Chapeau Magazine November 17, 2025 Text: Jo Cortenraedt André Rieu in his own children's book “Little André and the secret of the Shadow” A new chapter is coming to the success story of Maastricht musician André Rieu. A dedicated children's book of over 150 pages will be published soon. In addition to this book, there will also be a separate website where musicians in training can log in to play with André Rieu's orchestra. The Dutch title is "Kleine André en het geheim van de schim" (Little André and the Secret of the Shadow). It will be published in six languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, and Polish. The book will be presented on December 6th after the first Christmas concert at MECC Maastricht. Maastricht at the end of the 19th century The entire concept was conceived and developed by his son, Pierre Rieu. The story takes place in Maastricht around Christmas at the end of the 19th century. During the Christmas season, young André becomes embroiled in a great mystery and is assisted by a mysterious figure. Play-along book Pierre Rieu conceived the whole idea a few years ago, which was intended to be more than just a book. “It's also a play-along book. That's truly unique. Imagine you're a young trumpet player and have been taking lessons for two years. You buy the Little André trumpet-book with ten Christmas carols. First, you learn to play the notes, together with your teacher. Then you go to the Little André website and create an account. Your play-along book contains a code that gives you access to a whole online platform”. Orchestra “There you'll find, among other things, the backing tracks recorded by my father and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. So, you can actually play along with the orchestra. And if you're doing well, you move on to the second track. We recorded that one without the melody, so you can solo yourself. With a trumpet and a laptop, you can then go to your grandparents for Christmas and give your own mini-Christmas concert. I really believe this is going to be a hit”. The creator of the concept doesn't rule out a sequel to the story and the possibility of a book series featuring "Little André." The Rieu family has always valued children's opportunities to learn to play music, especially now that music education in the Netherlands is under pressure. With this new product, they want to contribute to that. Artwork: Samanta Erdini Little André and his castle Photo: ARP. A separate website has been created for this new product under the name www.littleandre.com

October 2025: The Maestro isn't revealing anything yet, but Pierre already gave us a sneak peek on Instagram. The comic book about "little André" will be released in December. Pierre on Instagram: something spectacular is coming this Christmas! We see a display is being prepared. Our guess: the book will be for sale in the MECC Christmas Village.

From André’s official website (webshop) Little André and the Secret of the Shadow An adventure of mettle, music and mystery. In the romantic city of Maastricht at the end of the nineteenth century, the narrow streets are covered by a thick layer of snow. As the city prepares for Christmas, the young André finds himself facing a winter full of surprises. Between his plans for a snowball cannon and his hopes of making his parents proud with a spectacular surprise, he gets caught up in a mystery that’s bigger than he ever could have imagined. Who is the mysterious shadow that keeps pulling him out of tight spots? And what does this have to do with the sinister plans of a jealous classmate and a young princess who always gets her way? While royal guests arrive at the castle for a Christmas visit and the city is immersed in a wintery glow, André discovers that true courage does not always lie in grand deeds… “Little André and the Secret of the Shadow” is a heartwarming adventure about perseverance, friendship and the power of music. A moving story for young and old! About Little André Wherever he goes, things happen that no one can explain… He lives in an old castle, high above the city, with a view of the world. With plans in his head, a violin in his hands — and in his heart: music. He is not a hero. Not yet. But those who dare, read his stories. Full of shadows, secrets and dangers. And above all, about his close friendship. With the smartest girl in the world, who dares everything. Especially, when it is together with him. Because he follows his heart. And, because he never gives up. The adventures of Little André.