cover image Wolferl: The First Six Years in the Life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756-1762

Wolferl: The First Six Years in the Life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756-1762

Lisl Weil. Holiday House, $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8234-0876-4

Of all of history's most famous musicians and composers, none had a more intriguing childhood than Mozart. Budding musician or no, who can resist hearing about the boy who played piano flawlessly by ear at age three, began composing at four and had to stand on tiptoe to reach the pedals on the church organ? Weil's use of Mozart's childhood nickname, Wolferl, instantly puts this celebrated figure on an intimate basis with her audience and sets the tone for this thoroughly accessible account. The text is peppered with the author's sprightly line drawings, enhancing the book's readability and making it a good candidate for a solo outing by older children. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)