Manuelo, the Playing Mantis

by Don Freeman

One warm summer evening, a lonely praying mantis named Manuelo listens to the music of an outdoor concert.  Manuelo wishes that he, too, could make music like the crickets and the katydids.  But the instruments he makes don't play.  Then Manuelo meets someone who shows him how to fashion a cello using a walnut shell, a stick, and a special ingredient.  Manuelo makes his first true friend and, together, they create the music they both love.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Friendship, Nature

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Don Freeman was a painter, printmaker, cartoonist, children's book author, and illustrator. He was born in San Diego, California, attended high school in Missouri, and later moved to New York City where he studied etching with John Sloan.
Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree]

Another unique treat from that so-original children's book author and illustrator.

Don Freeman has outdone himself again with the tale of Manuelo, who transformed himself into a "playing mantis.'

When a pun this good becomes a story, can children's books get better than that?

Only if there are also amazing watercolor illustrations by this evocative artist.

Manuelo's quest to find his own instrument may parallel what children (and adults) go through as well. "There must be something I can do!" Manuelo wondered.

Debby Webster, a spider, becomes Manuelo's hero -- and now one of mine, as well.

What a cello! What art to celebrate it. Definitely the most glorious insct symphony ever!

[Anthony]

Manuelo, a lonely praying mantis who resided in Cloverdale Meadow would listen to the outdoor summer concerts, and had the desire to make music that sounded just as good. But he could not find the right instrument to play. With the help of a spider named Debbie, Manuelo soon found the perfect instrument, and when other meadow creatures joined in he was able to finally make the music he longed to play.

[Emily]

Manuelo listens to a symphony and wants to mimic the sounds but can't. Eventually, a spider helps him create something cello-like, and he brings all of the insects together each night to create an insect symphony.

[Caroline]

Growth mindset

[Sarah]

I liked the illustrations

[Hannah]

July 2018: read aloud to older three.

[Lucinda Rose]

This is a sweet story about determination and cooperation.

[Kelly Chester]

What a great book

[Emily]

Sophie would like this book

[Rolf]

Fun and fanciful, with great visuals.

[Natalie O'neill]

This book is about a praying mantis named Manuelo, who longs to make music. He first tries to rub his legs against his wings, hoping to make a chirp like a cricket, but to no avail. He then decides to make his own flute, but that does not work either. He did not get discouraged though, and he decided to try making music using a trumpet flower and then a harp. Again, no luck. One day, when he is beginning to feel discouraged, Manuelo meets a spider who tells him that they can work together to build a cello. The cello works, and Manuelo is ecstatic as many insects and frogs come out to enjoy the music themselves. This is a book with a happy and positive ending. It would be a great book to use when teaching common themes such as perseverance and determination, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer]

Manuelo is an odd name for a praying mantis, but I supposed there weren't too many choices for male names beginning with "man-". This is a cute story about a praying mantis who wants to make music like crickets, frogs, and katydids do. But every musical instrument he makes doesn't work, until he meets Debby Webster, the spider. I wish he had included a little information at the end about praying mantises, because you seldom see them, and kids may not know about them. Recommended, but accompanied by a non-fiction book that gives facts about the insect.

[Grace]

This is a precious book about a Praying Mantis who loves music but can't figure out how to make his own instrument. He finally has a spider volunteer to help out and together they make a cello which he plays while she stays by his side. It is really cute a book for all ages.

[Abbi Kraus]

This book has great illustrations and is a good example of friends helping one another. Manuelo loves music but he can't figure out what instrument he can play. A spider ends up helping him build a cello, and he plays with his new friends. It is a good book for elementary age children!

[Ellen]

Sweet book about a praying mantis who wants to be a musician

[David]

My kids enjoyed reading this today right after violin lessons.

[Bree]

Notes:
makes instruments out of nature bits -- harp, cello, trumpet, flute
spider's help is reminiscent of charlotte's web

[Aletheia Ubben]

Another gem from Don Freeman. I love the many styles his art encompasses. (Aletheia's review: "I'm pretty sure I heard mom say the mantis should cut off the heads of the katydids...")

[The Brothers]

A little play on words here! It's the story of a Praying Mantis that tries to find the instrument just right for him. Written and illustrated by the same guy who did the Corduroy the bear stories.

[Elke Ursin]

This one is great! Especially because I want baby to learn how to play the cello one day.