SOREN’S SEVENTH SONG: A Picture Book, by Dave Eggers and Mark Hoffmann, Harry N. Abrams, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 6-9)
A humpback whale tries to create a new song in Soren’s Seventh Song, written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Mark Hoffman.
Soren, a young humpback whale, loves music but is tired of the dull, droning, endless songs that are frustratingly popular among the adult whales he knows. He has ideas for better songs: shorter, up-tempo tunes with snare drums and even maracas. Unfortunately, every time he shares his new tunes with his friends, he’s met with less than encouraging feedback and even a bit of discreet whale vomiting.
In this upbeat story of resilience and tenacity, Dave Eggers offers readers of all ages essential creative advice: your first drafts are probably terrible. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
Soren’s Seventh Song is exactly the type of book that you want to read aloud to a classroom and have them create their own songs to go along with it. Yes, it would be a cacophony, but it would also be so much fun.
Dave Eggers’ tongue-in-cheek text has just the right amount of “raised eyebrows” to it. It’s witty. It’s charming. And, yes, sure, it has a message about creativity and persistence, but that’s not what will bring back repeat readers. Instead, it’s the fun element that will get them hooked.
Artist Mark Hoffman’s illustrations pick up Eggers’ deadpan humor and build upon it. He makes good use of his space, giving readers a sense of scale. His whales are bigger than life with their antics and lively expressions.
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