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Musiville: Where Does Music Come From?
A group of animals has evolved into musical instruments. Or is it the other way around? Whichever the case, they have now formed their own little village: Musiville. And bands. Lots and lots of bands. When everyone starts playing their own tune, buildings get torn down by an invader. Can Musiville be saved by the unexpected threat?
- GenresChildrens
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas C. Rossis
21 books120 followersNicholas C. Rossis lives to write and does so from his cottage on the edge of a magical forest in Athens, Greece. When not composing epic fantasies or short sci-fi stories, he chats with fans and colleagues, writes blog posts, and enjoys the antics of two silly cats and his baby daughter, all of whom claim his lap as home. His books have won numerous awards, including the Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award.
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 15, 2018
Rtc
Cute kids book
Cute kids book
February 21, 2016
What a delightful and unusual read this was.
Maracerus, a rhinoceros with a maracas type appendage instead of a horn, and his good friend Flurrow, who can sing like a flute, need to help the other musianimals, each with a different musical instrument instead of noses, learn a valuable lesson - before their Village is ruined.
There are great illustrations throughout to help kids (and adults) see what the animals look like.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musiville-Let...
http://www.amazon.com/Musiville-Lets-...
http://www.amazon.ca/Musiville-Lets-m...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Musiville-Le...
Maracerus, a rhinoceros with a maracas type appendage instead of a horn, and his good friend Flurrow, who can sing like a flute, need to help the other musianimals, each with a different musical instrument instead of noses, learn a valuable lesson - before their Village is ruined.
There are great illustrations throughout to help kids (and adults) see what the animals look like.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musiville-Let...
http://www.amazon.com/Musiville-Lets-...
http://www.amazon.ca/Musiville-Lets-m...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Musiville-Le...
December 7, 2015
Delightful and Entertaining
A clever and entertaining read. Although this is a children's book, there are similarities to issues that we all face in our adult lives. These musical animals with their names derived partly from their breed and part instrument, like to play their instruments daily. Maracerus is frustrated with the constant noise of musical competition, blaring and loud, and decides to organize a band and vote in a conductor to make some law and order of the random, loud music. After all, music is beautiful, but too loud and music that doesn't blend in can be hard on the ears. The storyline is wonderful as well as the beautiful illustrations to accompany the story. No doubt this book is a perfect gift for a young child to enjoy the story while looking at the imaginative pictures.
A clever and entertaining read. Although this is a children's book, there are similarities to issues that we all face in our adult lives. These musical animals with their names derived partly from their breed and part instrument, like to play their instruments daily. Maracerus is frustrated with the constant noise of musical competition, blaring and loud, and decides to organize a band and vote in a conductor to make some law and order of the random, loud music. After all, music is beautiful, but too loud and music that doesn't blend in can be hard on the ears. The storyline is wonderful as well as the beautiful illustrations to accompany the story. No doubt this book is a perfect gift for a young child to enjoy the story while looking at the imaginative pictures.
January 21, 2016
Another great moral cleverly presented to the little readers!
I was eagerly awaiting the second children's story by Nicholas Rossis, having loved the moral behind Runaway Smile. Musiville was, as expected, just as entertaining. Rossis has created another terrific story for little readers out there, this time talking about the benefits of coming together. Only deafening, annoying music can come out of the mouths of those who do and live without taking others under consideration. But have them work together and beautiful, perfect harmony can only be the result. Well done to this remarkable author who keeps taking me by surprise with his fascinating imagination and diverse storytelling abilities.
I was eagerly awaiting the second children's story by Nicholas Rossis, having loved the moral behind Runaway Smile. Musiville was, as expected, just as entertaining. Rossis has created another terrific story for little readers out there, this time talking about the benefits of coming together. Only deafening, annoying music can come out of the mouths of those who do and live without taking others under consideration. But have them work together and beautiful, perfect harmony can only be the result. Well done to this remarkable author who keeps taking me by surprise with his fascinating imagination and diverse storytelling abilities.
August 20, 2016
Musiville
By Nicholas C. Rossi
Illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis
The little village of Musiville is occupied by either strange animals or even stranger musical instruments. The appear to be a combination of both. And loud! Oh so loud. Their favorite thing is playing their music in bands. All kinds of music all at once. Did I say music? It's impossible to say when each musi-animal is playing a different tune or style.
