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The Boy Who Wanted To Rock
by David Weiser
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Overview


Written by music industry veteran David Weiser for his five-year-old son, The Boy Who Wanted to Rock takes readers on a musical journey that encourages children to learn the ropes...and swing from the ceiling! Guided by a cast of helpful and unlikely creatures, a young boy discovers that his inner monster is the key to learning and enjoying music. Beautifully illustrated by longtime friend and fellow musician Derek Lavoie, the story is a tribute to the inner child that sustains every rock 'n roller.
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Description


Intended for children ages three to eight, The Boy Who Wanted to Rock introduces fundamental concepts like rhythm and pitch, and provides a basic overview of how keyboard and fretted instruments work. An upbeat tale told in rhyme, it begins with a frustrated child in a bedroom full of instruments who goes on an adventure meeting furry instructors, and ends with rock n' roll mayhem in a cave full of monsters!


A star-studded Broadway cast joins author David Weiser in bringing The Boy Who Wanted to Rock come to life. West End star Ria Jones (Evita, Cats, Les Misérables, Sunset Boulevard UK Tour) narrates the audiobook version, and Broadway powerhouse Justin Matthew Sargent (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Rock of Ages), along with an all-star band, leads two companion rock songs. 


“Our five-year-old boy dances like there's no one watching; he doesn't know any other way,” explains Weiser, “He sings with abandon, and sometimes, he roars. In the end, I thought that if he learns something from the book, wonderful, but above all else, I wanted this story to help ensure that he never forgets how to roar.”


In recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on the theater community, Weiser will donate $2 per book sold through Bookbaby to The Actors Fund, to help provide assistance for theater workers who are currently unemployed due to the industry-wide shutdowns.

https://www.theboywhowantedtorock.com

Audiobook

Songs

As Featured on WBUR Boston Public Radio

As Featured in the Boston Globe


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About the author


David Weiser has worked as a keyboard programmer with numerous Broadway, West End, touring and televised musicals, including NBC's 2018 Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Les Miserables. His credits also include work with artists like David Bowie, The Who, and Brian Wilson. David lives outside of Boston with his wife, son, and a few goblins hanging about in the basement.

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Book details

Genre:MUSIC

Subgenre:Genres & Styles / Children's

Language:English

Pages:38

Hardcover ISBN:9780578799568


Overview


Written by music industry veteran David Weiser for his five-year-old son, The Boy Who Wanted to Rock takes readers on a musical journey that encourages children to learn the ropes...and swing from the ceiling! Guided by a cast of helpful and unlikely creatures, a young boy discovers that his inner monster is the key to learning and enjoying music. Beautifully illustrated by longtime friend and fellow musician Derek Lavoie, the story is a tribute to the inner child that sustains every rock 'n roller.

Read more

Description


Intended for children ages three to eight, The Boy Who Wanted to Rock introduces fundamental concepts like rhythm and pitch, and provides a basic overview of how keyboard and fretted instruments work. An upbeat tale told in rhyme, it begins with a frustrated child in a bedroom full of instruments who goes on an adventure meeting furry instructors, and ends with rock n' roll mayhem in a cave full of monsters!


A star-studded Broadway cast joins author David Weiser in bringing The Boy Who Wanted to Rock come to life. West End star Ria Jones (Evita, Cats, Les Misérables, Sunset Boulevard UK Tour) narrates the audiobook version, and Broadway powerhouse Justin Matthew Sargent (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Rock of Ages), along with an all-star band, leads two companion rock songs. 


“Our five-year-old boy dances like there's no one watching; he doesn't know any other way,” explains Weiser, “He sings with abandon, and sometimes, he roars. In the end, I thought that if he learns something from the book, wonderful, but above all else, I wanted this story to help ensure that he never forgets how to roar.”


In recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on the theater community, Weiser will donate $2 per book sold through Bookbaby to The Actors Fund, to help provide assistance for theater workers who are currently unemployed due to the industry-wide shutdowns.

https://www.theboywhowantedtorock.com

Audiobook

Songs

As Featured on WBUR Boston Public Radio

As Featured in the Boston Globe


Read more

About the author


David Weiser has worked as a keyboard programmer with numerous Broadway, West End, touring and televised musicals, including NBC's 2018 Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Les Miserables. His credits also include work with artists like David Bowie, The Who, and Brian Wilson. David lives outside of Boston with his wife, son, and a few goblins hanging about in the basement.

Read more

Book Reviews

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Francis
The Boy Who Wanted to Rock I was extremely interested in this book, since I'm a "seasoned" musician that grew up on Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. My daughters are in college now, but we do have younger relatives who love to see my guitars and keyboards when they visit. All of them can learn about the joys of playing an instrument, especially in an ensemble with others. What is often missed is the hours and hours of dedicated practice to become proficient. In today's world of instant gratification, the question is often "I want to be able to play my favorite songs by tomorrow", and "Is there an app for this?". "The Boy Who Wanted to Rock" addresses this in a unique fantasy adventure, with important lessons from a dog, octopus, cats, and even goblins and trolls! The artwork is stunning, and don't forget to search for the fantastic music video. Highly recommended - for children of all ages! Read more
Jason
Wonderful Book! I got this book for my nephew, since it's my job as his uncle and a professional musician to foster his love of music! It's a present and I haven't actually given it to him yet, but I read the book, and I love it! I knew it would be encouraging, but I didn't realize David Weiser would also find a wonderful, child-friendly way of teaching some basics of music theory. It's just a great story (with some amazing illustrations!) written by a true musician, and you just can't get any better than that! I almost feel like this would be a great intro book for a music theory course for kids. I hear rumors that there will be more books in this series and I can't wait to buy them! Read more