I’ve been utterly enchanted by the beautiful illustrations by Devon Holzworth, and by Shannon Stocker’s wonderful writing, for the children’s book ‘Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion’ since it was released. It seemed the perfect story to read aloud, so please enjoy my attempt at doing so! I hope you and your families enjoy watching and reading along with me.

You’ll find the link to the full read-through on YouTube here.

Video Details:
Evelyn Glennie reads ‘Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion’
Written by Shannon Stoker
Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Published by Penguin Random House (Puffin Books UK, Dial Books USA)

In this video, Evelyn introduces herself and then reads the beautifully written and illustrated story about her unique journey. She is sat in front of some blue shelves, which are full of percussion instruments from around the world. In front of her is a table, with a black table-cloth featuring white musical notes. On the table to her right (our left) we can see her very first set of drum sticks, and on her left (our right) we can see her very first snare drum, which her parents purchased for her when she was 12. She holds a copy of ‘Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion’ in her hands, as she reads the book to us.

About ‘Listen’
which is available in all good bookshops and through our online shop:

This inspiring picture book for 4-8 year old children, written by Shannon Stocker, tells the true story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

This is a story of music.
Of obstacles.
Of strength and hard work.
Of all you can accomplish when you dream.

As a child, Evelyn Glennie’s ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen…

“No. You can’t,” people said.
But Evelyn knew she could. She had found her own way to listen.

With stunning illustrations from Devon Holzwarth, and a special note from Evelyn Glennie herself, this is the perfect book to inspire children to never give up on their dreams.