Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer

Where does music come from and how many ways can you make it? Before Music broadens the reader’s horizons on the origin and creativity of people who can’t help delighting in making interesting sounds and music.

Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer. Harry N. Abrams, 2022. 88 pages.

Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 8-10, ages 10-12

Recommended For: Ages 8-10, ages 10-12

We all have some familiarity with music that comes from a piano, guitar, flute, violin, and numerous other instruments. We also have some sense about the ways music is produced (striking, strumming, blowing, and bowing).

But have you ever wondered how the instruments were developed? Or how many other variations there are? Or the different effects of blowing, rubbins, striking, shaking, plucking, or whirling instruments composed of similar materials?

Art, history, science, and stories are woven throughout this fascinating book. Just think…all music is inspired by nature and the God who made it! Although He is not acknowledged, the book encourages wonder and admiration for design.

Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

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