If fables are eternal, it is also because they are constantly renewed. In 2023, they are called Augustine the lobster or Léon the chameleon, animals that must adapt to melting ice or deforestation in the Amazon. Thomas Semence, the guitarist of Jean-Louis Aubert, Joyce Jonathan and Keren Ann, returns with a second book record of his fabulous School of Fables, of which he composed almost all of the music.
Jeanne Cherhal, Dani, Enrico Macias, Alexis HK, Raphaël, Loane, Arthur Teboul de Feu Chatteton, Emmanuel Moire lend their voices to the eccentric animals. Aurélie Saada is the delicious voice of Mademoiselle Plume, the school teacher, who guides us during the green class, with little Léon. “It was never difficult to convince the artists. And at worst they tell me no,” explains Thomas Semence. The artist does not take the lead, this project is his recreation between two tours. He enjoys writing for the youngest, testing the texts on his two children, who even suggested a few rhymes to him.
The fable has a timeless message. That of The School of Fables focuses on the preservation of our planet. Funny and catchy, the songs were also written to instruct. We learn that polar bears are too hot, certain marine species will disappear because of global warming, the ice floe is melting visibly, the snails are drooling, a dove would like to be left alone (with the sweet voice of Jeanne Cherhal). There is also the lament of a friendly whale sung by the singer Raphaël as well as the star cat of social networks. Friendship, courage, perseverance and honesty are also values highlighted. The green class ends with a parade with all the animals.
It is a success in concert halls but also, less usual, in classes. Thomas Semence has developed an educational project around his songs and has visited, with his guitar under his arm, a good hundred schools throughout France since 2017. “It’s different each time, we adapt to each level , from kindergarten to CM2. My greatest pleasure is to see the children singing and having fun,” he confides.
The album, nicely illustrated by the artist Lolita, can be read while listening to the CD. The illustrations are attractive so that children, who always leaf through the images before tackling the text or music, want to immerse themselves in them. A book that deserves to be reinstalled on a CD player in the children’s bedroom or to be slipped into the car for the holiday trip.
From 5 years. The School of Fables, disc book by STL productions, 62 p., 19.90 euros. On tour, March 19 at the Temple – Bruay-La-Buissière (62), April 4 and 5 at the Sax – Achères (78) – the sound nuggets, April 12 at the Lazaristes and Chevreul schools – Lyon, May 4 at the Pompidou media library in Chalons en Champagne, June 2 at the Maison qui chante in Ixelles (Belgium), June 15 at the Petit Prince primary school in Segny, September 26 and 27, 2024 at the Philippe Noiret space in Les Clayes sous Bois.
