Books About Musical Instruments · 169 titles considered

The Best Musical Instruments Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Music Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about musical instruments? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Musical Instruments

Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1970

The Trumpet of the Swan

By E.B. White, Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)

A mute swan seeks love through a stolen trumpet's melody.

251 pages· 42,200 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,082 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Louis, a mute trumpeter swan, longs for Serena's affection but struggles to express his love. Despite learning to read and write, nothing captures her attention. When his father gifts him a stolen brass trumpet, Louis wonders if music can bridge the silence. Can a melody win Serena's heart, or will Louis remain unheard? Dive into a tale of perseverance and the power of music.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

Echo

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

A harmonica links three children across time, each facing life-altering challenges.

Newbery Honor (2016)Americas Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2016)

597 pages· 84,078 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 48,434 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a forbidden forest, Otto encounters three sisters and a mysterious harmonica. Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California find their lives intertwined by this same harmonica. Each faces a daunting challenge: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, or holding a family together. As their stories unfold, destiny pulls them toward a shared fate. What secrets does the harmonica hold, and how will it unite them? Discover a tale where music bridges time and space, weaving a symphony of hope and courage.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Drum Roll, Please

By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

320 pages· 63,618 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,001 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Melly, a shy drummer, finds solace in music at Camp Rockaway. As her parents split and her best friend drifts away, she unexpectedly falls for another girl. Can Melly find her rhythm amidst the chaos and embrace her true self? Discover if she can turn the noise in her heart into a powerful beat.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2017

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

By Rita Williams-Garcia, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

A boy defies his mother's ban on blues music, seeking freedom and truth on a journey through New York City.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2017)

176 pages· 29,441 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,406 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Clayton's world shatters when his beloved grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, dies, and his mother bans him from playing the blues. Desperate to honor his grandfather's legacy, Clayton flees with a harmonica and a hat, searching for the Bluesmen. As he navigates New York City's subways and parks, Clayton discovers unexpected truths about family, music, and himself. Will he find his place among the Bluesmen, or will his journey lead him somewhere entirely new?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Trombone Shorty

By Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Bryan Collier (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Trombone Shorty series

A young boy from New Orleans discovers his passion for music and becomes a renowned trombone player.

Coretta Scott King Award (2016)Caldecott Honor (2016)Odyssey Honor (2018)

40 pages· 989 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,022 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the vibrant Tremé neighborhood, young Troy dreams of music despite lacking an instrument. Nicknamed 'Trombone Shorty' for his oversized trombone, he captures the crowd's attention and rises to the stage with Bo Diddley. This inspiring journey follows Troy Andrews from a determined child to a Grammy-nominated musician, leading his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, around the world. Will his story ignite hope and dreams in the next generation of New Orleans musicians?

Sale price

$958

Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2015

Toot! Toot!

By Child's Play, Cocoretto (Author/Illustrator) · What's That Noise? series

What's making that mysterious noise? Discover the surprise!

12 pages

6.1/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 39 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Board book

Summary: Curious sounds echo through the pages. Lift each flap to uncover the source and engage in a playful guessing game. Perfect for honing prediction and memory skills, this interactive journey invites readers to join in the fun and solve the mystery of the noises.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

This Magical, Musical Night

By Rhonda Gowler Greene, James Rey Sanchez (Illustrator)

Discover the magic as each orchestra instrument unveils its unique sound in a symphonic journey.

32 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 194 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on a musical adventure where each orchestra instrument, from violin to trombone, reveals its enchanting sound. Experience the symphony's magic as strings soar, woodwinds float, and percussion thunders. This captivating journey celebrates the music that unites us all, inviting readers to explore the orchestra's harmonious world. Will you be swept away by the performance of a lifetime?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Pokko and the Drum

By Matthew Forsythe

A little frog's drumming leads a forest parade. Can she hear her father's call home?

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2020)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2020)

64 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,370 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a quiet forest, Pokko, a little frog, plays her magical drum, sparking an unexpected parade of animals. As raccoons, rabbits, and wolves join her rhythm, the forest comes alive. But amidst the music, will Pokko hear her father's call to return home? This enchanting tale explores art, persistence, and the unexpected power of a single beat.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ada's Violin

By Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Americas Award (2017)

40 pages· 1,265 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.7/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,152 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, young Ada Ríos dreams of playing the violin. With no money for instruments, hope seems lost until music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He crafts violins from trash, sparking a musical revolution. As the Recycled Orchestra gains global attention, Ada and her community discover the power of innovation and resilience. Can music truly change lives? Explore the journey of a girl, a visionary, and an orchestra that defies the odds.

