Welcome to the world of Mozart. Young readers ushered into the boyhood world of this musical genius meet a fascinating subject. Mozart's father was a musician. He gave Mozart and his older sister music lessons. It was clear that both children were talented, but Papa Mozart soon realized that his son was a prodigy. The boy composed music before he learned to write words. The family lived in Salzburg, but traveled around Europe to perform for royalty when Mozart was seven years old. The excellent text gives children insight into the intriguing life of Mozart, focusing on his close knit family, music, mentors, and marriage. The black-and-white illustrations go hand-in-hand with the text, giving readers additional perspective. Interspersed throughout the text are helpful diagrams and descriptions of, for example, the parts of a violin, keyboard instruments in the 18th century, penmanship in the 18th century, and more. In addition, there is a time line of Mozart's life and a bibliography at the back of the book. This biography, which is a title in the publisher's "Who Was" series, is first rate in every way except for the unflattering illustration of Mozart on the book's cover. The caricature of Mozart with oversized head and hands over a keyboard is a bit off-putting. 2003, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Putnam, 0448431041