The Sound of Picture Books
It is with deep regret due to artist illness that we have to cancel The Sound of Picture Books in 2022.
2022 has once again been a year of upheaval and even with borders opening the spread of omicron has impacted our programs.
This is a very unique and precious project to its creator Matt Ottley, the WASO musicians and associated artists and to The Literature Centre. We appreciate your continued support and hope to bring it back to you refreshed and better than ever in 2023.
All schools, parents and students who have already booked will be contacted and money will be refunded through Eventbrite.
How to Make a Bird and Afloat in Venice
The Literature Centre, in partnership with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Yamaha, and Australian Piano Warehouse, is proud to present The Sound of Picture Books.
Developed in partnership with artist Matt Ottley, The Sound of Picture Books is a multi-modal and immersive performance that combines music, visual images, and narration to bring picture books to life. These unique performances are tailored to the age groups attending and reveal the story behind the story.
The cast includes Matt Ottley, Tina Wilson, Meg McKinlay, 7 superb WASO musicians and Alf Demasi on piano. In each session hear the story narrated live by the author (Tina or Meg) as the images are shown on a large screen and the music is performed live. Matt also shares some of his composition techniques and his journey from story to score. Your students will adore the fun and interactive nature of these performances.
2022 Feature Books
How To Make A Bird by Meg McKinlay, illustrations/music by Matt Ottley
Tailored to suit Year 4-6 and Secondary students. Discover this moving and visually stunning picture book. We shadow the protagonist as she contemplates the blueprint of an idea and collects the things that inspire the natural world to shape a bird. She breathes life into it before letting it fly free. Small things, combined with imagination and heart, transform into works of magic.
Afloat In Venice by Tina Wilson & Joan Wilson, music by Matt Ottley
Tailored to suit Pre-primary to Year 4 students. Afloat in Venice is an engaging adventure story. Monkey can't wait to use his new camera in Venice... but along the way, he discovers something more precious than sightseeing! Don't miss this heartwarming story that touches on the value of friendship.
Dates & Venues
Fremantle Performances
Venue: The Literature Centre, corner Hampton Rd and Knutsford St, Fremantle.
Duration: 1 hour, tailored to year levels booked. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to performances.
Dates & Times For Schools
Afloat In Venice
Thursday 8 September and Friday 16 September
9.30am, 11.15am and 1.00pm sessions.
Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
How To Make A Bird
Friday 9 September and Thursday 15 September
9.30am, 11.15am and 1.00pm sessions.
Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Please contact us to discuss any unique class or home school group situations.
Cost: $12 per student. Parents/teachers accompanying school classes are free. Other Adults: $12 per person.
Bookings: We are using a new booking system that requires payment upfront.
Performances may be subject to change.
Bunbury Performances
Venue: Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, 5 Allen Road, Gelorup
Feature Books: Afloat In Venice and How To Make A Bird
Duration: 1 hour, tailored to year levels booked. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to performances.
Dates & Times at the School: (other schools welcome)
Monday 12 September
11.15am – Afloat In Venice. Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
Tuesday 13 September
9.30am – Afloat In Venice. Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
Monday 12 September
1.15pm – How To Make A Bird. Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Tuesday 13 September
11.15am – How To Make A Bird. Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
1.15pm – How To Make A Bird. Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Cost: $12 per student. Parents/teachers accompanying school classes are free. Other Adults: $12 per person.
Bookings: We are using a new booking system that requires payment upfront.
Performances may be subject to change.
Feedback
Hear what others had to say about previous performances of The Sound of Picture Books in recent years:
The excursion provides for a very memorable and enjoyable mode of learning. The children will remember the experience for many years to come. - A. Debrel, East Narrogin PS
My second visit to the Sound of Picture Books. Everyone was thoroughly engaged – adults and children alike. The session was fun and informative. I thought the music Matt composed was beautiful and fitted the text so well. The illustrations were just beautiful. - J. Wilkinson, Bibra Lake PS
Music combined with narratives makes for a wonderful experience. I love to draw so I found Matt Ottley inspiring and Danny Parker (Parachute author) is so engaging and entertaining it is hard not to walk away loving books. - L. Sanderson, Foundation Christian College
It was lovely to see the book brought to life with music and film. Children enjoyed seeing it and hearing the instruments. - G. Hopetown-Smith
Please keep doing this as I thought It taught the children so much, especially writing a music score and how all the instruments came together at the end. I learned so much - how important the illustrator is, how simple a story can be, and most importantly, the characters. - A. Watkins
Thank you
A contribution to The Sound of Picture Books has been made by the Gabby Arts Legacy Trust. Our thanks for their ongoing and generous support of this unique performance experience in Western Australia.