THIS IS MUSIC

An introduction to different types of musical horns around the world.

This board book introduces readers to more than just the trumpet. There’s the dung-chen horn of Tibet, the South African vuvuzela, and the South Indian nadaswaram. Rajan also points out that horns show up in all sorts of places, from the loud honk of a big rig to birthday party noisemakers. An interactive element even encourages readers to practice making music by blowing right on the page of the book. Rajan includes vocabulary words like valves on a trumpet. The final page serves as a visual glossary of different types of horns, from the bugle to a bicycle horn. Yakunova’s illustrations include standout solid colors and musicians with an array of skin tones. The pages are simple yet compelling, allowing readers to zero in on the featured horn and its player. This is both a rundown of instruments and cultures and an introduction to music and its musicians. Well-paced with an invitation to participate, this one is a refreshingly joyful concept board book. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Exuberant and participatory, like the music and instruments it showcases.