The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White

The paperback edition of this book has very sweet and expressive illustrations by Fred Marcellino and they definitely enhanced the story for me.
My sister Ann is a fourth grade teacher and when I visited her recently, she gave me a whole list of books she  thought I would enjoy. We always talk books, and she knows I like to put good books in Gabe's hands as well. This happens to be the first one of her recent recommendations that I read. It's a sweet and tender story about a swan who doesn't have voice. His friendship with a thoughtful boy develops over the years and incredible things happen. These incredible developments don't seem unrealistic or incredible, though, within the context of the story. They just feels kind of natural as the story weaves its comfortable way along.
While the story has a wonderful message about overcoming difficulties and being observant, what I especially enjoyed was White's love of the natural world. His descriptions of the lakes and marshes are lyrical and are obviously the work of a man who loves nature. He also shares wonderful and useful information about the species he's describing.
There's also something very endearing about the somewhat formal voice of Louis, the swan, particularly when he's staying at the Ritz. Quaint and gentlemanly and reminiscent of a forgotten era! I enjoyed that part a lot. It felt a little like going back in time to a gentler era.
I also liked the character of Sam Beaver. He's an inquisitive, patient boy who's very observant. I loved his practice of journaling every night, and ending each journal entry with a question to ponder. I'm hoping Gabe will like this practice, too, and maybe understand why I frequently ask him, "Did you ask any good questions at school today?" Maybe this book will awaken some inquisitive impulses in him, too! I know he's inquisitive, but for some reason, he doesn't like to show it.
Here's what I plan to write in the front of the book: Dear Gabriel, I hope you like this book as much as I do! Your Aunt Ann recommended it to me. I think you will like it because you love animals, and this book has a lot of very interesting animals in it. I also think you will like Sam Beaver, one of the main characters. He's a loyal friend, and I think you will like him, too. Enjoy!