About the book

This children's book tells the moving story of young Maria, who comes to work as a governess in the aristocratic von Trapp family. The von Trapps' lives are not only filled with music, but also marked by illness, loss, war, and displacement, which present the family with immense challenges. Maria and the children learn to show solidarity and courage, overcoming difficult times together. Based on the true story of the Trapp family from Salzburg and inspired by the famous film " The Sound of Music ," this book combines historical facts with a child-friendly and touching narrative. This lovingly designed work is aimed at children, families, and anyone who wants to rediscover the story of the von Trapp family, their music, and the city of Salzburg.

  • German

    • ISBN German: 978-3-9502181-4-5
    • Publication date: 2006

    English

    • ISBN English: 978-3-9502181-5-2
    • Publication date: 2006

    Japanese

    • ISBN Japanese: 978-3-9502181-2-1
    • Publication date: 2014

    Chinese

    • ISBN Chinese: 978-3-9502181-3-8
    • Publication date: 2014
  • Key data

    • Author: Margareta Zwach
    • Artist name: Margret Springl
    • Illustration: Regine Otrel
    • Publisher: Souvenir Publishing House eU
    • Pages: 36
    • Binding: Softcover
    • Dimensions: 210 × 150 x 4 mm
    • Weight: 120 g
    • GPSR Manufacturer:
      Verlag Souvenir eU
      Weyreggerstraße 11
      4861 Schörfling am Attersee
    • GPSR manufacturer contact: office@salzburgbook.com

LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

Author Margret Springl with Johannes von Trapp (son of the real von Trapp family)

About the author

The author Margret Springl , born in Kuchl near Salzburg, spent an extended period in the USA after graduating from high school. Under her artistic guidance, the children's book "The Singing Family from Salzburg" was created, which makes the story of the Trapp family accessible in a sensitive and child-friendly way.

In 2011, the author met Johannes von Trapp in person and received a dedication for her book – a special sign of the close connection to the true story of the family.

A class at Fürstenbrunn Primary School listens to a reading from the children’s book "The Singing Family from Salzburg"

VS Fürstenbrunn / Salzburg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's not just Americans who should know about the Trapp family and the film "The Sound of Music"; our students were also very interested in the Trapp family's story. The book provides excellent descriptions of the original locations in Salzburg – perfect for local history lessons.

VD Mrs. Renate Egginger "

A class from Morzg Primary School after a reading from the children’s book "The Singing Family from Salzburg"

VS Morzg / Salzburg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After the reading, the children drew wonderful pictures of Salzburg and the Trapp family in America.

VOL Mrs. Regina Rausch (Teacher 2b)

A class from Elwood School in Indiana (USA) with their teacher after reading the children’s book "The Singing Family from Salzburg" by Margret Springl

Elwood School / Indiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read to a first grade class and loved sharing your book and my visit to your beautiful city with them. It was a joy to read the book to the first grade, as well as our visit to the beautiful city of Salzburg.

Ms. Angela Cassidy (teacher)

A class from Kuchl Primary School is listening to the children’s book "The Singing Family from Salzburg" by Margret Springl.

VS Kuchl / Salzburg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Before the reading, most of the children were unfamiliar with the Trapps' life story. We have added the book to our school library and are delighted by the students' keen interest.

Mr. Josef Seidl (Teacher 2a)

A primary school class from Leopoldskron-Moos is reading the children’s book "The Singing Family from Salzburg" by Margret Springl.

VS Leopoldskron-Moos / Salzburg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The children really enjoyed the story of the Trapp family and the illustrations of Salzburg. I believe every child in Salzburg should know about it. Since there are many bilingual students in the city and at our school, the English edition of the book was a great welcome addition.


VD Ms. Lydia Pleninger

Filming Locations for The Sound of Music

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the "Sound of Music" book

What is "The Singing Family from Salzburg"?

"The Singing Family from Salzburg" is a charming children's book by Margret Springl that tells the true story of the Trapp family. This Sound of Music book introduces young readers to the adventures, music, and close bond of the singing family from Salzburg. Inspired by the world-famous Sound of Music film, the book takes children and families on a journey through the historic city of Salzburg, past well-known Sound of Music locations, allowing them to experience culture, music, and history firsthand.

Who wrote "The Singing Family from Salzburg"?

The paperback was written by Margareta Springl, whose pen name is Margret Springl, an author of historical children's books. In 2011, she met Johannes von Trapp in person and received a dedication for the book. The Sound of Music book combines the true story of the Trapp family with music, Salzburg, and the famous filming locations – told in a child-friendly way.

