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The Enchanted Symphony
When a lively village is beset by a mysterious fog, the town turns dull and silent; melancholy neighbors stop visiting each other, and even going outside. Until one day when a boy’s simple melody strikes a chord, reminding everyone of what matters most—even in the darkest of times.
From bestselling mother–daughter duo Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton comes a powerful, hopeful fable celebrating life’s simple pleasures that bring us together.
From bestselling mother–daughter duo Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton comes a powerful, hopeful fable celebrating life’s simple pleasures that bring us together.
Audible Audio
First published September 12, 2023
About the author
Julie Andrews
36 books16 followersSome books on this profile are for a different author named Julie Andrews. Most are by
Julie Andrews Edwards
Noted British actress Dame Julie Andrews, originally Julia Elizabeth Wells sang and acted roles in musicals, such as My Fair Lady on Broadway in 1956, and films, such as The Sound of Music in 1965.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_A...
Julie Andrews Edwards
Noted British actress Dame Julie Andrews, originally Julia Elizabeth Wells sang and acted roles in musicals, such as My Fair Lady on Broadway in 1956, and films, such as The Sound of Music in 1965.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_A...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 13, 2023
This book is a delight! Inspired by a concert for plants during the pandemic, this story serves as a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference in life. The care little Piccolino shows throughout the book makes him a sweet character to root for and certainly one that kids will love. And, let's talk about these illustrations! They are incredible! The intricately created and cut paper designs make you want to linger on every page and soak them in. The light in this illustrations is reminiscent of the kind of light you only see in Italy. And check out that surprise under the book jacket! This is a truly inspired collaboration! Bravo!
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January 31, 2024The illustrations are beautiful. Worth checking out for those alone. The Authors' Note is very interesting. This story is inspired by the COVID pandemic and that the arts suffered so greatly during this time with theaters etc. shuttered. Julie and Emma heard about the Concert for the Biocene -- a concert hall in Spain was filled with over 2000 house plants and a string quartet performed for them, after which the plants were given to hospital workers as an appreciation for their help during the crisis. Such an interesting backstory and I did find the concert online, very cool! I appreciate that the authors wanted to celebrate the arts and nature and remind us not to be distracted from these things. However, I'm not sure the fictional story played out quite right for me. In the story, the townsfolk have a beautiful opera house which brings them much joy. "Visitors came from miles around to enjoy the village's delights. To keep the sightseers happy, the townspeople built more shops to sell trinkets, gadgets, and souvenirs. They baked sumptuous cookies and cakes and planted bigger and more colorful window boxes. But the busier and more prosperous they became, the more they lost touch with their own simple pleasures." Then a purple fog comes to town, and everyone becomes depressed and keeps to themselves. It's such an odd transition. Maybe it's meant to be COVID? Maybe it's meant to be greed? I'm not sure. Because coming right after the above it almost seems a criticism of what the townspeople had been doing and I don't understand is why there is anything wrong with the village being proud of its opera house and welcoming visitors? Most people want to share their talents with others. Maybe it is through music, song, theater. But some people share their gifts through building things, making "gadgets" or "trinkets" or by baking or beautifying homes. I wish the story had celebrated that more, rather than making it out that those types of activities were distractions from truly important things like music and nature. Surely being too preoccupied to enjoy friends or family, being too single-minded, or focusing only on monetary gain is a concern (and even artists can be guilty of this!) but everyone has different talents to share with the world. Perhaps I am misreading this as most others seemed to think the story was marvelous and I usually love the work by the incomparable Julie Andrews and her daughter. If the premise appeals to you, I encourage you to check it out and decide for yourself.
September 18, 2023
This book is beautiful.
Make sure you read the authors note. Look up Concert for the Biocene, the images are amazing.
Make sure you read the authors note. Look up Concert for the Biocene, the images are amazing.
October 28, 2023
First of all, this book is beautifully illustrated by Ella MacKay. Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton have once again created a wonderful story. Piccolino helps to bring back the color (and all the things that make life wonderful) back to his village. A melancholy fog has robbed the village of their joy. Piccolino helps with music. A simple song.
Inspired by Covid-19 shutdowns and everyone losing some of the things that brought us joy and that we probably took for granted, this story has a wonderful message. Andrews and Walton Hamilton have crafted a story that is beautiful and a joy to read for adults and kids alike. They have also included such rich vocabulary!
I loved this book, and i immediately shared it with my Kindergarten class, however I think the message in this story could be beneficial for older kids too (as well as adults).
Inspired by Covid-19 shutdowns and everyone losing some of the things that brought us joy and that we probably took for granted, this story has a wonderful message. Andrews and Walton Hamilton have crafted a story that is beautiful and a joy to read for adults and kids alike. They have also included such rich vocabulary!
