The Violin (A Little Book of the Orchestra)

K-Gr 4--The violin is celebrated in this work of nonfiction written in association with the London Symphony Orchestra. A follow-up to How to Build an Orchestra, this is the first entry in the "Little Book of the Orchestra" series that introduces children to various instruments. This title covers everything from the design and history of violins to their varied uses in different musical groups. A fictionalized story about a violinist named Lilu acts as an anchor for the text. The characters in the story represent a diverse range of skin tones and aesthetic styles, though most of the adults look to be on the younger side. Each page features a handful of bullet points with facts about the violin connected to Lilu's story. Each spread also features a text box recommending a type of violin music readers can listen to, with a number correlating to a playlist created by the London Symphony Orchestra. A note on the Table of Contents page provides readers with the website to access the playlist, and a page at the end of the book provides detailed notes about the 14 different tracks. Thorough informative coverage is paired with whimsical digital illustrations featuring frequent floral and fanciful elements. In addition to the playlist notes page, back matter includes a glossary, an index, and more. VERDICT This charming introduction to the violin is likely to appeal to a broad range of readers, and is recommended for general purchase.--Elizabeth Lovsin