The Sound of Picture Books
The Literature Centre, in partnership with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Yamaha is proud to present The Sound of Picture Books.
Developed by 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, Meg McKinlay, Tina Wilson and eight WASO musicians. In each session hear the story narrated live by the author as the picture book 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.
Featured 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.
Watch the trailers below!
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 7 September - 10.00AM, 11.30AM and 1.30PM sessions.
Thursday 14 September - 10.00AM session.
Friday 15 September - 10.00AM session.
Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
How To Make A Bird
Friday 8 September - 10.00AM and 11.30 sessions.
Thursday 14 September - 11.30AM and 1.30PM sessions.
Friday 15 September - 11.30AM session.
Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Cost: $15 per child under the age of 18. Teachers accompanying school classes are free.
Additional Adults: $20 per person.
Bookings: Reserve your tickets via
Eventbrite.
Performances may be subject to change.
Bunbury Performances
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)
Afloat In Venice
Monday 11 September - 12.00 MIDDAY session.
Tuesday 12 September - 9.30AM session.
Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
Book Now
How To Make A Bird
Monday 11 September - 1.30PM session.
Tuesday 12 September - 11.00PM and 1.00PM sessions.
Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Book Now
Cost: $15 per child under the age of 18. Teachers accompanying school classes are free.
Additional Adults: $20 per person.
Bookings: Reserve your tickets via
Eventbrite.
Performances may be subject to change.
Geraldton Performances
Venue: Queens Park Theatre, 75 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton.
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:
Afloat In Venice
Thursday 21 September - 10AM session.
Suitable: Pre-Primary to Year 4
Book Now
How To Make A Bird
Wednesday 20 September - 6PM session.
Thursday 21 September - 11.30AM session.
Suitable: Year 4-7 or Secondary
Book Now
Cost: All tickets $5 each. 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.