The Trumpet of the Swan is a book you must read if you love nature, especially birds. I loved and still love birds and this book resonated with me on so many levels. Growing up, one of my favourite stories was The Ugly Duckling and this story reminded me of that one in many ways. While in this book the swan is not challenged due to his looks, he faces difficulties due to his muteness. While there is no bullying involved in the book by other animals, which was comforting in its own right, the story was well-crafted to portray the journey of each character and kept me hooked until the end.
Why I Think This Book is Worth Reading
There were many reasons that made this book a must-read. From the adorable characters to the stunning descriptions that created vivid imagery in my mind, I think that this book was like a love letter to nature and the deep rooted connection humans have to the natural world. I loved how the swans were given human-like voices which made them more relatable without overly humanizing them and leaving them more believable without making them look like humans turned into talking animals. Without further ado, let’s dive into what made me think that book is worth reading!
The Book had Interesting Characters
I was deeply invested in the fates of Sam Beaver and the cygnet Louis who was in a way the black sheep of the family, which reminded me a lot of Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web by the same author. This book was just as beautiful or even more so, at least for me as I adore birds. The fact that Louis had supportive parents, specifically his dad who goes out of the way to help his son succeed in overcoming his muteness. This book made me think deeply about the positive impact some people have had in my life, just like Louis’s dad does in his when he takes the risk to steal a trumpet for his son, putting himself in danger. I couldn’t help cheer the characters on.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in this book was witty and imbued the characters with an unforgettable personality that made them shine. The dialogue was memorable and I loved the way how Louis’s dad switched into poetic language whenever he wanted to make a speech and over-embellished things, it offered a sense of comedy which made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
Beautiful Description
I loved the vivid descriptions of the settings portrayed in the book which made me feel like I was right there with the character in an idyllic and scenic place faraway in Canada. The book painted a believable picture of the wilderness which seemed inviting and reminded me of the beauty and wonder of the outside world, especially places untouched by human activity. The book had a way of making me long to escape to a place that was quiet, serene and peaceful, which I believe can only be achieved by the best authors. It’s not just talent, it’s genius.
The Perks of Being Different
Something that really crossed my mind was that none of the things that happened to make Louis the swan special in this middle grade book wouldn’t have happened if the swan wasn’t mute. In other words, being different made him unique in a way that the more average swans couldn’t be. Sometimes our losses or shortcomings can lead us to the most beautiful places and choices in life. The fact that Louis the swan being mute was what drove him to learn the trumpet to acquire a voice, and that made him special and rare. This goes to show that perspective plays a major role in how we use our failure to take us to somewhere we never thought possible. This story teaches middle grade children and those who love reading middle grade books despite having left behind those days some time back, the value of looking at things the right way will help us turn misfortune into an advantage.
The Power of Resilience
Swans aren’t immune to challenges just as much as humans aren’t in this book. The anthropomorphic nature of the birds make them more relatable for us as human readers. Louis isn’t deterred by nature’s blow of being born mute. He uses what he has to get what he doesn’t have in a just and fair way, while restoring his father’s honour. He is a morally white character, not using or abusing anyone or rebelling without a just cause. I loved seeing Louis’ resilience in the face of brutal fate and think that his character is a great example for middle graders to emulate since we seem to find courage in short supply in the modern world (in my opinion).
Talent is a Key and it is Yours to Use
Louis uses his musical talents and puts it to the best use. He doesn’t let it stay as it is but takes the time and effort to use it to help pay his father’s debt in the most honest way. I love how honest the swans are and they are a stereotypical symbol for purity, which is well portrayed through their actions in this book. Louis doesn’t sit back and accept life for what it is, but works hard and honestly towards what it could truly become.
Persistence is Priceless
Louis keeps on preserving, undeterred by his disadvantage and tries his best to rise above his circumstances. That makes him truly brave, bold and unique. Striving for a better life despite setbacks is something truly admirable, which sets Louis apart from his brothers and sisters. He challenges fate and conquers his setbacks. One can’t help but feel deeply inspired after reading this book. True, it is about Louis, and he is a swan, but his persistence is something we can learn from, regardless of if or if not we are a middle grader.
Some Interesting Characters from the Book
This book was packed with interesting characters from Louis to Sam, it was full of characters that drove the story forward and made it come alive. I’ve never quite adored a set of fictional characters as much as I did the ones I saw in the book, The Trumpeter Swan. It was not just heartwarming to watch the characters navigate the challenges they face but it was also enlightening. The characters showed that a limitation will only remain a limitation as long as someone lets it affect their vision.
Louis
Louis is a swan, and not just any swan but a mute swan who never lets his inability to speak get in the way of living his life to his best. When his father realises that he needs a way to communicate and gets him a trumpet, Louis is delighted and he perseveres to learn the trumpet and earn the money needed to pay for the trumpet which his father got for him from the store without compensation.
Serena
Serena is a beautiful swan that wins over the heart of young Louis. But alas, despite Louis loving her very much, due to his inability to speak or sing she is not attracted to him. Serena is described as vain by Louis’ mother which I agree with, one shortcoming doesn’t make a person less worthy of love and her vanity alone is her shortcoming. But Louis is unfettered by the lack of attention from the one who won his heart and goes on to prove himself by learning to play the trumpet enrolling in a summer camp to earn some money to pay for the trumpet. While Serena is a proud swan, her pride drives Louis to become better. Looking at it from that point of view doesn’t make her look an arrogant beauty but someone who brought out the best in Louis. Perspective, I guess changes everything as in fiction and in real life.
