The Violin (A Little Book of the Orchestra)

The Violin uses a setting (a violinist playing at a wedding) more than a story to introduce readers to this beloved string instrument. The pages feel cluttered with bits of information in various spots across each two-page spread. However, it’s loaded with useful information about the violin’s construction, its history, and its part in many musical selections. I love that the companion page on the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) website includes a zip file you can download with correlating musical excerpts throughout the story (set apart with a Listen box on each page). Illustrations by Elisa Paganelli adorn each page, bringing the plethora of information to life. The back matter of the book includes a pictogram of an orchestra, details about each accompanying music track (specially recorded by the LSO for this book!), and a glossary of musical terms included in the book. A very worthwhile book for any musician or music teacher’s library!