WELCOME TO THE SYMPHONY (Workman Publishing / on sale November 2015 / $24.95) is a lively and interactive book that introduces 4-to-8-year-olds to the world of classical music using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Written by Carolyn Sloan, a music educator at the esteemed The Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, the unique package includes a sound panel with 19 buttons that allow young readers to explore the intricate differences and relationships among the instruments.

Through the narration of 3 mice, who are brought to life by illustrator James Williamson, readers are taught the basics: What is a symphony? What is a conductor? Who was Beethoven? They learn elements of music: melody, harmony, and tempo. And they are introduced to the families of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

But the best part is that every critical idea is illustrated in gorgeous sound. The sound panel allows readers to hear the different parts of the symphony and voices of the music—the famous beginning of the Fifth, what a clarinet sounds like, the difference between a violin and a viola, what a musical conversation is. Kids will want to match their voices to the A note that tunes the orchestra, dance to the rhythmic passages—and, of course, sing along to da-da-da-daah!
Carolyn Sloan is a songwriter and musician who writes music for theater, television, and children. She is also a music educator at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York, where she lives with her family. James Williamson is an illustrator, designer, and artist. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.