Best Children's Musical Instruments Books of 2026

Welcome to the Symphony is an interactive and educational introduction to classical music for children. Using Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the book explores what a symphony is, who Beethoven was, and the roles of the conductor and orchestra. With a 19-button sound panel, readers can hear the different parts and voices of the music and even sing along. The book also encourages parents to listen and explore classical music with their children. Overall, this book is a delightful and charming way to introduce children to the magic of music.

The Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book with Online Video & Audio Access is a step-by-step course designed for elementary school-aged children who want to learn how to play the piano or keyboard. The book includes standard music and fingering notations, while the online access to video and audio tracks allows students to practice and play along with easy songs at two speeds. The combination of book, video, and audio make this the easiest piano course for kids available. Overall, this book is a great resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce children to the world of music.

Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” is an interactive picture book that introduces children to the wonders of jazz. With 12 sound chips, they can hear the instruments of jazz and learn about the rhythm section, leads, and scat singing. The book explains how jazz started in New Orleans and how it evolved over time with the contributions of innovative musicians. The review quotes the book as a "five-star performance from start to finish" and highly recommends it for children of all ages. Carolyn Sloan's insightfulness into the basics of rhythm, sound, and improvisation make this book a perfect entree for a young person's journey into the exploration of the art form.

I Love Mozart: My First Sound Book is a charming board book that introduces young readers to the musical compositions of Mozart. With exceptional quality musical sounds, the book features a button on every spread that triggers one of six captivating sounds, introducing memorable pieces from one of the most beloved composers of the western hemisphere. This interactive book is bound to enchant young readers and ignite an early love of music, fostering curiosity and creativity. The book includes excerpts from some of Mozart's most famous compositions, making it a delightful and compelling read for the whole family. Overall, this book is a must-have for parents who want to introduce their children to classical music in a fun and engaging way.

The Little Pianist is a fantastic piano songbook for kids that has treble and bass clef notes for practicing with both hands, making it an ideal choice for young learners. The book contains 55 beginner songs that have been arranged especially for children, ranging from easiest to hardest. The diverse selection of pieces includes well-known children's songs, nursery rhymes, simplified classical pieces, famous English evergreens, and international folk songs. The most straightforward songs in the book are presented with letters above the music notes, making it easy for beginners to play. Overall, this is an excellent book that will keep your child motivated and help them progress through the levels.

The Play It! Children's Songs book is a great way for kids ages 5 and up to learn how to play the piano or keyboard. With color-coded notes and character icons, this book includes popular and favorite songs, as well as a primer on how to read sheet music and basic techniques. The author, Jennifer Kemmeter, seeks to develop image-based tools to aid children in developing logical and creative approaches to independent problem-solving. The collaboration with experienced piano teacher Antimo Marrone makes this book unique. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for young beginners to learn and have fun with music.

This picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl who became the world's first full-time solo percussionist. Despite being told that she could never be a musician, Evelyn found her own way to listen and feel music through her body. The book beautifully captures her journey of overcoming discrimination and becoming an extraordinary musician. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, making it an excellent choice for elementary school readers interested in music and inspiring women. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and empowering story of perseverance and passion.

The Hello, World! Music board book is a perfect way to introduce young children to musical instruments and the sounds they make. The book is part of the Hello, World! series and features bright illustrations, simple facts, and read-aloud sound words to make learning fun for toddlers. The prompts on each page encourage engagement with young readers. This book is a great addition to any children's book collection and a fantastic way to teach science and culture to toddlers in a fun and interactive way.

The Kids' Guide to Learning the Ukulele is an excellent resource for introducing children to music and the benefits of playing an instrument. Author Emily Arrow provides easy-to-follow instructions for parents to teach their children basic chords, tuning, and holding positions. The book also includes 24 easy-to-learn songs, games, and activities, making it a rich and playful learning experience for kids. As an official Kala artist and award-winning children's songwriter, Arrow's expertise in music education shines through in this must-have musical journey for children and parents or teachers alike.

The "Ukulele for Kids" book is an excellent resource for any child looking to learn how to play the ukulele. With step-by-step instructions, clear photos, and easy-to-understand explanations, this book is suitable for children of all ages and levels. The book covers everything from the basics of ukulele parts and tuning to reading music and playing chords. What makes this book unique is that it includes 45 popular and memorable songs for children to practice and perform, as well as 45 MP3 audio files available for free download. Overall, "Ukulele for Kids" is a great starter book for any child interested in learning how to play the ukulele.