The variety of musicians like the Pelicanophone and the Drumopotamus is as different as the instrumental noise--I mean music --coming from them. At first they think it's great playing their own music with others doing the same, in spite of headaches and earaches. Soon, so many various styles and sounds become chaotic LOUD music, quite deafening even to the musicians themselves.
Imagine a Frogpipe playing soothing bagpipe songs while Cymbalape clangs away on cymbals. it's just too much for Maracerus who is considering moving away before the whole town literally falls apart from the vibrations. Already parts of many of the houses are losing shingles and creaking as if haunted by ghosts. It takes an earthquake, a real one, to make Maracerus realize that the whole village is dissonant--playing out of tune. Frogpipe agrees and exclaims over the racket that what they need is a conductor. And that's when all of Musiville decides to hold a competition to select the one best suited to be a conductor. It's an easy solution to a big problem--or is it?
Nicholas C. Rossi, author of the widely acclaimed award winning 'Runaway Smile,' has once again written a quirky, lovable story guaranteed to make children of all ages laugh out loud over the absurdity of his characters. While engaged in figuring out which combo of animal and musical instrument is which, they are also learning through his storyline that all problems can be solved when everyone agrees to work together in harmony.
The illustrations are comical and unique, and the author puts a glossary at the end of the book describing each music maker and showing it's picture. This would be much more helpful if placed at the front of the story. This most unusual story can be read to little ones, while appealing to older children who can read for themselves, and many childlike adults, of which I am one. Young readers tired of the old well-used fairy tales, will especially enjoy the funny, often clamorous works of this talented, multi-genre writer.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
By Nicholas C. Rossi
Illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis
The little village of Musiville is occupied by either strange animals or even stranger musical instruments. The appear to be a combination of both. And loud! Oh so loud. Their favorite thing is playing their music in bands. All kinds of music all at once. Did I say music? It's impossible to say when each musi-animal is playing a different tune or style.
The variety of musicians like the Pelicanophone and the Drumopotamus is as different as the instrumental noise--I mean music --coming from them. At first they think it's great playing their own music with others doing the same, in spite of headaches and earaches. Soon, so many various styles and sounds become chaotic LOUD music, quite deafening even to the musicians themselves.
Imagine a Frogpipe playing soothing bagpipe songs while Cymbalape clangs away on cymbals. it's just too much for Maracerus who is considering moving away before the whole town literally falls apart from the vibrations. Already parts of many of the houses are losing shingles and creaking as if haunted by ghosts. It takes an earthquake, a real one, to make Maracerus realize that the whole village is dissonant--playing out of tune. Frogpipe agrees and exclaims over the racket that what they need is a conductor. And that's when all of Musiville decides to hold a competition to select the one best suited to be a conductor. It's an easy solution to a big problem--or is it?
Nicholas C. Rossi, author of the widely acclaimed award winning 'Runaway Smile,' has once again written a quirky, lovable story guaranteed to make children of all ages laugh out loud over the absurdity of his characters. While engaged in figuring out which combo of animal and musical instrument is which, they are also learning through his storyline that all problems can be solved when everyone agrees to work together in harmony.
The illustrations are comical and unique, and the author puts a glossary at the end of the book describing each music maker and showing it's picture. This would be much more helpful if placed at the front of the story. This most unusual story can be read to little ones, while appealing to older children who can read for themselves, and many childlike adults, of which I am one. Young readers tired of the old well-used fairy tales, will especially enjoy the funny, often clamorous works of this talented, multi-genre writer.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
May 19, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for a review. The following is my honest opinion on this book:
Welcome to Musiville, a village of animals that has evolved into musical instruments or is that musical instruments that have evolved into animals? Either way, each of the animals of Musiville love to play their own music until one day something terrible happens...
Musiville is a wonderful children's book with the core message of working together. The story follows Maracerus, a rhinoceros with a maraca for a horn, as he wakes up to a cacophony of sound from the village square. Every animal has been playing their own music for far too long and the animals need to work together to create harmonious music in order to save their village.
This is a very fun read for both kids and adults alike. I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw the book but the story had me instantly interested in reading on. It is easy to read although I did find myself occasionally wondering how to pronounce an animal's name or which instrument it was part made of, perhaps more my lack of knowledge of things such as agogo bells than a problem with the story. However to fix this problem there is an appendix at the back of the book where all the animals are listed along with a brief description and a lovely picture so you may want to keep referring to the appendix if you wonder what the animals look like.
This book has some very fun illustrations throughout the pages. The pictures are all a bit silly and really put a smile on your face as you read through the story. Although they display well digitally, I'd recommend getting a hard copy if you can as you'll see the double page spreads so much easier.
