Louis and the Trumpet

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
reviewed by Rosie

The title of this book may be an oxymoron, but it is also a wonderful story of a young trumpeter swan who will do anything to trumpet his love to the beautiful she-swan, Serena. This novel may be one of the best books I have ever read. The superb descriptive writing combined with unique plot is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The best thing about the book is that Louis, a defective young swan, overcomes his inability to speak, or, in his case, to ko-hoh, and sees the light. Maybe the worst thing about The Trumpet of the Swan is the idea that getting rich is the best thing that can happen to anybody. Money doesn't ooze happiness, and this book displays this idea very poorly.

E.B. White's The Trumpet of the Swan is about a trumpeter swan named Louis, who, unlike his four brothers and sisters, can't trumpet his love to Serena, a graceful, female trumpeter swan, who is frankly uninterested in a swan who cannot ko-hoh or burble. Then, Louis's brave father steals a trumpet to help his son communicate. The book shows Louis's valiant efforts to redeem his father, and learn how to 'speak' through music.

This children's novel is great for girls and boys of all ages, especially children interested in animals. But truly, anyone, of any age, will have a blast reading this book, just as I have. I believe this book is a wonderful story about determination, true music, and love.