The Great Tunes of the Hough: Music and Song in Alan Garnerʹs The Stone Book Quartet

Although song and music are often elements in childrenʹs books, little critical attention has gone into examining their literary uses. Alan Garnerʹs The Stone Book Quartet is an example of four texts for children in which music plays a vital role. The several snatches of traditional songs found throughout the quartet bring to life the culture of the characters but also are tied to the conflicts that occur within the stories. An exploration of Garnerʹs use of song uncovers the underlying theme of the book—the necessity of balance in our lives.