This week, I have been sharing a bit about my Musical Instruments Family Unit Study. It is full of so much hands-on learning fun! You’ll build your own instruments and experiment with sound, play a game of Instrument Sound Bingo, dance, make art inspired by classical music, and… enjoy some children’s story books about music!

The 10 books I’m sharing with you today perfectly complement the 10 topics that you will explore in the Musical Instruments Family Unit Study. They introduce children to the instrument families in an orchestra, concepts like tempo and timbre, as well as classical masterpieces (with books that actually play real clips from an orchestra!).

Instrument Sound Bingo Printable

Before we get into the 10 Children’s Story Books About Music, you’ll also want to grab this FREE Instrument Bingo Printable Pack!

After you enter your email address below, you’ll be emailed your printables along with a FREE Sample from the Musical Instruments Family Unit Study. You’ll also be brought to the How Wee Learn shop, where you can grab the complete resource should you decide it is right for you and yours.

10 Children’s Story Books About Music

Here are 10 fun, learning-filled, and beautiful children’s story books about music! I included a summarized book list at the end of this post for you to copy and take with you to the library, or if you would like to add them to your personal library, I also included a link to the Amazon listing for each book. Enjoy!

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss

A Caldecott Honor book that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and a counting book that redefines the genre. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups.

How to Build an Orchestra by Mary Auld

This wonderfully illustrated story follows a conductor who is auditioning each instrument for his orchestra, building to a performance of two pieces of classical music. With links to downloadable music, follow our conductor on his journey and discover the beautiful music of an orchestra. Produced in association with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Family Dynamics: Embrace Your Sound by Courtney Vowell Woodward

Violin always hears beautiful music throughout the music store where she lives, but she can never make the same sounds. Join Violin on this music store adventure! Meet new instrument families along the way and learn how their unique sounds and qualities create the symphony orchestra. Violin will soon realize that embracing her differences could change her world… one note at a time.

Opening Night With the Woodwind Family! by Trisha Speed Shaskan

Describes what woodwind instruments are, the various types, and what makes each one unique.

Clarinet and Trumpet by Melanie Ellsworth

A charming and funny picture book featuring the harmonious friendship between Clarinet and Trumpet. But what happens when their friendship falls flat? Featuring a music-making shaker built into the book! Perfect for fans of Stick & Stone and Spoon.

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker

From the moment Evelyn Glennie heard her first note, music held her heart. She played the piano by ear at age eight, and the clarinet by age ten. But soon, the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate, and Evelyn was told that, as a deaf girl, she could never be a musician. What sounds Evelyn couldn’t hear with her ears, though, she could feel resonate through her body as if she, herself, were a drum. And the music she created was extraordinary. Evelyn Glennie had learned how to listen in a new way. And soon, the world was listening too.

A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra by Robert Levine

A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra is a fun and exciting musical journey. With cheery narrator Orchestra Bob as their guide, kids are encouraged to listen, learn, and enjoy as they are introduced to the most powerful works from the greatest composers throughout history. He tells wacky stories about deaf composers and quirky musicians, and explores the inspirations behind monumental pieces. Kids will also learn about each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani, as well as different musical styles from Baroque to Modern.

Tiger Tempo by Vicky Weber

What could be more magical than being a part of the story? Join Tiger in this educational, interactive picture book that focuses on musical vocabulary… and fun!

The Story Orchestra: In the Hall of the Mountain King by Jessica Courtney Tickle

Discover the spellbinding magic of In the Hall of The Mountain King in this musical retelling of Peer Gynt—push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Grieg’s score.

The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Jessica Courtney Tickle

Discover what it would be like to travel through the four seasons in one day in this musical story based on the classical masterpiece The Four Seasons—push the button in each breathtaking scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Vivaldi’s score.

10 Children’s Story Books About Music Library List

1. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss
2. How to Build an Orchestra by Mary Auld
3. Family Dynamics: Embrace Your Sound by Courtney Vowell Woodward
4. Opening Night With the Woodwind Family! by Trisha Speed Shaskan
5. Clarinet and Trumpet by Melanie Ellsworth
6. Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker
7. A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra by Robert Levine
8. Tiger Tempo by Vicky Weber
9. The Story Orchestra: In the Hall of the Mountain King by Jessica Courtney Tickle
10. The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Jessica Courtney Tickle

There you have it, my friend—10 Children’s Story Books About Music! I hope you found some new book ideas to help nurture a love of music in your home.

Musical Instruments Family Unit Study

Learn all about music and the orchestra with a fun, hands-on unit study!
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