Phoenix Song

by Tutu Dutta, Martina Peluso (Illustrator)

Arohan is desperate for a guitar. What eight year old boy isn’t? So when Arohan’s grandmother gives him a plain old bamboo flute for his birthday, he is understandably a little upset. But the xiao is no ordinary flute. An instrument steeped in the myths and legends of China, the xiao has its own special magic, as Arohan is soon to discover. When his brothers go missing on the slopes of the hill behind their home in Malaysia, Arohan must ensure they return safe and sound. But does he have what it takes to placate the guardian of the bamboo grove and summon the mythical phoenix? A touching and courageous story of a young boy’s love for his family and the magical things that can happen when you listen to your heart.

Genres: Childrens, Kids, Music, Magic, Asia, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2015

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Arohan receives a family heirloom in the form of a bamboo flute (xiao) from his grandmother for his birthday, he remains unimpressed. Yet there is an old folktale attached to the instrument – it has the power to call forth the Guardian of the Forest and when the time comes for Arohan to save his brothers from the Guardian’s wrath, he summons up the knowledge, passion and skill that he carries in him for playing the xiao and rescue his brothers.

This is the first Lantana book that I have read and it’s a beauty. Peluso’s illustrations complement Dutta’s stories and although it is not a picturebook in the strictest sense, the loss of the images would not be the same. Set in Malaysia, Dutta has summoned a range of mythologies around the phoenix from her own country and woven them into a contemporary setting in which elders are still greatly respected and music cherished.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale full of determination and resilience. The message of this story will allow the teacher to share the importance of perseverance with children in their class. It will also help children to admire their own talents and to stick at them and not quit when they struggle with things. In my classroom I am going to use this text with children the to identify each child's weaknesses but then use the book to boost their resilience.