The Trumpet of the Swan

By: E. B. White

Narrated by: E.B. White

Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Louis is a Trumpeter Swan, but he has no voice. Though he is frightened when his father explains to him that he is different from the other cygnets, Louis is resourceful and determined. Leaving his wild and beautiful home, he finds a young human friend, Sam Beaver, who helps him learn to read and write. When he returns to the lake, Louis discovers his education isn't enough: the beautiful swan he loves, Serena, can't read his declarations of love, and he can't trumpet them. Louis' resolution to win the swan of his desire launches him on an adventure that will take him far from home and lead where fate and love have a few surprises in store.

With humor and lyric beauty, E.B. White tells a timeless tale of love, courage, and freedom that will capture the imagination of every listener.

©1970 E.B. White (P)1992 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"In his New England drawl, E.B. White captures our imagination with his splendid reading of his classic children's tale." (AudioFile)

Love this book!!!!!!

I have listened to it 15 times and I always love it and I hope to listen to it again

An excellent classic our children look forward to revisiting

Well written and another great story by E.B. White. His voice was soothing yet entertaining and clear.

Wonderful children's story to be enjoyed by anyone

This is a wonderful story about a trumpeter swan who cannot make a sound. There is nature, adventure, morality, and romance all in this one small book. It is purely fictitious, for the swan learns to read and write (and other amazing things). Yet, the descriptions of the swans are very educational and entertaining. For example, the scene in which the swan builds her nest was quite informative yet very engaging. The author narrates and has a wonderful voice and style. It's a book we have listened to several times, yet it never gets old. My children were about 5 and 8 when we first listened to it. At 11 and 14 we recently listened again, with equal pleasure.

classic and lovely

EB White, as a writer, practices what he preaches, and his narrative grabs a reader from the first page.
He is one of those few authors that SHOULD narrate their own stories, with both a lovely sense of pacing, and a voice that lulls a listener into rapt attention to the story. Both his words and his voice weave a rich tapestry that children AND parents can enjoy.

Keepers

Of course a beautiful sweet dance in life of two special souls in imagination of a child between a preteen boy and graceful passionate swan who blew a long life of trumpeting together...I loved it fondly because I love swans and little children....

Great book!

This book is funny weird and cool I loved it!read this book!read it read it read it!!!!!!!!!!! Good job E.B White

a great feel good story

This is a great feel good story for kids, but also enjoyable listening for adults

A new favorite!

To hear Mr. White read this himself was an absolute pleasure. My family, from my husband to my son who is 10 to my daughter who is 3 LOVED this story from beginning to end. As soon as we finished listening my 8-year-old asked to start it again!

Nostalgia

I loved this book as a little girl. I had a lot of it memorized. It is nice to step back and remember reading this :)

E.B. White’s beautiful narration

Mr. White’s comforting and dear narration of his beloved book, The Trumpet of the Swan is exquisite in its’ simplicity and elegance of prose. We are so very lucky that he made this endearing recording. 💜💜