What Instrument Is This?

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-- Youngsters are introduced to a variety of musical instruments by family in this brief photo essay. Each entry includes a description of the instrument, followed by a simple explanation of how its specific sound is created. This information can be found in other books, such as Mark Rubin and Alan Daniel's The Orchestra (Firefly, 1992), but Hausherr's book has a unique quality. It's vivid, full-color and black-and-white photographs of all kinds of people communicate a clear message--music making is fun, and it is something that should be shared. These pictures will draw readers in and may even heighten their interest in playing an instrument. The book's question-and-answer format lends itself to group participation or one-on-one interaction. There is an added ``Note to Parents'' that suggests the appropriateness of instrument types for various age groups. A brief glossary and summary information about instrument families is also appended. An attractive purchase.-- Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Kay Weisman

Preschool-Gr. 3. Using an effective question-and-answer format consisting of clear, simple text complemented by lively photos, Hausherr introduces 18 interesting and unusual musical instruments. Each right-hand page features a color photograph of a young child examining or playing an instrument. The accompanying text creatively asks its identity (for example, "What instrument looks like a shiny boa-constrictor with a wide-open mouth?"). The left-hand side of the following page offers a black-and-white photograph of older children or adults performing with the instrument. A brief paragraph explains how the instrument is made, what sounds it can make, and what kinds of music it is best suited for. An extensive appendix includes drawings of other musical instruments, a glossary, a note to parents about music lessons, and an explanation of wind, string, keyboard, and percussion instruments. An attractive and useful addition to most libraries, this will be popular with music students and browsers alike.