The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle

By David Litchfield · The Bear and the Piano series

A fiddle player's jealousy threatens to ruin his friendship with his talented dog.

34 pages· 831 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,037 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Hugo, a fiddle-playing dog, gets the chance of a lifetime to join a famous animal band, a dream his best friend Hector once had. As Hugo's star rises, Hector must confront his jealousy and find joy in his friend's success. Can their friendship endure the strains of ambition and distance? This touching story explores the enduring power of music and the true meaning of success.

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Browse by age

Musical Instruments Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about musical instruments for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$899

Music Is...

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover the vibrant world of music through sight and sound.

Sale price

$799

Lost and Found What's That Sound?

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Can Rabbit find the lost instruments before showtime?

Series

Sale price

$999

I Love Music

Ages 1–3 · 2016

Discover the magical sounds of instruments in this interactive musical journey.

Series

Sale price

$999

Sounds

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover musical sounds through touch and play.

Series

Sale price

$595

Hey Diddle Diddle

Ages 0–2 · 2010

Discover a nursery rhyme book that's chew-proof and washable.

Series

Sale price

$599

Amazing Me! Music!

Ages 3–6 · 2018

A group of friends celebrates boundless creativity.

Series

Sale price

$999

I Love Mozart

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover Mozart's magic through interactive sounds that captivate young minds.

Series

Sale price

$899

Hello, World! Music

Ages 0–3 · 2021

Discover musical instruments and their sounds in a fun, interactive way for toddlers.

Series

Sale price

$999

Baby KISS

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Introduce toddlers to the rock spectacle of KISS with playful fun.

Series

Sale price

$799

Elmo's World: Music!

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover music's magic with Elmo's playful exploration.

Series

Sale price

$799

Baby Shark and the Family Orchestra

Ages 0–4 · 2020

Join Baby Shark's family for an underwater musical adventure.

View all musical instruments board books

Browse by age

Musical Instruments Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about musical instruments for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1695

Hosea Plays On

Ages 3–9 · 2020

A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.

Sale price

$899

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

Ages 4–8 · 1995

Watch an orchestra grow from a solo to a symphony.

Sale price

$1799

Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A melody eludes Khalida amidst life's chaos. Can she capture its magic?

Sale price

$1995

The Man With the Violin

Ages 5–8 · 2013

A boy tries to make his mom notice a subway violinist's enchanting music.

Sale price

$1899

Listen

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A deaf girl defies odds to become a world-renowned percussionist.

Sale price

$899

Abiyoyo

Ages 4–8 · 1963

A boy and his father must save their town from a giant they once feared.

Series

Sale price

$1799

We Will Rock Our Classmates

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A shy ghost named Gustavo tries to make friends by inviting other monsters to a violin concert.

Sale price

$1995

Flowers for Sarajevo

Ages 7–10 · 2017

In war-torn Sarajevo, a boy finds hope through music after a tragic bombing.

Sale price

$1899

Itzhak

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy's love for music overcomes life's challenges, leading to global acclaim.

Sale price

$1799

Drum Dream Girl

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A girl defies tradition to become a drummer in a music-filled world.

Sale price

$1799

The Bravest Man in the World

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy learns the power of music through a tale of bravery aboard the Titanic.

View all musical instruments picture books

Browse by age

Musical Instruments Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about musical instruments for developing and independent readers.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1699

The Beat I Drum

Ages 10–14 · 2025

A teen battles Tourette's, bullies, and family chaos, seeking solace in music.

Sale price

$899

The Children of Willesden Lane

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A young pianist's music becomes her lifeline amid war's chaos.

Sale price

$1799

I Am Drums

Ages 10–12 · 2016

A young drummer faces obstacles to pursue her dream, risking everything for the beat in her heart.

Sale price

$1699

Miracle

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Amie must rediscover her music after losing her father and her ability to play.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1299

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Ages 10–13 · 2005

Steven's life unravels when his brother falls ill, challenging his family and dreams.

Series

Sale price

$1299

The Sound of Danger

Ages 7–10 · 2020

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.