I would recommend this book to all ages from preschool to upper elementary and even early middle school! This is because your preschool child will love looking at the illustrations while you read to them. Your child who is beginning to read independently will be able to practice reading while acquiring new information. Your advanced reader can have fun with the book but also explore some difficult vocabulary such as idiophones, aerophones, and chordophones.
The book starts by introducing Phil and his dog Pipo. The giant Silence has taken Pipo’s instruments and he needs to find them. Slowly, the two discover new concepts in music. They need to find the melody, then rhythm, and then learn about music in the past.
I love that some of the answers in the book are presented…upside down. Young children love to have fun and to be silly. What could be more fun than an upside down book?
One of the first things that grabbed my attention when I was researching this book was that it guides the child to discover music and the past.
I prefer music books that make connections to other disciplines. I love the idea of using one tool to teach many different things. This book does that. It is a fun children’s book to learn about instruments. But it it also touches on different times in history and different cultures. This could open doors for so much discussion as well as getting your child interested in reading about different cultures.
In terms of music education itself, the book helps kids learn about the instruments but goes much deeper. It goes on to explain about the string instruments, wind instruments, etc. Not only the classical music instruments, but also instruments from other cultures.
This could be an excellent take off from your child to larn more about these instruments.
The book also exposes the readers to some more difficult music terminology. Your child will learn that the rhythm instruments are also called idiophones, the wind instruments are also called aerophones, etc.
Your child will then have the opportunity to explore the different types of instruments. Again, I love the fact that the authors present classical instruments as well as instruments from different cultures. This could be a take off place for you and your child to explore the instruments further or to learn about the cultures where they were invented.
Case Study:
I used this books with have an young boy I have in my school. He is a 7 grader. His reading and writing skills are probably slightly below grade level. I am his academic advisor. Together, we look at all of his studies. We have discussed reding more in order to improve his literacy skills. I have asked him to come to my room during lunch in order to check this book and tell me what he thinks.
Day One:
Ms Stefanova: Did you like the book?
Student: It was awesome!
Ms Stefanova: What did you learn?
Student: This was too funny. Hmmm…I was looking at the pictures for the whole entire time.
Day Two:
Student: Can I come back and read?
Ms. Stefanova: What did you learn?
Student: I really liked the aerophones. I was reading about the old ages music was born.
Day Three:
Student: Do you have something else for me to read?
Now: The boy is coming every single day during lunch! He reads for 20 min every day with me. We pick different books for him and we increase the reading level of the books. Not too bad in my book!
Why Music Books?
Children’s music books have many benefits! They offer a brand new word for children. Many music books can help children develop character. Others help children with early literacy and exploring culture through music. If you like more chidren’s music books recommendations from a music teacher who has used them, hop over to our kids book section. Or join our newsletter to receive regular parenting tips and cool resources.
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As a lover of both books and music, I love this post as well:). Happy weekend!! Jess (aka Alice @ The Owl's Skull)
Thank you Jessica! Happy weekend to you too:)
Maria
My daughter is interested in taking piano. She just turned 4. I am not sure if that is too early but I think sharing books that teach music is a good idea. This one looks humorous.
Crystal,
Sharing books on music themes is a wonderful way to expose your daughter to music before she starts formal lessons. I am actually going to be doing a post on a piano and note reading children's book so stay tuned!
In terms of her age, traditional piano teachers start around age 7/8. She can start now or as she is getting closer to age 5. In that case it will be much better to find a SUZUKI teacher as they will be trained to work with younger children. I would be happy to help you in the process.
Sounds fantastic! My two year old loves playing the bongos a.k.a. Daddy's head. I have a feeling he would be drumming on the pages of this book! Thanks for sharing with the KLBH 🙂
🙂 Have fun exploring the book!
This sounds like an incredibly useful learning tool! I will definitely have to pass this along to our music teacher.
It just so happens that I am a co-host for a weekly music hop as well as co-host for Kid Lit. This book is a perfect mash up for me! I will be getting this one!
Naila Moon from Kid Lit Blog Hop
//readingauthors.blogspot.com/
Kaitie and Naila, thank you for your comments. Yes, the book is a great teaching tool. I love to check out the music hop and I am looking forward to checking both your sites in just a bit!
Thanks for sharing this on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. My grandson is obsessed with bugs for now, but keeping this in mind for later.
That was hilarious!!! "This was too funny. Hmmm…I was looking at the pictures for the whole entire time." lol The illustrations really do look amazing – they remind me of "Little Red Writing" by Joan Holub, where the illustrations are so key to the experience of reading the book. I can't say I've heard the term idiophone before. You learn something new every day! Thanks for joining us in the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
This is a very nice learning tool for my little ones, exposing them to love reading books and appreciate music at the same time. Nice article! 🙂
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