The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom

The oboe, of course, does not go "Boom Boom Boom." But each time jolly-looking band director Mr. V., who sports bright red suspenders, gives a student the opportunity to play their instrument of choice, he's interrupted by little Felicity, who has already discovered her love of whaling on an enormous drum. Mr. V--an afterword notes he's based on Venable's (Kiss Number 8) father--never fully loses his cool. As he introduces eight different instruments, he always has a vivid analogy, fascinating factoid, or inspirational pep talk to hold his rambunctious audience's attention. "When you start playing," he says of the oboe, "it WILL sound like an angry duck who landed on an icy lake. But play it right and that duck will learn to ice skate and glide its way to Olympic gold." Debut illustrator Cho's boisterously choreographed collage and acrylic vignettes play right along: frisky typography and balloons of musical notation float through the air, and visual nudges and jokes elevate the story without sidetracking it. The afterword includes short, inclusive bios of diverse real-life classical, rock, and jazz musicians upon whom the book's characters are based. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Sept.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--It can be hard to use words and images to convey the sound an instrument makes, but this picture book pulls it off with aplomb. A harried but enthusiastic band director, Mr. V, who is white, introduces readers to a variety of instruments, including the clarinet, oboe, trumpet, flute, saxophone, trombone, tuba, and drums. Mr. V describes not only what kind of sound the instruments make, but also how that sound is created. Illustrations that are equal parts comical and deeply informative depict reeds with smiling faces, percussion instruments with feet, and swirling, twirling grinning music notes. Each instrument is demonstrated by one member of a multiracial array of students, and every student is named and illustrated after a notable musician (brief biographies are provided in the back matter of the book). Venable's text is interwoven with threads of humor, charm, and creativity. Of particular note is her description of the instruments' unique sounds: "Listening to a clarinet is like eating rich chocolate cake, bold and sweet at the same time," and a saxophone "sounds the way a satin ribbon feels between your fingers." Cho's bright, eye-popping illustrations create a happy chaos on the page, and one can almost imagine the cacophony of a room full of children practicing their instruments. VERDICT An altogether delightful introduction to musical instruments. Recommended for all collections.--Kristy Pasquariello, Westwood P.L., MA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"As a band director instructs the new band members on the different instruments they can play, he must also contend with a very enthusiastic drummer. . . . There is an irrepressible feeling of energy in the illustrations . . . further emphasized by playful and colorful typography. . . . A lively introduction to some musical instruments."—Kirkus Reviews