Some days are so windy that even the angels lose their balance from the top of City Hall. It’s always a day like this when the Flying Orchestra blows into town.
This is a delightfully whimsical picture book offering about a magical orchestra which flies the skies playing music for every occasion – a symphony for a returning traveller, a concerto for someone who stays awake all night thinking, or a sonata for a sad moment at a birthday party. Whatever happens, happy or sad, the orchestra is there playing.
Whilst the magical orchestra seems sheer whimsy, this is also a story about the music of life, and the idea that there is always an orchestra playing for us. The illustrations, using acrylic and pencil on rag paper, show seemingly everyday scenes, with musicians and instruments tucked away for young eyes to discover and delight in.
This debut picture book is sheer delight.
The Flying Orchestra, written and illustrated by Clare McFadden
UQP, 2010
This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.