The Trumpet of the Swan

Written by E.B. White · Illustrated by Fred Marcellino

A mute swan seeks love through a stolen trumpet's melody.

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,366 ratings

251 pages· 42,200 words· Est. 6 hour read· 750L

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Bookroo's summary

Louis, a mute trumpeter swan, longs for Serena's affection but struggles to express his love. Despite learning to read and write, nothing captures her attention. When his father gifts him a stolen brass trumpet, Louis wonders if music can bridge the silence. Can a melody win Serena's heart, or will Louis remain unheard? Dive into a tale of perseverance and the power of music.

From the publisher

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 think of to win Serena’s affection–he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?

At a glance

Format
Pages: 251
Words: 42,200
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 750L

Themes & topics

Books about being yourself Books about crushes Books about fitting in Books about friendship Books about love

After the last page

Talk about it together

Ask your child how they can learn from Sam’s example of helping Louis and the rest of his animal friends.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.0

out of 7

6.0

“This story is a delightful read with a swan who believes he can do anything, and he does. I loved following along in his adventures and seeing how he dedicates himself. His friend, Sam, was also one of my favorite parts of the book. Louis never quits--which is what allows him to find his best friend, Sam, his true love, Serena, and his many talents, including his trumpeting. Louis learns to make his weakness (being mute) a strength (learning how to play the trumpet) and never thinks he can't do anything just because he's a swan--he even learns to read and write!”

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