  | Piece by piece : how Stephen Sondheim made musical puzzles come alive Author: Frankel, Erin | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Before he became a greatest lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim was a boy filled with curiosity, a boy who loved figuring out how things worked. After his parents' divorce scattered the pieces of his life, he found comfort in music. Writing musicals wasn't easy, and not everyone loved Stephen's new and unusual shows. But Stephen loved figuring it out, and loved the way the people in every show became like a family.
| Illustrator: | Innerst, Stacy |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/01/26)
School Library Journal (+) (04/01/26)
Booklist (03/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/04/26)
The Hornbook (+) (00/03/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Publishers Weekly - 02/09/2026 Frankel’s starry-eyed portrait of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) places curiosity at the heart of the musical theater virtuoso’s success. Staccato introductory lines establish Sondheim as an expert puzzle solver ("Choosing notes/ Choosing words/ Putting it all together"), and inquisitive text proceeds to spotlight the protagonist’s effort, passion, and empathy. As probing storytelling gradually pieces together the incremental steps the subject takes toward his craft: mentorship by Oscar Hammerstein II, the chance to collaborate on West Side Story, and lots of time puzzling out how music can convey emotion and more. Innerst incorporates puzzle piece shapes (some overlaid with question-driven notes-"What is the sound for loneliness?") throughout emotive, limited-palette acrylic paint, colored pencil, and ink spreads. Emphasizing process over life-writing, this incisive biography focuses firmly on Sondheim’s gift for assembling the pieces. Back matter includes an author’s note and timeline. Ages 7-10. (Apr.) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.
School Library Journal - 04/01/2026 Gr 2–5—Most music-loving adults are aware of Stephen Sondheim's many musical triumphs, but how did he do it? In this picture book biography, readers get a look at the process that Sondheim used. Rooted in his early love of puzzles, each part of the musical was a puzzle piece. He was always seeking the perfect fit, from character motivation to how words could "bounce" on the stage. Due to a compelling and clear presentation of the many ideas within these pages, there may soon be an uptick of interest in Sondheim musicals at the library. Frankel invites children to look further into the singular pieces that make them work. The author provides a generous amount of back matter for young fans and their families to dig into after reading. Innerst's illustrations forgo a realistic depiction of the subject, allowing the pictures to have their own theatricality. They are absolutely stunning and bring the author's words to life, as one would hope to do in a musical. Sondheim would approve. VERDICT This is an inspiring biography that not only teaches kids who Stephen Sondheim is but also emphasizes the importance of their own curiosity.—Anthony Murisco - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 03/01/2026 The life of celebrated theatrical composer Stephen Sondheim is told through the lens of the creative process in this new picture-book biography. Sondheim’s early life, mentorship with Oscar Hammerstein III, and later success are all highlighted, but it’s Innerst’s acrylic illustrations that take center stage. Using slightly uneven brushstrokes, unexpected panel shapes, and a muted color palette, Innerst captures a dynamic yet memoried sense of the musical genius. Puzzle pieces wander through the pages to identify essential elements of Sondheim’s life, and musical Easter eggs are hidden throughout for Sondheim fans. Frankel’s sometimes-stumbling text underscores and frames the images but largely leaves the historical information for the back matter. Understanding the text requires a basic grasp of theater concepts, so this would be perfect for an elementary-school theater program or even for impatient kids learning a new skill. A much-needed addition to fill the theater-shaped hole in a library’s biography collection. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
