Sounds Good!: Discover 50 Instruments

PreS-Gr 2–Conversational prose and quirky animal illustrations invite young readers to expand their knowledge of musical instruments. Following an upbeat introduction of how the author and his musical collaborator learned music “unsystematically,” 52 instruments are purposely presented in no particular order, encouraging readers to embark on a whimsical journey of discovery. The lineup includes well-known instruments such as the trumpet and violin, as well as lesser known ones, i.e., the theremin, which is often used for eerie movie sound effects. Each instrument is showcased in a spread that pairs humorous visuals with an informative paragraph featuring history and fun facts, making for a breezy and engaging reading experience. The charming comic-style illustrations complement the lighthearted tone of the text, with a large tuxedo-clad lion looking ever so dignified while playing a diminutive triangle, for example, and a bald eagle playing a harp adorned with an eagle’s head sculpture. For additional context, the book includes QR codes that lead to YouTube videos with a brief music sample. While the digital component enhances the narrative, the execution is somewhat clunky in practice, requiring readers to go back and forth between the book and a smartphone to get the full experience. The content would be most ideally presented as a digital book app.