An appealing dog named Jake learns all about the orchestra in this cheery story illustrated in crayon-bright colors using an oversized format. When Jake is adopted by the principal stagehand of a major orchestra, they both spend lots of time backstage at rehearsals. Jake is introduced to the different instruments and sections of the orchestra, with the appropriate terms integrated as labels into the illustrations. Jake finds an interesting “stick” backstage, thereby saving a performance when he returns the baton to the conductor at the beginning of the concert—starting a new tradition for the orchestra. Two final pages of notes define the musical terms used in the text. Teachers will find this story useful for introducing the orchestra to students, and children will enjoy Jake’s charming personality and his unusual looks (two white feet and two black ones). (Picture book. 4-9)