Sam Beaver
Sam Beaver is Louis’ friend who is described as walking as an Indian (Native Indian). He has a way with animals and is a bird lover who happens upon the family of swans when he is out camping with his dad Mr Beaver. Once while observing the swans, he realises that the female swan is about to be attacked by a fox and chases it away by throwing a stick at it. When Louis hatches Louis unties his shoelace and the two form an unbreakable bond. When Louis discovers he can’t communicate with other swans due to his muteness, he decides to go and get help from Sam who helps him enroll in a school to learn how to read and write. The bond between Sam and Louis grows stronger as time passes by and Louis always turns to Sam for help when he needs it.
Mr Beaver
Mr Beaver is Sam’s father who doesn’t appear much in the book (as much as Sam), but when Louis come seeking for lodgings to his home for some time, he agrees to have Louis at his place, if the authorities agree to allow Sam to shelter Louis as trumpeter swans are an endangered species. Mr Beaver is proud of his son’s way with animals. I love the fact that Mr Beaver allows his son to learn and explore and find things out for himself even when he and Sam are in the wilderness.
Themes from the Book
There were many themes in this book that were profound and enlightening. I found that the book was packed with themes that made it suitable for not just middle grade readers but for readers who have passed those years and are much older. The themes seen in this book have a timeless element to it, which makes it an awesome read!
Voice and Communication
Louis is born without a voice and therefore must find a substitute, on top of that Louis is a swan, a cygnet in the beginning, which complicates matters. But his ever supportive father decides to help him overcome his muteness and strive to acquire his voice and reshape his destiny and future. Louis takes the necessary steps to achieve his goals and does his best to reach them. He strives to overcome his natural disavantage and turns adversity into abundance. I loved how driven Louis was to change his fortune and how honestly he did so.
The Value of Education
Louis, despite being a swan, overcomes his muteness in an unconventional way. Sometimes we need to think differently to solve a problem. Doing the same thing expecting different results will not most often lead to a different outcome. That’s where learning comes in, and that’s how Louis becomes different from the rest of the swans that he takes the initiative to educate himself. This alone sets him apart from the rest of the swans. He uses his education gained by living and in a formal setting at school with Sam as tools to fight what holds him back and turn his weakness into strength.
Freedom and Captivity
When Serena, the swan who has won Louis’ heart is trapped in a zoo and the owner wants to keep her there, Louis realises the value of freedom and calls Sam to help him out. This part of the book is heart wrenching as Louis does get to fly away unharmed but without Serena, which Louis refuses to do, but then a compromise is reached with Sam acting as the negotiator. With the help of Sam, Louis manages to win Serena’s freedom and they leave the zoo and the city behind them and return to the wilderness, where they truly belong.
Why Middle Graders Should Read This Book
There are many reasons why I think a middle grader should read this book. Not only is it a heartfelt read, it made me think about how much we can do, when some people who might have it far worse than us might be doing more than us (depending on different limitations life presents).
It Teaches the Reader to Believe in Themselves
Oftentimes no one doubts us as much as we doubt ourselves when it comes to certain areas or most areas of our lives. But we must remember that believing in yourself will undoubtedly take away the added weight or challenge someone faces when pursuing their goals or ambitions. Believing in yourself, your inner vision will help you get through phases in life when no one is cheering for you or helping you out. This is paramount to have as we can never really truly depend on anyone for everything. Things change and life can be quite challenging for us in different ways. Therefore cultivating the habit of relying on oneself as much as possible can help one move forward without being pulled back by self doubt.
The Value of Deep Bonds Between Children and Parents
This book speaks of the value of how parents can have a positive impact on youngsters by supporting them in every way they can. Bonds can be created and strengthened by the smallest thing like a kind or supportive word or action which means that deep connections are built on mutual respect and understanding.
How Perspective Can Change Life
This book clearly demonstrates the fact that everyone has strengths and weaknesses but it doesn’t mean we must stay stuck accepting them. Overcoming limitations can help us become a better version of ourselves, which is demonstrated by how Louis, without feeling downcast by his lack of resources, actively does his best to change his fortune in an honourable way.
The Value of Resilience
The value of reliance is clearly demonstrated by Louis, who takes the initiative to take matters to his hands and change what he can change. Trying to do what you can with what you have is a great lesson we all can learn, no matter wherever we might be in life. Life can be challenging and we can strive towards elevating our life with what we have, like Louis does, which in his case is his determination, good intentions and dedication. Louis demonstrates resilience in places where his courage is tested, especially when Applegate, a boy at camp, declares that he doesn’t like bids and keeps sticking to his beliefs even after Louis rescues him from drowning. This goes to show that some people, no matter what you do, will never see the good in you. I loved the fact that Louis kept going despite the setbacks he experienced.
About the Author E.B White
E.B White is the author of many children’s books. Among some of his most popular works are Charlotte’s Web and Staurt Little, which are all based on animal protagonists and have been adapted into movies. He has also co-authored a book on grammar titled ‘Elements of Style.’ E.B White is an all time favourite author that has made me think and re-evaluate life and my choices. I hope you read his timeless works and enjoy them just as much as I did.