The Conductor: A Tale of Beautiful Music

This book is lovely, though I wish it wasn't so long, as it is awkward on the bookshelf. The pencil sketches are well done, and the story is moving. At the end I asked my 7 year old who the conductor was, and she knew straight away it was Jesus. There is no mention of that in the book, but the parallels and some of the language makes it very clear. I enjoyed reading it, but it is not one we will read over and over again. One I would recommend to read once or twice, and share with others. A great reminder of how we (the church) need to love each other, use our gifts to serve each other, and always keep our eyes on Jesus. I would recommend it most for 8-12 year olds. And it helps if they have some interest in music.

I heard the author read this some time ago, and have been meaning to purchase a copy ever since. It's a lovely allegory using the instruments of a symphony orchestra, and their conductor, to explain Biblical principles of following Jesus, being created by him, being imperfect but loved anyway, and each instrument (or person) having been purposed and positioned to play their own role. The story displays, and explains, all of these without ever being preachy, teachy, or explicitly Christian, which is a great way to begin a conversation. I love the illustrations - many could stand alone as artworks - and feel this is a book that, while simple enough for children to listen to, or for confident readers to read alone, has a place with adults as well.