Books About Musical Instruments · 134 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 · 84,054 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

$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 · 2,002 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

$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·4.0/5 Goodreads · 192 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 · 2,369 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 · 2,153 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.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2020

Hosea Plays On

By Kathleen M. Blasi, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 559 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 88 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Hosea Taylor, a charismatic saxophonist, rides the Number 42 bus daily to share his music with the city. As he plays, smiles spread, a little girl dances, and crowds gather. But what is the true purpose behind his melodies? Discover the touching secret that drives Hosea's generosity and the joy he brings to his community. This true story captures the spirit of a man whose music transcends notes, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he meets. Uncover the surprise that reveals the heart of Hosea's mission.

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2016

Music Is...

By Brandon Stosuy, Amy Martin (Illustrator) · Music Is . . . series

Discover the vibrant world of music through sight and sound.

32 pages

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 253 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: Dive into a colorful journey where music's moods and styles come alive visually. This board book transforms the auditory into a vivid experience, inviting young audiophiles to explore music's universal language. How does music look through your eyes?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1995

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

By Lloyd Moss, Marjorie Priceman (Illustrator)

Watch an orchestra grow from a solo to a symphony.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1995)Caldecott Honor (1996)

32 pages· 356 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,768 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: A lone trombone starts a musical journey, soon joined by a trumpet, then a French horn, building to a full orchestra. This rhythmic counting book introduces young readers to the magic of musical ensembles. Each page adds a new instrument, creating a symphonic crescendo that will have readers eagerly anticipating the next addition. Will the orchestra reach its full potential? Discover the joy of classical music in this vibrant, lyrical celebration that promises an encore with every read.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2016

I Am Drums

By Mike Grosso

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

256 pages· 48,618 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 358 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Sam dreams of being a drummer, but with no drum kit and a canceled music program, her path is blocked. As her parents argue and finances tighten, Sam must decide how far she'll go to make her dream a reality. Will she risk lying to her family to hear the rhythm she craves? In this heartfelt journey, Sam's determination will resonate with anyone who's ever fought for their passion. Can she find a way to play the music that lives inside her, or will the cost be too great?

The Bookroo Book Club