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The Trumpet of the Swan
The Trumpet of the Swan
Author: E. B. White, Edward Frascino (Illustrator)
Swan Song
— Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him. — Louis tries everything he can ...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780060263973
ISBN-10: 0060263970
Publication Date: 6/1970
Pages: 210
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 43

4.3 stars, based on 43 ratings
Publisher: Harper & Row
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was one of my favorite children's books when I was in elementary school. I prefer this to Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little. Louis the swan goes on several adventures to find his voice and win his true love, Serene.
reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
In my opinion one of the best books ever written for children or adults. But then what else would you expect from E. B. White.
rapunzel avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book and is such a treasured story for young and old alike.
grammyteach avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 192 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
wonderful, classic
reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Probably the most beautiful children's book that I've read out loud to my six-year-old was E. B. White's Charlotte's Web. The Trumpet of the Swan is a close second. It's much funnier than Charlotte's Web--the absurd and delightful character of the old cob is just amazing to read out to a child. Like the better known Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan has two protagonists: a human child and a young animal. I love the clever way White balances anthropomorphism and naturalism in both books.

One thing that was remarkable to me as a parent was the American character of the language. A lot of beautiful children's books are British and they sound British, but White is somehow as American as Whitman without any pretension or affectation.

I also approved of the lessons of this book, which were about adapting to disability.
Read All 16 Book Reviews of "The Trumpet of the Swan"

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constant-reader avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 130 more book reviews
A wonderful story by the author of Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, this is the tale of a Trumpeter Swan born without a voice. Spurned by the other swans, because he's different, Louis has a series of adventures in his quest to fulfill his dreams.
Dixie avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 179 more book reviews
Although he lacks a voice in the traditional "Ko-hoh!" sense, trumpeter swan Louis learns to speak to the world with a trumpet stolen from a music store by his father. With the support of an unusual boy named Sam, who helps Louis learn how to read and write, the swan has some rather unswanlike adventures and ultimately wins the love--and the freedom--of a beautiful swan named Serena.

For over 30 years, E.B. White's masterpiece has captured the fancy of countless readers

reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 23 more book reviews
A childhood favorite - loved it.
MargoGamero avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 41 more book reviews
This book was so funny. I loved!!
reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 2 more book reviews
Simply lovely for ages 8-12. My favorite book as a child. 5 stars.
LauraC avatar reviewed The Trumpet of the Swan on + 124 more book reviews
Children's book about a male trumpeter swan with out a voice. It sounds cute.

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