Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute

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What can go wrong when a nephew and niece go on vacation to their aunt's creepy cottage? Rumor has it that scary creatures live in the attic, and music is often heard from up there. Fynn, in particular, wants to know the truth, and one night he ventures into the attic to shed light on the mystery. What will he find? By reading Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute by Once Upon a Dance, you will find the answer to the question and solve the mystery with Freya and Fynn. In addition, you will learn to dance with Ballerina Konora, who will teach you the movements that express the story. Are you ready to read and have fun?

There are many illustrated books for children, but I have not come across a book that tells a story, has beautiful pictures, and even adds dance moves for young readers to try. This is the first feature of Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute that catches the eye (each page has these three elements), and it is something that I find inspiring, educational, and innovative. Once Upon a Dance's book is perfect for introducing kids to both reading and dancing. The movements are great exercises, especially considering the sedentary lifestyle of many children. Furthermore, the story of Freya and Fynn has a magical charm that invites you to fantasize. It is fun to follow the two children on their adventure in the attic. I never imagined finding a book like Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute. I highly recommend it for its unique features. 

—Readers Favorite (Astrid Iustulin)

Siblings Freya and Flynn love visiting their Aunt Gail; even the journey to her island home is an adventure! Though Aunt Gail’s cottage can be unsettling in the dark because of its creaky floorboards, surrounding darkness, and spooky cobwebs, daylight sets any troubling thoughts aside. When noises in the attic awaken Flynn in the middle of the night and he goes to investigate, he discovers the source of stories told in town and the purpose of his aunt’s mysterious magic flute.
 

This latest in the canon of stories by Once Upon a Dance is a delightful Halloween read, incorporating ghosts and zombies in a suspenseful and dance-centered context. Like the others in the series, the book is subdivided into three segments, with illustrations on the left side of the spread and the narrative sharing space on the right side with instructions for readers to attempt to move their bodies along with the story. Images of Ballerina Konora give readers ideas of how to express themselves based on the narrative, but there is ample flexibility to bring the story to life however readers prefer.
 

Colorful, expressive illustrations support the plot, highlighting specific elements like the age of Aunt Gail’s cottage and the exciting ferry trip to get there. Dancers appear in many of the images, reminding readers of the importance of movement and physical expression throughout the book. The whimsical nature of both the magical flute and the mysterious attic visitors are clearly depicted in the illustrations, enhancing their connection to one another through the charming visuals. Detailed and engaging, the pictures are a delightful component of this enjoyable tale.
 

Dancers of all ages and backgrounds will love joining in with the myriad characters in this book, especially around the Halloween holiday. While there is a spooky component, however, the overall message features the importance of familial love and doing what is necessary to keep others safe. Magical and heartwarming, this story can be experienced in many different ways, whether readers wish to enjoy the tale on its own or are ready to bring it to life through movement. This is a lovely addition to library collections for elementary school-aged readers who love to move. 

—Mary Lanni, Indepentdent/Librarian Reviewer

Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute by Once Upon a Dance is a Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers (Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories for Young Movers). Freya and Finn are off to Aunt Gail’s cottage by the beach and they can’t wait. They’ve heard rumors of strange creatures living in the attic and they want to see if these are true. When Fynn hears noises in the night, he sets off to investigate and discovers that the rumors might just be true and what the fantastic flute is for. Frey has to step in to help Fynn fight a series of weird of wonderful creatures in an adventure they and you will never forget.

Freya, Finn, and the Fantastic Flute by Once Upon a Dance is an amazing kids' picture book. It’s more than just a story to read to the kids, though. This is one that gets them involved, gets them up and moving about, with descriptions and photos of dance movements they can do throughout the story. This is a truly interactive book, allowing kids and adults to enter the story for themselves, and encouraging creativity in how they express the story. The illustrations bring the tale even more to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and get to know the wonderful characters well. The story is well-written and evenly paced, written in a simple language that kids of all ages will understand and it encourages youngsters to get up off their butts and get moving! And it’s a great way of getting the adults reading the story moving too! Great story, ideal for all young kids and one that should be read at playgroups. 

 —Readers Favorite ( Anne-Marie Reynolds )