Who created the illustrations?

The colorful and charming illustrations are by Regine Otrel. They help children to visually follow the adventures of the singing family from Salzburg and make the Sound of Music book particularly vivid and engaging.

Which publisher is the children's book from?

The children's book Salzburg "The Singing Family from Salzburg" was published by Souvenir eU.

When did the author receive the dedication?

The author met Johannes von Trapp in 2011 and received a dedication for the book.

Is "The Singing Family from Salzburg" a true story?

Yes, the story is based on the true events of the Trapp family. The author combines historical facts with child-friendly narratives and charming illustrations, allowing young readers to experience the exciting adventures of the singing family from Salzburg. This Sound of Music book is ideal for anyone who wants to discover the story of the Trapp family.

In which historical period is the book set?

The story takes place in the first half of the 20th century, including the years before and during World War II. This Sound of Music book provides exciting historical insights for young readers.

What is the book about?

"The Singing Family from Salzburg" tells a story of family, music, courage, and togetherness. Children playfully learn about the adventures of the singing family from Salzburg, inspired by the Sound of Music film and the famous Sound of Music locations in Salzburg. The book covers the following topics:
Cohesion and community
Joy of singing and family choir
War, flight and migration
Challenges such as illness or financial loss

Who are the main characters in the book?

"The Singing Family from Salzburg" focuses on Maria Trapp and her children Liesl (16), Friedrich (14), Louisa (13), Kurt (11), Brigitta (10), Marta (7), and Gretl (5). The Sound of Music book tells of their experiences, their music, and the family's strong bond.

Is "The Singing Family from Salzburg" suitable for children?

Yes! This children's book from Salzburg is beautifully designed and suitable for children from about 7 years old. It conveys values ​​such as togetherness, creativity and courage in a child-friendly way and brings the story of the Trapp family to life.

Is the book available in multiple languages?

Yes, the book is available in German, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Children and families worldwide can discover the story of the von Trapp family – inspired by the Sound of Music film and the famous filming locations in Salzburg.

Which payment methods does Salzburgbook accept?

We accept credit cards and PayPal payments.

Is shipping free at Salzburgbook?

Yes! Salzburgbook offers free shipping on all books – within Austria, the EU, and worldwide. Children, families, and Sound of Music fans can order their books directly online without additional shipping costs.

How long do I have to withdraw?

The standard right of withdrawal is 14 days.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the film "The Sound of Music"

What is The Sound of Music about?

The novice Maria becomes governess to Captain von Trapp's seven children in Austria. She brings music, joy, and love into the family's life as political tensions (the Anschluss of Austria in 1938) build.

Who directed the film and when was it released?

Robert Wise directed the film. It premiered in the US in 1965 and was a huge success: 5 Oscars (including Best Picture), over 10 Oscar nominations, and one of the most successful musicals of all time.

Who starred in the film "The Sound of Music"?

Baroness Maria von Trapp - Julie Andrews
Georg von Trapp - Christopher Plummer
Liesl - Charmian Carr
Louisa - Heather Menzies
Brigitta-Angela Cartwright
Gretl – Kym Karath
Kurt – Duane Chase
Frederick – Nicholas Hammond
Marta – Debbie Turner

What are the most famous songs in the film?

Do-Re-Mi", "My Favorite Things", "The Sound of Music", "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", "Edelweiss", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "Something Good" and "Maria".

Did "Edelweiss" really become an Austrian folk song?

No, it was written specifically for the musical.

Which filming locations from The Sound of Music can you visit in and around Salzburg?

Many of his most famous scenes were filmed directly in and around the city. Today, you can visit most of these authentic filming locations, often free of charge and within walking distance in the old town. Here are the most important and easily accessible locations:

  • Mirabell Gardens – iconic “Do-Re-Mi” scene
  • Leopoldskron Palace – rear of Villa Trapp (garden and lake)
  • Hellbrunn Palace – Gazebo from “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”
    Felsenreitschule – venue for the final concert
  • Nonnberg Abbey – a true abbey of Mary
  • Frohnburg Castle – Front of Villa Trapp

    Other key filming locations in and around Salzburg:
    Residenzplatz, Pferdeschwemme, Festung Hohensalzburg, Basilika Mondsee (wedding), Untersberg (mountains).

Why is the film still so popular today?

The combination of music, the Salzburg landscape, emotional history and well-known songs makes it timeless.

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