Bach to the Rescue
Nonfiction with a twist! Bach to the Rescue!!! written by Tom Angleberger and illustrated by Chris Eliopolous is a wacky story about the composer, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg and Bach the Composer. When the richest dude in town hires a less fortunate musician, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg to play him lullabies, he ends up waking up the whole town in the process! The story, which takes place 225 years ago begins with the “rich dude” who couldn’t sleep. This “rich dude” was so rich that he would yell, “Goldberg!” every night when he couldn’t fall asleep. He would demand him to come to his house to play lullabies to get him to go to sleep. In the process, the whole town would wake up! Until Bach the Composer solved the “rich dude’s” problem by writing the Greatest Music Ever Written Ever!
Language Tips When Reading Aloud
As you are reading this book aloud, use intonation to stress the different feelings of the characters. How would you describe “rich dude” Words like selfish, demanding, etc. pops in my head! What words describe Goldberg? What does the rest of the town feel like after no sleep? Questions like “Why is the town so grumpy?” and “What would you do if you couldn’t fall asleep?” are nice questions to begin a discussion. Show your child pictures of a harpsichord, which was invented before the piano. Point out the different facial expressions of the characters and discuss with your child the feelings of the different characters. Then listen to the music below!
The Greatest Music Ever Written
Listen to this beautiful music below with your child after reading the book, Bach to the Rescue!!!
Bach to the Rescue!!!: How a Rich Dude Who Couldn’t Sleep Inspired the Greatest Music Ever
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