A magical and musical adventure, Fred and the Fantastic Tub-Tub is the latest book by author of the Gaspard the Fox series Zeb Soanes. In this illustrated picture book for ages 7-9, we follow the adventure of Fred as she travels with her grandpa to the fictional island of Papa-Nupi. Together they search for the musical plant, the Tub Tub.
This humorous and engaging adventure story was born from talks between Zeb and composer James Marangone. James wanted to create an inclusive narrated adventure that inspired children to explore sound regardless of their musical ability. The story was written to go alongside the music and is fast-paced and enjoyable with clear ‘audio clues’ that children can listen out for in the text. Accompanied by Anja Uhren’s fantastic illustrations, this a story told through three artforms: illustration, music and writing.
Fred and the Fantastic Tub-Tub has already received endorsements from various famous names. Dame Judi Dench, says, ‘Fred and the Fantastic Tub-Tub is a thrilling and wondrous adventure, where the power of music and nature inspire us all to make the world a better place’. Alan Titchmarsh MBE, calls it ‘an exciting journey into a world of enchanted flowers’.
Also included is a section on how you can reduce plastic waste alongside some ways you can re-use plastic bottles in your own garden. This inspires children to think about different ways they can help the planet and provides an important conversation starter about how plastic affects the planet and what we can do to help. Finally, the book is completed with pages encouraging children to start their own travel journal, which inspired the design of the endpapers. This task encourages creative thinking and writing and is a great way to occupy children both in and out of the classroom.
The book is a brilliant tool for teachers of Key Stage 2 children, providing opportunities to discuss a range of different subjects including science (plant species), music, literacy and creative writing, geography, art, design and technology, history and more.
The orchestral performance, which includes narration of the story by Zeb Soanes alongside the music by James Marangone, will be premiered by Orchestra Sinfonia this year, date to be confirmed.
