A new year is a perfect time for a calendar but this charming book will work at any time of year!

Richard Kershaw has based his 12  tunes on a nineteenth century children's poem about the months of the year, and in each one you can really see the connection. For example, Dancing Daffodils of March is a waltz, May Sheep Safely Graze is an Andante Pastorale in 6/8, and Chill December quotes Jingle Bells. There is a Gershwin-type feel to some of the harmonies and the tunes are very appealing. The accompaniments have an important role to play and the ensemble aspect of learning these pieces makes them all the more valuable. February's Gentle Rain is so beautiful and is a great illustration of what a delightful book this is.