I loved this book, and i immediately shared it with my Kindergarten class, however I think the message in this story could be beneficial for older kids too (as well as adults).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
A celebration of music and sound after a town, and people are without music and the plants start to die. When a boy and his father realize that music helps the plants grow and thrive they open the opera house for the plants and later the townspeople to enjoy the music. A parallel is drawn to the Covid pandemic and our lack of the arts during that time of staying inside and sheltering from the disease.
April 17, 2024
Charming
This picture book that is based upon a true story from Spain during covid sparkles with the magic of a fairytale while underscoring the essential role of community and the search for beauty as a means of survival.
Overall, "The Enchanted Symphony" is a heartwarming and impactful picture book that celebrates the enduring beauty of arts and music, making it a delightful addition to any library or collection.
This picture book that is based upon a true story from Spain during covid sparkles with the magic of a fairytale while underscoring the essential role of community and the search for beauty as a means of survival.
Overall, "The Enchanted Symphony" is a heartwarming and impactful picture book that celebrates the enduring beauty of arts and music, making it a delightful addition to any library or collection.
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November 9, 2023An important reminder of the power of music in times of depression and loneliness
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August 25, 2024 Noted stage and screen legend Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma, once more return with another memorable children’s book. Like the previous ones, this one truly is filled with heart and soul.
The story revolves around a young boy Piccolino, who lives in a small village. It is a thriving village, and the people all seemed to be content there. But the people seemed to be so busy with their lives, and were more into profits, that they seemed to forego all the simple pleasure that at one time made them most happy.
Then suddenly without warning, a purple mist began spreading throughout the village. It was so overwhelming and overpowering, that the townspeople who once were friendly with one another, decided to stay in their houses. Everyone lost contact with one another, making the village almost like a ghost town.
Piccolino then one day goes to his father’s opera house, now abandoned and silent. His father still cleans it so the mist won’t ruin the interior. The boy goes to the piano and starts to play music, the first time sound has been heard there since the mist’s arrival. But something magical has happened. The plants inside the house looked taller and more alive. It gave the boy an idea.
He brought the musicians to the opera house, setting up chairs. Music was once again heard, and the house and village became alive again, thanks to the sounds of music. Soon the mist lifted, and the village came to life, people friendly again.
This is a most inspirational book, showing how the sense of community and closeness to one another can be a miraculous moment to experience.
The story revolves around a young boy Piccolino, who lives in a small village. It is a thriving village, and the people all seemed to be content there. But the people seemed to be so busy with their lives, and were more into profits, that they seemed to forego all the simple pleasure that at one time made them most happy.
Then suddenly without warning, a purple mist began spreading throughout the village. It was so overwhelming and overpowering, that the townspeople who once were friendly with one another, decided to stay in their houses. Everyone lost contact with one another, making the village almost like a ghost town.
Piccolino then one day goes to his father’s opera house, now abandoned and silent. His father still cleans it so the mist won’t ruin the interior. The boy goes to the piano and starts to play music, the first time sound has been heard there since the mist’s arrival. But something magical has happened. The plants inside the house looked taller and more alive. It gave the boy an idea.
He brought the musicians to the opera house, setting up chairs. Music was once again heard, and the house and village became alive again, thanks to the sounds of music. Soon the mist lifted, and the village came to life, people friendly again.
This is a most inspirational book, showing how the sense of community and closeness to one another can be a miraculous moment to experience.
February 2, 2026
Purchased this book from Sag Harbor Books for my signed book collection (for those of you who collect signed books, this is Dame Julie's home bookstore and the most reliable source of signed books).
A beautiful story about a little town that gets busy and forgets the beauty of music. And then a strange purple blue fog creeps in, and the birds stop singing, people stop humming, people stop playing music, and all eventually all music stops. The town suffers, the plants begin to wilt, and nobody really remembers why they aren't happy.
The leader of the symphony takes care to dust the concert hall. One day his son plays a few notes on the long disused piano, and the plant on stage seems to perk up. They try playing some actual music and it seems to help. He brings in more plants, gets neighbors to lend theirs, and calls back the symphony members, to play to an audience of plants. Then something magical happens.
The plants start to improve, the fog begins to lift, and the sun starts to shine, and the birds start singing again.
Such a beautiful reminder of the power of music, based on a story from Covid times about the "Concert for the Biocene" in Barcelona where a string quartet played for over 2000 plants.
The illustrations by paper artist Elly MacKay are amazing, drawn, cut, layered, actual art rather than just drawings. They are unlike anything I've seen in a children's book before.
A beautiful story about a little town that gets busy and forgets the beauty of music. And then a strange purple blue fog creeps in, and the birds stop singing, people stop humming, people stop playing music, and all eventually all music stops. The town suffers, the plants begin to wilt, and nobody really remembers why they aren't happy.
