actor John Lithgow. The book is about a young boy, Farkle, who is a prodigy musician; once he learns and masters an instrument he becomes bored and frustrated until he discards the instrument and moves on to another. Yet, he is never happy until he puts them all together and becomes a conductor. This book would be very useful in teaching the different musical instruments, as well as, teaching onomatopoeia, and rhyme.
April 17, 2012
Students will enjoy this musical ensemble. It is filled with onomatopoeia and will tickle one's funny bone. The book's theme is on finding your niche in the world. Students will be able to find that you do not need to do only one thing your entire life, but what makes you happy. They might be a little intimidated by young Farkle's immediate success but will realize that he is a normal boy. This book is suitable for all ages and all will find enjoyment in it as Farkle McBride finds his place in our world.
July 11, 2012
I had the pleasure of having this read to me during a program about music and this book was both informative and entertaining. Farkle is a child progeny and he slowly goes through each section of the orchestra as he tries to discover what he wants to do for the rest of his life. There are a lot of words, so young readers may find themselves bored if they find it too long, but the detailed and hyperbolic illustrations may keep them entertained. This is a great was to teach kids about music and the parts of an orchestra. I highly recommend it.
December 6, 2012
This is such a cute rhyming book that tells of Farkle's discoveries in musical instruments. This is creatively done through the text and illustrations. Farkle, a musical prodigy continues to go through instrument after instrument to find his favorite one.
This is a great book to introduce poetry to 2nd or 3rd graders. It has a great rhythm with funny humor that children will enjoy. This is also a great tool to use to teach about music and instruments. This also shows the importance of enjoying individual and groups of instruments.
This is a great book to introduce poetry to 2nd or 3rd graders. It has a great rhythm with funny humor that children will enjoy. This is also a great tool to use to teach about music and instruments. This also shows the importance of enjoying individual and groups of instruments.
December 4, 2018
It's an interesting, but strange story about a musical prodigy that gets frustrated with each musical instrument he tries.
The illustrations are comical, and recognizable as being created by C.F. Payne, who has illustrated many back covers of the Reader's Digest, among other publications.
Our girls love John Lithgow's books (especially Marsupial Sue because of the wonderful lyrics and song.)
The illustrations are comical, and recognizable as being created by C.F. Payne, who has illustrated many back covers of the Reader's Digest, among other publications.
Our girls love John Lithgow's books (especially Marsupial Sue because of the wonderful lyrics and song.)
August 16, 2011
I love the pictures and the opportunity to teach about different musical instruments. I don't like the snotty spoiled brat attitude and how he always gets his way. Just because a child is a genius doesn't mean they can always get what they wants, disrespect things, or treat others disrespectfully. Of course when he finally discovers what fits him best he is happiest. So another lesson could be to keep searching till you find what makes you feel the most fulfilled.
December 12, 2018
Farkle McBride has always been musically inclined; mastering every instrument he picks up. Over a short time he tires of these instruments and moves on. While reading this I could't help but think of his parents and the amount of money that must have been spent on these expensive musical endeavors, careless tossed aside with definite finality. However, sometimes we have to learn, and leave, before we find our true calling, which is what Farkle finally finds by the end of this tale.
September 24, 2018
Farkle McBride is a musical genius! But, he gets burned out from the instruments quickly until he finds his true passion, being the Maestro of the whole orchestra. This book is great because it encourages students to explore musical instruments, which is something that not a lot of young students are exposed to. This book also encourages readers to follow their passion, and never give up until they've accomplished their goals.
December 6, 2007
AWESOME childrens book! It is the tale of little Farkle McBride and his ongoing love/hate relationship with Musical Instruments. He masters them, then hates them. In the end he finds his true calling, to conduct the whole orchestra. John Lithgow does a musical reading to this whis is awesome. Anything that brings music to a childs life is OK with me.
September 23, 2008
Odd pictures in that some of the proportions are off. I've never been a huge fan of that kind of illustration, even if I do see the humor. And even if it does go with the story like it does here. I like the story. I like the rhyming. And I like how he finds happiness. Not quite what I was looking for in Book Time for a read, but perfect for a Book Talk.
September 28, 2008
I love John Lithgow as an actor, but for some reason or another, I wasn't expecting much in way of his literary talent. Wow, was I surprised. We read this to the kids in my music class, and not only is the storyline adorable (a little boy who samples an array of instruments in search of the one that tickles his fancy) but the words themselves have a rhythm all their own. Fantastic.
February 9, 2009
I really like the illustrations on this one, and the rhythm of the text is fantastic. A wonderful read aloud book. I also really liked the recording of John Lithgow and the orchestra playing the parts. This one will probably turn into a bedtime favorite for our son, right now, at six-months-old he enjoys pounding the pages while I enjoy reading it to him.
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