I really love this children's book and I've read it more than once! The different animals and their pictures are what really makes me come back to this book again and again, particularly the Celliraffe and Flurrow, but with it's core message of cooperation this really is a great book for anyone of any age to read.
Welcome to Musiville, a village of animals that has evolved into musical instruments or is that musical instruments that have evolved into animals? Either way, each of the animals of Musiville love to play their own music until one day something terrible happens...
Musiville is a wonderful children's book with the core message of working together. The story follows Maracerus, a rhinoceros with a maraca for a horn, as he wakes up to a cacophony of sound from the village square. Every animal has been playing their own music for far too long and the animals need to work together to create harmonious music in order to save their village.
This is a very fun read for both kids and adults alike. I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw the book but the story had me instantly interested in reading on. It is easy to read although I did find myself occasionally wondering how to pronounce an animal's name or which instrument it was part made of, perhaps more my lack of knowledge of things such as agogo bells than a problem with the story. However to fix this problem there is an appendix at the back of the book where all the animals are listed along with a brief description and a lovely picture so you may want to keep referring to the appendix if you wonder what the animals look like.
This book has some very fun illustrations throughout the pages. The pictures are all a bit silly and really put a smile on your face as you read through the story. Although they display well digitally, I'd recommend getting a hard copy if you can as you'll see the double page spreads so much easier.
I really love this children's book and I've read it more than once! The different animals and their pictures are what really makes me come back to this book again and again, particularly the Celliraffe and Flurrow, but with it's core message of cooperation this really is a great book for anyone of any age to read.
February 24, 2018
I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.
I found this book by Nicholas Rossis to be a delightful whimsical story for children where each animal has developed their proboscises into becoming a different musical instrument. For example, you’ve got Drumopotamus [drum + hippopotamus], Pandiano [panda + piano], Frogpipe [frog + bagpipe], and so forth. And with each animal playing their own individual tune, instead of having a single harmonious sound, you wound up with a horrific, deafening din.
This bruhaha not only drives the rats out of their hiding places, it also brings on a continuous slow decimation of the village itself. And if it hadn’t been for Maracerus’ [maraca + rhinoceros] unwillingness to see this situation continue any longer, no meeting would have been convened where a decision to hire a leader who’d be responsible in seeing there’d be some resemblance of order with harmonious music filling the air.
There’s a subliminal message within the pages of this book dealing with the important need of communication and cooperation in order to resolve basically any problem which might come along. It shows how with cooperation something can become a utopia, and that without it you’ll wind up with a dystopia.
For having given his readers this worthwhile book, how can I not give Mr. Rossis 5 STARS
I found this book by Nicholas Rossis to be a delightful whimsical story for children where each animal has developed their proboscises into becoming a different musical instrument. For example, you’ve got Drumopotamus [drum + hippopotamus], Pandiano [panda + piano], Frogpipe [frog + bagpipe], and so forth. And with each animal playing their own individual tune, instead of having a single harmonious sound, you wound up with a horrific, deafening din.
This bruhaha not only drives the rats out of their hiding places, it also brings on a continuous slow decimation of the village itself. And if it hadn’t been for Maracerus’ [maraca + rhinoceros] unwillingness to see this situation continue any longer, no meeting would have been convened where a decision to hire a leader who’d be responsible in seeing there’d be some resemblance of order with harmonious music filling the air.
There’s a subliminal message within the pages of this book dealing with the important need of communication and cooperation in order to resolve basically any problem which might come along. It shows how with cooperation something can become a utopia, and that without it you’ll wind up with a dystopia.
For having given his readers this worthwhile book, how can I not give Mr. Rossis 5 STARS
April 13, 2018
Musical animals live in Musiville and make music, until the noise is so loud that even they cannot take it. Then Maracerus has an idea: they should create an orchestra, choose a tune, elect a conductor!
I love that Musiville is at the same time:
- a story about "doing things together" instead of each doing its own
- a really funny read about amazing, silly musical creatures: Maracerus is a rhino pleying maracas, and his friends include Crickagogo, Cymbalape, Frogpipe and many many more!
- an illustration miracle, with all these crazy animals drawn in detail.
Maybe the biggest bonus of the book is the appendix: some thirty pages of musianimals, one page per animal, with their sketch and ..."short bio". We spent hours colouring them, imagining how to pronounce them and what their character could be, with my son!