The leader of the symphony takes care to dust the concert hall. One day his son plays a few notes on the long disused piano, and the plant on stage seems to perk up. They try playing some actual music and it seems to help. He brings in more plants, gets neighbors to lend theirs, and calls back the symphony members, to play to an audience of plants. Then something magical happens.
The plants start to improve, the fog begins to lift, and the sun starts to shine, and the birds start singing again.
Such a beautiful reminder of the power of music, based on a story from Covid times about the "Concert for the Biocene" in Barcelona where a string quartet played for over 2000 plants.
The illustrations by paper artist Elly MacKay are amazing, drawn, cut, layered, actual art rather than just drawings. They are unlike anything I've seen in a children's book before.
November 4, 2024
**This book is being considered as a nominee for next year’s Beehive Book Award for Children in Utah. My review reflects my thoughts as it pertains to that consideration.**
I'm always a little wary of "celebrity picture books," because they never tend to be as good as the hype implies. But this one made it's way to the Beehive Long List, so I read it.
Honestly - it's beautiful. It made me think of so many problems in our world and how things like music and art and literature makes life worth living, in spite of all the crap that goes on. And to be perfectly frank, I didn't even think of The Unspecified Virus of Unknown Origin (it's been a long four years, guys). But the afterword mentioned that as the inspiration for this story was an orchestra in Spain playing for an audience of plants during all the lockdowns. With all the picture books dealing with the pandemic in recent years, it's nice to see a book that was a result of that awful time, but that can also be enjoyed outside of that context.
Also, I've sung the praises of illustrator Elly MacKay in the past, and her work here is no less impressive. It fits the tone of the story and the feeling that the tale was going for. Lovely pairing.
This is one celebrity picture book that I can heartily recommend. It's fitting that it's a book by Julie Andrews and her daughter.
I'm always a little wary of "celebrity picture books," because they never tend to be as good as the hype implies. But this one made it's way to the Beehive Long List, so I read it.
Honestly - it's beautiful. It made me think of so many problems in our world and how things like music and art and literature makes life worth living, in spite of all the crap that goes on. And to be perfectly frank, I didn't even think of The Unspecified Virus of Unknown Origin (it's been a long four years, guys). But the afterword mentioned that as the inspiration for this story was an orchestra in Spain playing for an audience of plants during all the lockdowns. With all the picture books dealing with the pandemic in recent years, it's nice to see a book that was a result of that awful time, but that can also be enjoyed outside of that context.
Also, I've sung the praises of illustrator Elly MacKay in the past, and her work here is no less impressive. It fits the tone of the story and the feeling that the tale was going for. Lovely pairing.
This is one celebrity picture book that I can heartily recommend. It's fitting that it's a book by Julie Andrews and her daughter.
January 3, 2024
An author's note in the back tells readers that this story was inspired by seeing an image of an art installment in which thousands of plants took seats in a concert hall! The story itself reads like an original folk tale, with a boy named Piccolino living in a vibrant village of color, interaction, and music. His father's opera house is a source of local pride, attracting concert-goers from near and far. But then, a purple mist creeps into the village and overtakes it, turning the village into a dark and somber place. Piccolino plays a piano chord in the opera house and notices that a potted plant perks up, which gives him an idea. The illustrations clearly show the changes in mood and tone throughout, and help readers feel Piccolino's great triumph at the end. The underlying theme is one of the importance of community, nature, and the arts to face dark times. This is a magical, uplifting read.
April 30, 2025
A wonderful story about healing with plants. Someone, both books I read today were about that.
We see a quaint little village with a vibrant life and a lovely opera house that people come to see. Life is busy, life is good. Then an enchanted fog comes and depresses everyone.
It's the young boy who learns that music is the remedy. It can push the fog away. He first starts with healing all the house plants. They fill the auditorium with house plants so it looks like a jungle.
The artwork is drawn and it's amazing. I love the play with colors in this. The purple fog is a depressive haze and once the colors are back our feelings are lifted with all the bright colors again. A very thoughtful and magical book. I love it.
Anyone interested in music or a magical feel good tale will love this story.
We see a quaint little village with a vibrant life and a lovely opera house that people come to see. Life is busy, life is good. Then an enchanted fog comes and depresses everyone.
It's the young boy who learns that music is the remedy. It can push the fog away. He first starts with healing all the house plants. They fill the auditorium with house plants so it looks like a jungle.
The artwork is drawn and it's amazing. I love the play with colors in this. The purple fog is a depressive haze and once the colors are back our feelings are lifted with all the bright colors again. A very thoughtful and magical book. I love it.
Anyone interested in music or a magical feel good tale will love this story.
