Books: Billy's Band

Billy’s Band
The Bandstand, The Jewel Thief, and The Pirates
Created and written
by Dan Newell
www.billysband.co.uk

It’s 7.30pm; the bedtime stalling tactics are in full flow. My five-year-old has just scurried off for the umpteenth time to rescue another crucial addition to the growing army of toys that now share his bed. Soon it will be time for a final expedition to the kitchen to collect another vessel of milk to satisfy a seemingly unquenchable thirst, but for now I have a brief moment to peruse the bookshelf in search of tonight’s bedtime literature. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the tales of Thomas (or indeed his 64 ‘really useful’ friends), nor do I lack enthusiasm to go on yet another Bear Hunt, or read about the trials and tribulations of Stickman. However, I’m looking for something a little more edgy tonight, something with an engaging plot, a didactic undercurrent and a rip-roaring twist. Cue Billy’s Band - the ultimate book series for young children with a lurking interest in music.

Billy is the finest, wisest and most whiskery conductor that ever lived. He takes his band to play in all kinds of weird and wonderful locations and, wherever the gig, the band is always faced with some mystery to be solved, or an obstacle to overcome. However, by pulling together and using teamwork, they always find a solution to the problem, and each adventure ends with a happy and rousing musical finale.

‘The Bandstand’ provides a lesson in overcoming fear as Faith the flautist makes her debut, combatting nerves to confidently shine, saving the day for the whole band in the process. ‘The Jewel Thief’ sees Valerie the violinist sidelined from playing a solo when world-famous soloist, Ivor Nikalot, turns up. However, through respect, patience and perseverance (not to mention the arrest of Mr. Nikalot), Valerie’s time to revel in the spotlight finally arrives. ‘The Pirates’ is a swashbuckling tale that aptly demonstrates, through the talents of Tom the trumpeter, how music can bring people together and defuse a pirate ambush!

Of interest to parents who are not trying to put their children to sleep, each of Billy’s Band books comes with a free activity CD covering pitch, tempo, dynamics, duration, texture, timbre and improvisation. With cameo performances by Nicola Benedetti (violin) and Philip Cobb (trumpet), the CDs give children and adults the opportunity to be imaginative and inventive, whilst having lots of musical fun. I can wholeheartedly recommend Billy’s Band books to anyone with little people in their life.

DAVID CHILDS

Vist www.billysband.co.uk for more information

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