The Story Orchestra Series
By Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Interactive retellings of classical stories introduce young listeners to orchestras, composers and first musical adventures.
enchanting · interactive · musical · festive
Pageticker community rating
Average 4.87, from 54 readers
What is The Story Orchestra series by Jessica Courtney-Tickle about?
First published in 2016, The Story Orchestra is an interactive picture-book series created by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, with several adaptations by Katy Flint. Each title retells a ballet, opera or programme-music story, pairing clear, child-friendly narration and detailed scenes with press-to-play orchestral excerpts. The series progresses from Vivaldi’s changing seasons through fairy tales, animal adventures, Shakespeare and journeys among the planets, with later books introducing simple piano playing. Best for ages 4–8, it suits curious listeners and budding musicians. Some titles include mild peril, frightening characters, curses or tense scenes.
Genres
About the author
Jessica Courtney-Tickle is a talented British illustrator and author who loves bringing stories to life with her colourful artwork. She is well known for illustrating the popular 'Story Orchestra' series, where music and stories come together. Jessica enjoys using her imagination to create magical worlds that inspire children to explore, dream, and have fun with reading.
All the books in The Story Orchestra series
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
On Christmas Eve, Clara’s nutcracker springs to life, leading her towards a mysterious battle.
Published: 2017
The Story Orchestra: Swan Lake
by Katy Flint
On his birthday, Prince Siegfried discovers the swans hide a magical secret and a dangerous curse.
Published: 2019
The Story Orchestra: The Planets
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Helen and Tim blast off in a rocket-bed, but what will Holst’s planets reveal?
Published: 2023
The Story Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals
by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
What magical animal kingdom is hiding behind the brothers’ bookcase, waiting to play?
The Story Orchestra: Magic Flute
by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Can Tamino’s magic flute and Papageno’s enchanted bells outwit dragons and save Pamina?
The Story Orchestra: The Sleeping Beauty
by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
A joyful celebration turns into a mysterious sleep when wicked magic strikes Aurora.
The Story Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Can Peter outwit the nearby wolf and save his animal friends without Grandfather discovering?
The Story Orchestra: In the Hall of the Mountain King
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Peer Gynt meets mountain trolls—but will adventure teach this proud wanderer humility?
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle and Fanny Ducasse
How can one day with Pickle whirl Isabelle through spring, summer, autumn and winter?
The Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night's Dream
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
When spells tangle love and laughter, who will escape the enchanted woods unchanged?
The Story Orchestra: I Can Play
by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Can young musicians unlock eight famous melodies using just fourteen colourful piano keys?
The Story Orchestra: Hansel and Gretel
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Lost in a mysterious forest, Hansel and Gretel find a delicious-looking house hiding a terrifying secret.
The Story Orchestra: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Alice tumbles underground, changes size, hears magical music and meets a very cross queen.
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