An instrument is a strange bargain to explain to a child. Here is a wooden box with wires across it, or a length of curled brass, or a stretched skin and two sticks — and if you are willing to sound terrible for a year, it will eventually say whatever you want it to say. Children usually understand the second half of that deal long before the first. They pick up the trombone because of the noise it makes, hammer the piano because it is there, and turn a saucepan into a snare drum with no instruction whatsoever.
Bookroo's collection of 169 books about musical instruments covers the whole arc: the toddler who wants to know what a tuba sounds like, the five-year-old meeting a full orchestra for the first time, and the ten-year-old halfway through a scale she cannot yet play cleanly. Our editors chose ten favorites below — brass, strings, percussion and keys, plus the reference book worth keeping on the shelf. After that, browse the age shelves for board books full of sound, picture books about first lessons and first performances, and novels for readers who now own a music stand.
A New Orleans boy finds a trombone twice his size and grows into the musician he imagined.
A little frog takes her new drum into the forest and comes home leading a parade.
A trombone begins alone, and the orchestra grows one instrument — and one number — at a time.
Children in a landfill town build violins and cellos out of oil drums, forks, and packing crates.
A bear finds a piano in the forest, earns a city audience, and wonders what it cost him.
A boy plays an imaginary trumpet outside a jazz club until a real musician notices.
A boy hauls his double bass home across the city, and every block adds to the sound.
A full guided tour of the orchestra, section by section, with recordings to match.
A swan born without a voice learns to speak through a stolen trumpet.
Drums, horns, pianos and shakers in sturdy books built for banging, with sound buttons and textures where they earn their keep. Ages 0–3.
What's making that mysterious noise? Discover the surprise!
Discover the vibrant world of music through sight and sound.
Can Rabbit find the lost instruments before showtime?
Discover the magical sounds of instruments in this interactive musical journey.
Discover musical sounds through touch and play.
Discover a nursery rhyme book that's chew-proof and washable.
A group of friends celebrates boundless creativity.
Discover Mozart's magic through interactive sounds that captivate young minds.
Discover musical instruments and their sounds in a fun, interactive way for toddlers.
Introduce toddlers to the rock spectacle of KISS with playful fun.
Discover music's magic with Elmo's playful exploration.
Join Baby Shark's family for an underwater musical adventure.
Read-alouds about trumpets, violins, drums and pianos — first lessons, first recitals, and the musicians who made an instrument sound like nobody else. Ages 3–8.
Discover the magic as each orchestra instrument unveils its unique sound in a symphonic journey.
A fiddle player's jealousy threatens to ruin his friendship with his talented dog.
A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.
A melody eludes Khalida amidst life's chaos. Can she capture its magic?
A boy tries to make his mom notice a subway violinist's enchanting music.
A deaf girl defies odds to become a world-renowned percussionist.
A boy and his father must save their town from a giant they once feared.
A young T. rex named Penelope wants to participate in her school's talent show, but she's worried that being a dinosaur will hold her back.
A shy ghost named Gustavo tries to make friends by inviting other monsters to a violin concert.
In war-torn Sarajevo, a boy finds hope through music after a tragic bombing.
A boy's love for music overcomes life's challenges, leading to global acclaim.
A girl defies tradition to become a drummer in a music-filled world.
Band rooms, practice rooms, harmonicas and drum kits, for readers old enough to know how long the good part takes. Ages 6–11.
A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.
A boy defies his mother's ban on blues music, seeking freedom and truth on a journey through New York City.
A teen battles Tourette's, bullies, and family chaos, seeking solace in music.
A young pianist's music becomes her lifeline amid war's chaos.
A young drummer faces obstacles to pursue her dream, risking everything for the beat in her heart.
Amie must rediscover her music after losing her father and her ability to play.
Steven's life unravels when his brother falls ill, challenging his family and dreams.
A young boy receives a mysterious phone call from the Queen of England, who assigns him a secret mission to protect a priceless violin from being stolen.
A young girl named Jasmine Toguchi struggles to find her talent for the school talent show.
A boy must awaken ancient forces to battle darkness in Wales.
Can Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry find their rhythm in a band without instruments?
Two siblings travel back in time to 18th century Vienna to help a young Mozart find his musical voice
