Piece by Piece: How Stephen Sondheim Made Musical Puzzles Come Alive

Frankel’s starry-eyed portrait of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) places curiosity at the heart of the musical theater virtuoso’s success. Staccato introductory lines establish Sondheim as an expert puzzle solver (“Choosing notes/ Choosing words/ Putting it all together”), and inquisitive text proceeds to spotlight the protagonist’s effort, passion, and empathy. As probing storytelling gradually pieces together the incremental steps the subject takes toward his craft: mentorship by Oscar Hammerstein II, the chance to collaborate on West Side Story, and lots of time puzzling out how music can convey emotion and more. Innerst incorporates puzzle piece shapes (some overlaid with question-driven notes—“What is the sound for loneliness?”) throughout emotive, limited-palette acrylic paint, colored pencil, and ink spreads. Emphasizing process over life-writing, this incisive biography focuses firmly on Sondheim’s gift for assembling the pieces. Back matter includes an author’s note and timeline. Ages 7–10. (Apr.)