I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello - by Barbara S Garriel (Paperback)

About the Book

This shy fellow, a wallflower, swallows a cello, followed by many more musical instruments, until at last he burps, belches, and bellows. Imagine how the instruments make music this way. Using her love of words and music, Barbara S. Garriel has created a zany and wild new look at an old favorite, "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, " and added a surprise ending. John O'Brien's wacky and imaginative illustrations bring the read-aloud book to life.

Nominated for the EB White Read Aloud Program.

Book Synopsis

Perfect for any young reader interested in music, families who love music, and a must-have staple for music classrooms, this funny picture book is an amusing introduction to the instruments in an orchestra, featuring clever rhymes and whimsical illustrations.

Meet a shy fellow! He's hard to notice, but he's right at the side of the room listening to a duet for cello and viola. But look again -- our shy fellow suddenly has an urge to swallow a HUGE cello, which is precisely what he does. And he doesn't stop there! He also swallows a harp, a saxophone, and a fiddle while trying to satisfy his voracious appetite for musical instruments. But when he swallows a teensy, tiny, little bitty bell, you won't believe what happens! In this take-off on a classic children's song, kids will laugh out loud and learn all about musical instruments with this story that's a melodious mix of fun and frivolity.

About the Author

Barbara S. Garriel has written songs and published 14 nonfiction and fiction books for elementary and middle school readers, and resource manuals for teachers. Using her background as an educator and her gift for storytelling, she inspires students to share her enthusiasm for language, music, and nature. Barbara earned a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University and a master's degree from Teachers College of Columbia University.

John O'Brien has illustrated more than ninety books. His cartoons appear in the New Yorker and other publications. He is the only banjo- and concertina-playing children's book illustrator who is also senior lieutenant in the North Wildwood, New Jersey, Beach Patrol. He lives in Delran, New Jersey.