This is a book to read again and again, and use in so many ways, as a bedtime story or as an activity book. Just love it!
I love that Musiville is at the same time:
- a story about "doing things together" instead of each doing its own
- a really funny read about amazing, silly musical creatures: Maracerus is a rhino pleying maracas, and his friends include Crickagogo, Cymbalape, Frogpipe and many many more!
- an illustration miracle, with all these crazy animals drawn in detail.
Maybe the biggest bonus of the book is the appendix: some thirty pages of musianimals, one page per animal, with their sketch and ..."short bio". We spent hours colouring them, imagining how to pronounce them and what their character could be, with my son!
This is a book to read again and again, and use in so many ways, as a bedtime story or as an activity book. Just love it!
July 12, 2018
A fun and whimsical story the kids will love!
March 25, 2016
Today I've got something short for you. A review of a fantastic children-book from two authors with plenty of imagination. It's the second book in the series, I haven't read the first one, but I bet it's just as well thought and illustrated.
A group of animals has evolved into musical instruments. Or is it the other way around? Whichever the case, they have now formed their own little village: Musiville. And bands. Lots and lots of bands. When everyone starts playing their own tune, buildings get torn down by an invader. Can Musiville be saved by the unexpected threat?
Here's a great book for all the kids out there. With fantastic illustrations and story that hits the important issues, it's something your kid should read. This story shows what great achievements can come from cooperation instead of competition.
This story shows what great achievements can come from cooperation instead of competition. With all of the animal-instrument hybrids, the story tells you that being different is completely OK, that you can embrace it and even use it.
The imagination of both authors is fantastic. There are even descriptions and drawings of Musiville citizens at the end of the book.
find my reviews at: https://maginibooks.wordpress.com
A group of animals has evolved into musical instruments. Or is it the other way around? Whichever the case, they have now formed their own little village: Musiville. And bands. Lots and lots of bands. When everyone starts playing their own tune, buildings get torn down by an invader. Can Musiville be saved by the unexpected threat?
Here's a great book for all the kids out there. With fantastic illustrations and story that hits the important issues, it's something your kid should read. This story shows what great achievements can come from cooperation instead of competition.
This story shows what great achievements can come from cooperation instead of competition. With all of the animal-instrument hybrids, the story tells you that being different is completely OK, that you can embrace it and even use it.
The imagination of both authors is fantastic. There are even descriptions and drawings of Musiville citizens at the end of the book.
find my reviews at: https://maginibooks.wordpress.com
Read
February 15, 2016Nicholas Rossis has done it again with his new children’s book Musiville. The characters in this wonderful story are part animal and part musical instrument with descriptive names like Drumopotamus (drum + hippopotamus) and Pandiano (panda + piano). They all live in a little village called Musiville where they can play whatever they want. However, they soon learn that everyone playing a different tune at the same time results in nothing more than a loud unharmonious ruckus. This ruckus brings the rats out from underground and the village starts to crumble. Maracerus (maraca + rhinoceros) cannot take the noise any longer and a meeting is called where it is decided they need a conductor. When the conductor is chosen, it is up to him to choose what music is played, and with everyone playing the same tune, harmony returns to Musiville.
The clever illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis will delight children, as will the names of the animals. There is an appendix in the back of the book to help with the identification of the animals.
What I really liked about Musiville is the lesson learned when everyone comes together and is considerate of one another. It is perfect for reading to younger children, as well as for older children. I give Musiville five stars.
The clever illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis will delight children, as will the names of the animals. There is an appendix in the back of the book to help with the identification of the animals.
What I really liked about Musiville is the lesson learned when everyone comes together and is considerate of one another. It is perfect for reading to younger children, as well as for older children. I give Musiville five stars.
January 29, 2016
Musiville isn't exactly an allegory, but there are subtle lessons here for the young about the value of co-operation, and the pitfalls (literally) of social disruption. At first sight, what could be nicer than a town whose every inhabitant not only plays a musical instrument, but is a musical instrument. Rossis has created an orchestra and more of hybrid creatures, including the Trumpetoon and the Pink Flassoon, the Hornolion and the Hedgarmonica. Their village home is a peaceful paradise, until a scary intruder starts to pop up from underground, encouraged by the racket that's caused when the animal/instruments each play their own sound with no concern for anyone else. Houses begin to tumble and the ground shakes beneath their feet. What do they need? A conductor. How to find one? That's where the plot begins to thicken. Full of fun but with real substance, I'm delighted to recommend this book for young readers.
