Book cover for Bravo for Backstage! by Mary Rand Hess and Randy Preston
2025 Released
40 Pages
1 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Paperback Unavailable
Free Spirit PublishingISBN 9798885544030

Discover the magic behind the scenes!

Oscar dreams of being in the spotlight, but when the lead role in the school play goes to someone else, he finds himself in an unexpected role--stage manager. Disappointed and unsure, Oscar wonders: can you still be a star if no one sees you?

With encouragement from family and friends, Oscar learns about all the amazing people who shine from behind the scenes--like vice presidents, nurses, and even drummers. As Oscar works to keep things going backstage, he realizes that being backstage doesn't mean being invisible. It means being indispensable.

Why kids will love Bravo for Backstage!:

  • Uniquely pairs an online musical performance kit with an illustrated story
  • Engaging storytelling features an uplifting lesson on handling disappointment and recognizing the value of every role
  • Celebrates teamwork and the behind-the-scenes heroes who make the magic happen


When the curtains close and the audience cheers, Oscar finally understands: stars don't just shine in the spotlight--they shine where they're needed most.

The Mini-Musical Tales from Bird Mountain School picture book series seamlessly blends literature and the performing arts, offering an immersive storytelling experience. Each book provides online access to a script and original song recordings, allowing readers to bring the story to life as a mini musical--just like the characters in the book. This innovative series fosters creativity, imagination, and a love for the arts, making storytelling a truly interactive adventure.

Mary Rand Hess

Mary Rand Hess is a poet, playwright, screenwriter, composer, mixed-media artist, and New York Times bestselling author of notable and award-winning books. Some of her picture books include The One and Only Wolfgang: From Pet Rescue to One Big Happy Family; Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures; and Belong, a book near and dear to her heart. Whether she's creating for the page, stage, or screen, Mary has many stories and poems to dream up and share.

More by Mary Rand Hess

Randy Preston

Randy Preston is an African Native American (Piscataway) composer, author, and performer, raised in the UK, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. He started writing music at the age of seven and never stopped. He taught English literature for eighteen years before collaborating with Kwame Alexander, performing at numerous schools and venues around the world. Preston wrote original songs for a number of picture books and children's shows and composed the score for the musical Acoustic Rooster's Barnyard Boogie, starring Indigo Blume.

More by Randy Preston

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