Ages 8+1-min guideAnimalsClassic
The Trumpet of the Swan
by E.B. White
Good fitA great fit for most kids 8 and up. Gentle and funny, about a swan who can’t speak and finds his voice.
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What it’s about
Louis is a trumpeter swan born without a voice. His father steals a trumpet for him, and Louis works as a musician to pay back the money.
The ending
What might come up
StealingA littleLouis’s father steals the trumpet, and Louis pays for it.
Big feelingsA littleFeeling different.
ViolenceA littleA storekeeper shoots and wounds Louis’s father.
LanguageNone
RomanceA littleA sweet swan romance.
Why kids like it
A swan who plays trumpet, writes on a slate and goes to school.
Free printable quiz
- 1What is Louis missing?
- 2What does his father steal?
- 3Who is the swan Louis loves?
- 4Who is Louis’s human friend?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
