Review of The Very Young Person’s Guide To Orchestra, and Ballet

The DK and Classic FM’s series of books introducing young people to classical music by bringing pieces to life with engaging text and vibrant illustatrations. We recently reviewed their magical, festive edition of The Very Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols.

Receiving two more of these large hardback books from the three book series including The Very Young Person’s Guide to Orchestra and The Very Young Person’s Guide to Ballet, prove equally emotive and valuable additions for your children’s library/ book collection.

When you engage a parent, you engage a child, and these books offer both a joyous musical adventure whilst sharing unknown facts with the reader, many I myself as a classical music fan was unaware of.

The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra takes you on a musical odyssey as you join Ava and Jaden, discovering instruments from the trumpet to the timpani as they learn about legendary composers and their majestic pieces.

Pieces include, ‘The Lark Ascending’, ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’, ‘The Carnival ofthe Animals’ and ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.

Ideal for those who know little about classical music or who are already fans, play an instrument, this will amaze any maestro-in-making in the family.

The Very Young Person’s Guide to Ballet Music helps the reader discover the world’s most famous ballets, including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Spartacus, and The Firebird accompanied by 10 sound clips of child-friendly pieces. My 12 year old son Alexander enjoyed reading and listening to the music with his younger sister Florence who recently turned 3.

This time, you join Leo and Mia as they embark on a spirited journey as they learn about the ballet and the composers and choreographers who created them.

Receiving this book in particular is perfect timing for my daughter, Florence, who begins ballet lessons shortly. The book has served to inspire her and also prepare her for the music she will hear in class.

‘An instant childhood classic that I have no doubt will be looked back on fondly by musicans of the future’ said Alexander Armstrong.

These books are published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd, Penguin Random House in association with Classic FM, part of Global Media and Entertainment Group Ltd. 

The books were gifted but as always, my words are honest.

You can buy the Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols here.