Published by Greenwillow Books
Summary: Band director Mr. V. says there is a perfect instrument for everyone, and proceeds to introduce them one by one. He invites each player to give a demonstration, but every time Felicity bangs her bass drum, “Boom Boom Boom” and drowns out the other instrument. Mr. V. continues, explaining the reed on a clarinet, the double reed on an oboe, the valves on a trumpet, and so forth, but gets increasingly agitated as Felicity doesn’t stop with the drum. Finally, he introduces the one instrument that can drown out Felicity: the tuba. Its “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP” overpowers the “Boom Boom Boom” so that when it’s finally time to introduce the percussion section, the tables are turned on Felicity. The final two pages introduce the real-life musicians who inspired the kids in the band, with a short biographical paragraph about each. 40 pages; grades K-4.
Pros: A fun introduction to band instruments with interesting facts about each one. This would be perfect to read to those elementary kids trying to decide what they want to play. Connecting each kid in the story to a real-life musician who plays (or played) their instrument is a nice added touch.
Cons: If the oboe is considered a band instrument, it seems like the bassoon and French horn should have been included too.
