The Composer is Dead,
by Lemony Snicket
An introduction to the orchestra as only Lemony Snicket (author of the humorous A Series of Unfortunate Events) can provide. A composer is dead ("decomposing"--according to Snicket) and an investigator is questioning all the instruments in the orchestra about the murder to find out "whodunit". As the instruments are interrogated as to where they were on the night in question, readers are introduced to the sections of the orchestra. The humor is better appreciated by older children and adults. For example, in response to being accused of murder, the "star" violins claim such an idea preposterous because if they "killed the composer, [they] would have to find work at square dances or in romantic restaurants". Great illustrations by Carson Ellis will look familiar to fans of Mysterious Benedict Society. A bonus to this fun mystery is an audio version featuring Snicket narrating the story and music performed by the San Francisco symphony. Ages 5 and up.
-Deirdre
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