Lizzy Longlegs written by Kai Lüftner, translated by Tim Mohr and illustrated by Wiebke Rauers, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Lizzy Longlegs comes from a stern musical family that insists on playing every note the same way, without smiles or dancing. Lizzy, a punk-spirited little spider, longs to feel music in her body and to improvise and move. Tired of rote performances, she secretly organizes a lively music festival that fills her family home with diverse instruments, dancing, and joy. At first her relatives are shocked, but the contagious energy of the festival opens their hearts. By the end they loosen up and discover that music can be both precise and full of feeling. The story, told in playful rhyming verse and quirky illustrations, celebrates individuality, creativity, and the many ways people can experience music. 

I loved this book as a reader and a musician! Lizzy’s yearning to improvise and to feel the beat resonates with anyone who’s wanted to move beyond strict interpretation. The festival scene captures the transformative power of communal music-making and shows how diverse musical approaches can coexist and enrich one another. In a school library setting this book supports IB PYP transdisciplinary inquiry by connecting who we are (identity, creativity), how we express ourselves (arts), and how we organize ourselves (community events). It prompts open-ended questions and opportunities for student-led investigations into cultural music practices, improvisation, and performance etiquette. Music teachers can use the book to launch units on improvisation and listening by comparing strict vs. expressive performances. They can facilitate ensemble activities where students experiment with style, tempo, and movement. All teachers can encourage interdisciplinary projects—designing a class “music festival” that integrates art, language, and social studies. Promote social-emotional learning: empathy, respect for different musical tastes, and collaboration. The illustrations blend vintage, Regency-inspired settings with a playful punk aesthetic, using bold colors and quirky details that give each insect character clear personality. The lively, textured artwork enhances the book’s humor and emotional beats, inviting readers to linger on expressive faces and inventive costume choices.  I think most readers will enjoy this book!  A great choice for any library serving elementary aged readers.