February 8, 2016
A clever story featuring animals who have evolved with musical instruments. Each animal is also an instrument – such as a flassoon (Flamingo/bassoon) and a Trumpephant (elephant/trumpet). There is a handy appendix in the back of the book which gives a brief description of each animal.
The animals save their city, Musiville, by playing together and creating music collaborativey rather than by themselves.
I would have preferred that a pronunciation had been added to the descriptions, as well as the type of animal. I may be slow, but I didn’t know what the Trumpetoon was supposed to be (Babboon/trumpet) while I was reading the book.
This is a book to be read aloud or for more advanced readers. I don’t envision beginning readers trying to pronounce the names of the animals (and I have trouble imagining some lower level reading parents being able to read this without struggling.
The illustrations were adorable and really helped this story come to life.
The animals save their city, Musiville, by playing together and creating music collaborativey rather than by themselves.
I would have preferred that a pronunciation had been added to the descriptions, as well as the type of animal. I may be slow, but I didn’t know what the Trumpetoon was supposed to be (Babboon/trumpet) while I was reading the book.
This is a book to be read aloud or for more advanced readers. I don’t envision beginning readers trying to pronounce the names of the animals (and I have trouble imagining some lower level reading parents being able to read this without struggling.
The illustrations were adorable and really helped this story come to life.
January 27, 2016
Musiville, authored by Nicholas C. Rossis and illustrated Dimitris Fousekis, is a book about some incredible creatures! Within these pages are a group of animals, intertwined with musical instruments. It's an interesting little book, full of creativity and imagination. Not only does it introduce the reader to all sorts of interesting animals, it also presents them all sorts of interesting instruments. The illustrations are brilliant and really convey a great sense of artistic style from the illustrator, visualising the interesting animals of the story. At the end of the book, we even get introduced to each of the creatures and a little bit about them. My favourite is the Pandiano! Overall, it's a brilliant little book!
I read my copy for free on: http://nicholasrossis.me
Edit: today on 28th January, 2016, I obtained a free copy from amazon.com.au
I read my copy for free on: http://nicholasrossis.me
Edit: today on 28th January, 2016, I obtained a free copy from amazon.com.au
February 3, 2016
Musiville is a different kind of children's story that goes beyond the usual. It takes children on a journey through imagination into another world. The creatures in this book are unlike any I have ever seen and are not just animals but musical instruments too.
These animal/instruments have a dilemma one day and find that things are not so peaceful in their town. They can't seem to play their music together and are causing a ruckus. They need a leader to bring them all together. Who will step forward to solve their problems? Will there ever be sweet music in Musiville?
Nicholas Rossis is the creative force behind this book. He brings to life a new and unusual story that will engage children's imagination along with a talented illustrator who uses his artistic ability to capture the essence of each character in the story. I look forward to seeing what this duo comes up with next.
These animal/instruments have a dilemma one day and find that things are not so peaceful in their town. They can't seem to play their music together and are causing a ruckus. They need a leader to bring them all together. Who will step forward to solve their problems? Will there ever be sweet music in Musiville?
Nicholas Rossis is the creative force behind this book. He brings to life a new and unusual story that will engage children's imagination along with a talented illustrator who uses his artistic ability to capture the essence of each character in the story. I look forward to seeing what this duo comes up with next.
February 21, 2016
Musiville is a wonderfully creative story about a group of animals who've become musical instruments. I bought this for my granddaughters who also have this author's book, Runaway Smile. The story of Musiville starts with the animals in chaos. They need to appoint a conductor for their band, but no one can agree. Without ruining the story I can say they find a solution. However, during the competition for conductor strange happenings occur. Could their arguing lead to their destruction?
At the end of the book Rossis added character profiles, which I really enjoyed. It was fun to see each character and how they were able to play music. The illustrations are expertly done, as well. If you're looking for your next children's story, don't look past this one.
At the end of the book Rossis added character profiles, which I really enjoyed. It was fun to see each character and how they were able to play music. The illustrations are expertly done, as well. If you're looking for your next children's story, don't look past this one.
July 12, 2017
This would be a fun book to read aloud to children if only for the mash-up names of animals and instruments. But like Rossis's other children's book, it is more than that. It'll teach children first of all that it's okay to be different. Not only that, it shows that even though we all have our differences, we can work together to make things so much better. And don't forget the wonderful illustrations. I can see kids asking their parents to draw them a Flurry or any of the other many characters in the book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews