Star and the Maestro: How a Musical Bird Made Melodies with Mozart

This narrative nonfiction STEAM picture book about Mozart and the singing starling who stole is heart is based on the true story of the famous composer and his bird. Written by noted biologist and author Thor Hanson and illustrated by acclaimed artist Matt Schu, this kid-friendly tribute to creativity, music, nature, and friendship includes extensive backmatter.



A long time ago in Vienna, Austria, a starling was for sale in a shop. Star wasn’t exotic or flashy, but he had a marvelous voice and could mimic intricate songs. When a passerby recognized his own musical composition being chirped, Star found a new friend in Mozart. Mozart purchased Star and took him home to his Vienna apartments, where Star and his maestro continued to compose and make music that echoed around the world, and is still played and performed today.



Star and the Maestro is based on the true story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his pet starling, Star. With a rhythmic, rhyming text and beautifully detailed illustrations, this picture book will appeal to parents, librarians, and animal and music lovers of all ages. An excellent read-aloud, this entertaining and child-friendly nonfiction picture book is about the special bond between two talented musicians and the unique ways in which humans and animals interact, and features extensive backmatter by noted biologist Thor Hanson.