My Band

My Band by Elizabeth Lea, illustrated by Chantal Stewart (National Library of Australia)
HB RRP $17.99
ISBN 9780642278364
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is a musical book full of fun and movement that educates and informs. The focus is on the introduction of ten instruments that any child would learn if they were to join a band. Each instrument is introduced by the letter that it begins with set in large font on the outside of the lift-the-flap section. Underneath is the instrument with information on how to play it, what it is made of, how it is held, what the major pieces are called and the family it belongs to: woodwind, brass, percussion or string.

The pages are made of sturdy but light plasticised cardboard that will easily wipe clean. The illustrations are enchanting – light-hearted and joyful, surrounded by notes and filled with colour. After the ten instruments have been presented, it’s time for the whole band to play together.

At the back of the book there are eight craft activities to make: a guitar, French horn, castanets, tambourine, panpipes, violin, oboe, and a kazoo. The method is easy and most households would have the things that are needed for these projects. Below each activity is a picture of, and information on, each instrument in the project section.

All NLA books are specifically created with combined learning and entertainment in mind. They are produced with great insight and meticulous preparation and thought.