The compelling story of the Italian composer Bellini’s rise to fame, and his forbidden love, Maddalena.

A picture book about the young musician, Bellini, and the tragic love story behind his ascension to fame and glory.

Bellini is a young music student in Naples. He gives singing lessons to the beautiful Maddelena and they form a strong bond. A bond similar to a pair of love birds. When Maddelena’s family forbid them to marry, they are forced to only write to each of their love and trust. When Bellini leaves Naples to compose his famous operas, their love is put to the ultimate test.

Creators

Errol Broome grew up in Perth and after an Arts degree at the University of WA, she began her career as a newspaper journalist. Reporting taught her to write clearly – and to stick to the facts.
After starting a family, Errol decided to tackle a long held ambition, to write a book, and began with short stories which won several prizes. More than thirty books have followed, many short-listed and winners of awards, as well as being widely published overseas.
Song of the Dove is her first picture book with Walker Books Australia.

The child of German immigrants, Sonia first developed an appreciation of illustration through the story books sent to her by her Grandmother. So at the age of four she decided to become an illustrator after she successfully drew her first duck. She went on to study Visual Communication at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Sonya’s work has appeared in many magazines and books, including the award-winning Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children (Penguin) written by Jen Storer. Sonia is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Reviews

… This handsome and truly romantic tale …This is a special book for a special reader and would be a boon for teachers of music or any who recognize the importance of ‘the arts’ in a truly liberal education.

Reading Time

Simply yet evocatively told, beautifully produced and stunningly illustrated…

Kids' Book Review

Keep your eyes peeled for Song of the Dove a love story… it has to be seen to be truly appreciated….possibly one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I have seen for a long time. What a stunning introduction to classical music history.

The Book Gryffin

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