Author Dan Brown may be best known for his thriller novels, including the mega hit The Da Vinci Code, but his latest publication comes in the form of a children’s book called Wild Symphony. Set to be published later this year, the book will also be accompanied by an album of classical music, composed by Brown himself.
The book will be published by Penguin Random House and will be released on 1st September in over 26 different territories. Brown’s composing will be the first time the author has released music since he became a professional writer. The classical album that will accompany the book is said to “enhance(s) the read-aloud into a multi-sensory experience for children and adults to listen to and read together”.
As The Bookseller reports, music publisher Boosey & Hawkes has distribution rights to the printed music, which was recorded by the Zagreb Festival Orchestra in Croatia. The album will be released alongside the book in September and will be available on all major digital music platforms.
The story of the children’s book follows a ‘Maestro Mouse’ as he visits his friends, from cheetahs to blue whales. The synopsis reads: “Each beautifully illustrated spread is dedicated to a different animal and offers a piece of mindful wisdom for navigating life. These pieces of wisdom will inspire conversations around themes of compassion, patience, respect and confidence, as well as mindfulness, taking life slowly and community. Susan Batori’s illustrations add child-friendly humour, and additional clues and puzzles are hidden in the detailed backgrounds for interested readers of all ages.”
While Brown is also working on a new Robert Langdon novel, he says his children’s book is influenced by Peter and the Wolf, as well as many books he enjoyed as a child. “I love storytelling,” he said, “and my novels always attempt to weave together varied themes. With Wild Symphony, I was excited to build on this idea and create a truly layered experience by using three different languages simultaneously—art, music, and words.”
Francesca Dow, m.d. of Penguin Random House Children’s UK said of the book: “Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony is a ground-breaking publication, weaving together and playing upon the power of words, illustration and music to create an immersive experience for the child reader. Simultaneously playful and thought-provoking, this is a book we are incredibly honoured to be publishing, and excited to share with children around the world.”
A live performance of Wild Symphony will make its debut later in the year and a concert tour will follow which will kick off a world tour that features a full orchestra. For more details, visit wildsymphony.com.
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