This is a picture book about a king who outlawed music because all the musicians sounded so horrible.  That is, until one enterprising group invented musical notation so that they could play together, harmonizing their sound.  Based on real historical events from the time of Emperor Charlemagne around 800 A.D., which are explained in a detailed Author’s Note in the back, this picture book is an excellent addition to a school library.  In addition to the history lesson, several medieval instruments are introduced including the pipe, tabor, mandolin, contrabass recorder, sackbut and harp.  The illustrations are comical and weave in musical sounds and notations.  I can’t wait to share this wonderful new addition with our Music Teacher at school.