The Song for Everyone; Lucy Morris

Lucy Morris’ debut picture book is special; a gorgeous story that offers joy and hope to anyone lucky enough to read it.

No one in town noticed the small window perched way up high until the day that a gentle and beautiful tune came from it. The sweet melody that pours out onto the street below has a magical effect on the people and animals that it touches; loneliness is forgotten, weary bodies are reenergised and happiness and kindness lift the spirits of the villagers. But when the music stops and gloom descends, the town must work together to bring sweet melodies back into their lives…

The pleasures of music and the power it has to help people, to comfort hearts and minds and to bring communities together sings its joyful song throughout the pages of this uplifting story. Comforting, heart-warming and healing, this beautiful read is one to share together and to get lost in the thoughts of marvellous melodies, touching tunes and soul-stirring songs.

Without using any musical notation, Morris’ wonderful representation of flowers as music sweeps its way effortlessly through the pages, working its way into the hearts and souls of the villagers. As the sweet sounds from the unknown source in the window gently wrap themselves around people and animals, they provide the messages that need to be heard. A lonely and sad town of lost souls wonderfully transforming into one full of warmth, kindness and hope. And after experiencing music’s transformative power the villagers are desperate for it not to disappear, the despair pouring from the page when the song stops. While the loss of the mystery voice brings sadness, the seeds have been sown and young voices are determined to bring about permanent change, something that will resonate with children and empower them to use their own voices. A wonderful ending explodes in a crescendo of mellifluous melody and reveals a surprising songstress.

I couldn’t imagine not having music in my life and I know exactly what songs I need to hear to lift me up on a grey day. We all connect with music in different ways, songs and melodies can make us feel happy or sad, energised or weary, excited or nervous, brave or frightened. Charmingly told and beautifully illustrated, The Song for Everyone is a gentle exploration of some of these emotions and feelings and how music feeds them.

With huge thanks to Bloomsbury for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 3+.