Manuelo, The Playing Mantis

By Don Freeman

Book Overview

When Don Freeman died in 1978, he left behind illustrations and a finished manuscript for a story that was close to his heart. Freeman himself was a professional trumpeter and he was working on the story of a creature who loved music'but couldn't make any himself. Manuelo is a praying mantis who spends summer evenings listening raptly to outdoor concerts. How he longs to join in! But though he tries to make a flute from a cattail, a horn from a trumpet flower, and a harp from twigs, nothing seems to work. But then Manuelo makes a friend who shows him how to create a cello . . . and in doing so opens the door to Manuelo's heart's desire.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670036846
• ISBN13: 9780670036844
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 3 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

manuelo, the playing mantis

i purchased this book solely upon a review of it. my kids really liked the story and how it teaches perserverance. i would recommend it to anyone with little kids. mine are almost 5 and 6 1/2. they have asked me to read it again and again. my older child is reading it to the younger.

Manuelo the Playing Mantis

Good to leave for a music sub. Cute, but you have to use an assortment of voices to keep the kids interested. Subtle illustrations--bold coloring and large pictures not there to amuse the "glued to the tv" generation. There are many tangents you can go off on when reading this book....Why are Praying Mantises (or would they be manti?) protected? Instrument families, concert etiquette etc.