The Trumpet of the Swan

By E. B. White

Pictures by Edward Frascino

Copyright 1970

I’ve had this set of three E.B. White books for almost as long as I can remember.  While I read both Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little many times, The Trumpet of the Swan never caught my attention.  Last week, I decided to give it a go.

Louis is a trumpeter swan who was unfortunately born without a voice.  His parents worried that this disability would prohibit him from living a full life.  Louis was befriended by Sam Beaver, a boy who loves all wild animals.  In an effort to help his friend, Sam decides to bring Louis to school with him.  Being a very intelligent swan, Louis quickly learns to read and write.  Before flying back to his family, Louis is given a slate and chalk that hangs around his neck so he can always communicate in writing.  Of course, when he returns to the pond, he finds that none of the other swans can read, so they have no idea what Louis is doing. 

 

In an effort to help his son, Louis’s father flies to the city, crashes through the window of a music store and steals a trumpet for his son.  Louis learns to play beautifully.  And not just a honking swan call, but taps, reveille, and full songs!  The trouble is, Louis feels guilty about his father stealing from the store so he sets off to raise money to pay back the debt.  Along the way, he has many adventures and meets the love of his life.  Although he does question at first whether or not his beloved Serena really loves him, or is just attracted to his possessions.

After many interesting jobs, Louis not only flies around with a slate and chalk and a trumpet, but also a life-saving medal from camp and a very full money bag.  He sometimes questions the wisdom of being encumbered by so many possessions, but keeps working hard so he can pay off his father’s debt.

Being a swan, Louis is apparently unaware of the cost for the trumpet and repairs to the store, and ends up with much more than is necessary.  What does he do with the extra money after paying the debt?  He donates it all to the Audubon Society of course.  

This book contained more lessons on money and material possessions than I realized.

• It’s not right to steal. 

• Work to pay off your debt. 

• Earning lots of money but giving up your freedom isn’t worth it.

• Possessions can weigh you down.

• Give away what you don’t need.

All so very true!