Star and the Maestro: How a Musical Bird Made Melodies with Mozart

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

This narrative nonfiction STEAM picture book about Mozart and the singing starling who stole is heart is based on the true story of the famous composer and his bird. Written by noted biologist and author Thor Hanson and illustrated by acclaimed artist Matt Schu, this kid-friendly tribute to creativity, music, nature, and friendship includes extensive backmatter.  

A long time ago in Vienna, Austria, a starling was for sale in a shop. Star wasn’t exotic or flashy, but he had a marvelous voice and could mimic intricate songs. When a passerby recognized his own musical composition being chirped, Star found a new friend in Mozart. Mozart purchased Star and took him home to his Vienna apartments, where Star and his maestro continued to compose and make music that echoed around the world, and is still played and performed today.Star and the Maestro is based on the true story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his pet starling, Star. With a rhythmic, rhyming text and beautifully detailed illustrations, this picture book will appeal to parents, librarians, and animal and music lovers of all ages. An excellent read-aloud, this entertaining and child-friendly nonfiction picture book is about the special bond between two talented musicians and the unique ways in which humans and animals interact, and features extensive backmatter by noted biologist Thor Hanson.

About the Author

Dr. Thor Hanson is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Switzer Environmental Fellow, and an award-winning author and biologist. His books include The Triumph of Seeds, The Impenetrable Forest, Feathers, and the illustrated children's favorite Bartholomew Quill. Thor Hanson's writing has earned many accolades, including the John Burroughs Medal, the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, and two Pacific Northwest Book Awards. His many media appearances have included NPR's Fresh Air, PRI's The World and Science Friday, The Current on CBC, and Book Lust with Nancy Pearl. He lives with his wife and son on an island in the Pacific Northwest.Matt Schu is the illustrator of Cut!: How Lotte Reiniger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation, My Cat Does Ballet, The Islands of Elsewhere, and Cosmic Collisions: Asteroids vs. Comet. He studied art and design at the University of Oregon and worked as a graphic designer and editorial illustrator before switching his focus to book illustration and fine art. Matt Schu lives in Portland, Oregon.