Synopses & Reviews
Like most dogs, Jake loves playing fetch. Unlike most dogs, Jake loves music even more. He loves to wag his tail to the beat of an ordinary day and "sing" with the birds. When his friend Richie, the principal stagehand at the Philharmonic, brings Jake to work one day, Jake is treated to a lesson in real music. He "woofs!" to the tweeting woodwinds and "ruffs!" to the deep horns, but when he hears the entire symphony orchestra practice, he knows to be quiet and listen. And when a crisis develops at that night's performance, Jake steps onstage and steals the show. Inspired by the real-life mascot of the New York Philharmonic, Jake the Philharmonic Dog is a pitch-perfect introduction to the different sounds and instruments of the orchestra.
Review
"More Bach than bark! This is a wonderful read for dog lovers, music lovers, and any child who loves a good story. Jake is certain to win Best in Show." --Itzhak Perlman, world-renowned violinist
"This is a sheer delight. The world needs lots of Jakes. It's a must for kids of all ages, and a great introduction to the magical world of the orchestra." --Beverly Sills, American opera singer and international opera star
"I have met Jake backstage at the Philharmonic, and he is a friendly dog with heroic qualities, like Snoopy, Toto, Nana, and Old Yeller, worthy of a book. Life at a great orchestra is much more fun with a good dog nearby."
--Garrison Keillor, author and host of A Prairie Home Companion
"Karen LeFrak has written an enchanting story for children that is also an outstanding introduction to the world of the orchestra." --Lorin Maazel, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic
About the Author
Karen LeFrak is a philanthropic New Yorker involved in many charitable endeavors in the city and state, including being an active member of the New York Philharmonic Board of Directors. She is an avid dog-lover, breeding and showing champion poodles. Karen and two of her retired champion poodles visit pediatric units in hospitals to provide animal-assisted therapy. She is married to Richard LeFrak, President of the LeFrak Organization, and they have two sons, Harrison and James. Together they divide their time between Manhattan and Southampton, with their flock of poodles. Karen will be donating her proceeds from this book to the New York Philharmonic.
Marcin Baranski doesn't own a dog yet, but after completing this book, he thinks that one might be the perfect addition to his new garden. Over the past six years, he has a become well-known illustrator for Cosmopolitan magazine. Marcin is an illustrator and a painter, and he lives in Krakow, Poland, with his wife and son. This is Marcin's first children's book.