Fun Children’s Book to Learn About Musical Instruments

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?

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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