July 9, 2025
Beautifully illustrated story of a town that lost sight of their most important needs. The townspeople are happy but decide to keep creating more and more tourist items and miss the beauty around them. When a purple mist shuts them down, they all stay inside and no longer gather. This changes when a boy begins to play the piano in the opera house. He notices that the plants perk up and begin growing again. His father, the Maestro, helps him bring other plants in to conduct experiments and see if it works for all plants. They eventually bring in the orchestra and the music not only save the plants but the people and their town. Don't miss the note at the end sharing the real event the story used as a model.
February 8, 2024
A beautiful story about a boy who discovers the healing power of artistic endeavors, in this case music.
The authors note talks about lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic and the inspiration behind the loneliness everyone suffered and how connections were made with one another as everyone turned to art for comfort.
A great read for anyone looking for pandemic or artistic/mental health metaphors.
The authors note talks about lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic and the inspiration behind the loneliness everyone suffered and how connections were made with one another as everyone turned to art for comfort.
A great read for anyone looking for pandemic or artistic/mental health metaphors.
May 31, 2024
This book was beautiful and strange! Every once and a while you come across a celebrity who really can write lovely children's books, and I'm not surprised Julie Andrews is one of them. :P
This book has a pandemic-y feel, but the evil "fog" could be any sort of challenge or trial that faces an entire community. I love how music brings them together and brings back some joy - that is very true. :)
This book has a pandemic-y feel, but the evil "fog" could be any sort of challenge or trial that faces an entire community. I love how music brings them together and brings back some joy - that is very true. :)
September 14, 2023
k-2/3 read-aloud
Really great story inspired by a photo of a chamber music group in Spain playing for plants in a music hall. This is a solid story and would make a great read-aloud and conversation.
Really interesting illustrations that were "drawn, cut, set up in layers, and photographed with light"
Abrams, 2023
Really great story inspired by a photo of a chamber music group in Spain playing for plants in a music hall. This is a solid story and would make a great read-aloud and conversation.
Really interesting illustrations that were "drawn, cut, set up in layers, and photographed with light"
Abrams, 2023
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October 12, 2023THE ENCHANTED SYMPHONY by legendary actress and singer Julie Andrews and her daughter
Emma Walton Hamilton beckons us to see what magic we can find in our everyday lives.
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
Emma Walton Hamilton beckons us to see what magic we can find in our everyday lives.
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
January 30, 2024
This fairy-tale-like story is captivating and beautiful in its language and illustrations. Piccolino’s village is a happy and creative place until a purple fog turns everyone silent and dispirited. Through the actions of this boy and his father, we are reminded of the importance of community, nature, music, hopefulness, creativity, and perseverance.
July 16, 2024
An okay little book. When I started reading it, I immediately thought of the “fog” being covid or of society being consumed on their phones, etc. As it turns out in the Author’s Note, that was part of it. I thought that this was a cute story and had a nice little backstory. I think it would be a great story to read to a child when explaining about covid and such.
January 9, 2025
Julie Andrews never fails to bring us beauty and life lessons! This book teaches how the beauty of good music brings forth life into a wilting society. The book does not actually discuss magic, but instead shows how good music can transform a society for the better. There are also gorgeous illustrations on every page!
February 23, 2026
Beautifully illustrated. The colors pop on the pages and give the sense of magic that the text embodies so well. A celebration of the arts and nature written in the time of covid pandemic lockdown. A children’s book that the entire family can enjoy for the illustration and how important music is for the characters
January 7, 2024
So gorgeously delightful and magical! An amazing story that teaches readers about the importance of music and beauty in our lives. The illustrations add so much to the joy and musicality of the story as well.
February 22, 2024
Maybe I'm giving this 5 stars because it was written by Julie Andrews. But more likely I'm giving it 5 stars because it's a wonderful story. It's beautiful and hopeful.
Maybe a little beyond the picture book audience, but there is potential here.
Maybe a little beyond the picture book audience, but there is potential here.
March 21, 2024
I loved this children's book! The fog in the book symbolized the Covid-pandemic to me; however, other distractions keep us from appreciating life, family, friends, nature, etc. The gift of music restored a village! If you read this book, be sure to read the Authors' Note.
April 16, 2024
Sure it’s a kids’ book, but I listened to an interview with Julie Andrew’s about the book, and it piqued my curiosity. I loved her book, Mandy, when I was a kid! It’s cool that she worked on it with her daughter during the pandemic.
May 11, 2024
Why people fight for arts in schools...
There are a lot of reasons why people believe in music / art as part of our lives, but this book does a wonderful job of expressing how it can unite people / community, lift spirits, and heal.
There are a lot of reasons why people believe in music / art as part of our lives, but this book does a wonderful job of expressing how it can unite people / community, lift spirits, and heal.
May 31, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
July 31, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations!
September 13, 2023
What a sweet book, lovely and wholesome! Showing us the value in keeping our priorities straight! 💞
September 15, 2023
Fantastic story with wonderful illustrations. Don't skip the author's note in the back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews