PLAY ME SOME MUSIC

Young readers are encouraged to “pick up an instrument and start to play,” as “music is magic.”

Speaking directly to a kid audience in engaging rhythmic verse, each double-page spread opens with the imperative to “play me some music,” focusing on different instruments in various venues. Sprightly, cheerful, active, inclusive watercolor illustrations printed on durable stock fill the pages with changing scenes of diverse groups of happy children and adults playing and enjoying music. A solo street musician juggles a banjo, drum, and harmonica for appreciative shoppers. A uniformed marching band struts across the page to a cheering crowd. A string quartet accompanies swirling ballet dancers, while a loud, jiving rock band stirs up jumping fans. A pianist and drummer entertain at a home birthday party. A harpist and flutist play at an elegant ball, a child violinist renders a farewell song at a sad pet funeral, tambourines brighten a school show, and a clarinet tune lulls a child to sleep. The final double-page spread implores readers to play a tune on a spoon, shake a jar, clap hands, “crash” pan lids together, “twang” a rubber band, “puff” into a bottle, or “just open your mouth and sing me a song!” There is no apparent attempt at a unifying narrative—just lots of happy music makers.

This rousing, upbeat, participatory invitation to make music should entice budding musicians.