In an age where digital screens dominate our lives, it takes a truly original concept to captivate the imaginations of young readers and draw them back to the tactile joy of a physical book. Enter “The Five Birds and the Cat Queen,” an innovative narrated musical children’s book that does just that. Crafted by Jeff Cortazzo, a figure who stands out in both the realms of classical music and literature, this book stands as a beacon of creativity in children’s education.
“The Five Birds and the Cat Queen” is not merely a storybook; it is an immersive experience that combines vivid storytelling with enchanting classical music, designed to introduce children to the world of auditory art while engaging them in a colorful narrative. Aimed at pre-readers and young readers alike, this unique offering also appeals to parents, grandparents, and caregivers who can share in the adventure through its free author-narrated soundtrack.
With each turn of the page triggered by a finger snap within the soundtrack, readers are invited into a richly illustrated world where five vibrant birds embark on an adventurous quest to discover which among them is the most beautiful. This journey unfolds across pages filled with captivating illustrations and quatrains—a testament to Cortazzo’s prowess not only as a musician but also as an author and illustrator.
Critics from platforms like Online Book Club have lauded the book for its perfection in blending stunning visuals with words that are accessible yet engaging for young minds. Similarly, Reedsy celebrates its magical pairing with an accompanying audiobook that features meticulously curated music. Amazon reviews echo these sentiments, highlighting how “The Five Birds and the Cat Queen” stands out for its vivid colors, digestible text, and unprecedented musical accompaniment.
What sets this project apart is not just its narrative or visual appeal but its sophisticated musical layer. Composed by Cortazzo himself and performed by a professional wind quintet, the accompanying music elevates this book from being merely read to being experienced. Cortazzo’s credentials are impeccable—his national reputation as a musician is well-established through his performances with prestigious ensembles like The National Philharmonic and The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.
Jeff Cortazzo’s journey into creating “The Five Birds and the Cat Queen” draws upon his lifelong passion for drawing cartoons, his profound musical expertise gained at institutions like The Catholic University of America where he earned his DMA in Music Composition, and his service as bass trombonist with The Army Blues. Inspired by his experiences performing live scores for school children across America, Cortazzo saw an opportunity to fuse visual art with live music performance through interactive picture books.
This initiative offers more than just home entertainment; it extends an invitation for schools to bring these stories alive through live performances by college or professional wind quintets. Such engagements not only enrich children’s literary experiences but also introduce them to classical music in an accessible manner.
Recorded at Bias Studios under Tom Tyra’s engineering expertise with contributions from many notable musicians, “The Five Birds and the Cat Queen” soundtrack stands as a testimony to high-quality production values matching its artistic vision.
The Five Birds And The Cat Queen is the first book in a planned series of 5 books. The second book is a sequel to the first and should be published by early 2025.
For those interested in delving deeper into this harmonious blend of storytelling and classical music or exploring potential live performances for educational purposes, more information can be found at fivebirdsadventures.com. Here lies not just a book but an innovative platform poised to spark curiosity about classical music among young minds while reaffirming the enduring power of printed stories—all encapsulated within Jeff Cortazzo’s visionary creation: “The Five Birds and the Cat Queen.”
Published by: Josh Tatunay
