The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Music

Desmond Maley is the music librarian at the J.W. Tate Library,
Huntington College, Laurentian University, and editor of the CAML
Review.

Years ago, I reviewed a book called Eric Nagler Makes Music. Although it
was an entertaining guide to building instruments, there were times when
I wondered if only a troubadour of Nagler’s calibre could play them.
By comparison, this publication, which is also for children, fares much
better. In clear and simple terms, with abundant illustrations, it lays
out how to make a wide variety of percussion, string, and wind
instruments using materials in the home.

The Jumbo Book of Music is organized according to an array of bands,
including sea shanty, marching, carnival, string and world-beat, as well
as vocal and dance ensembles. There are numerous examples of
instrumental pieces, songs, dances, and hand-clapping rhythms. Many of
them are drawn from African and Caribbean traditions, but there are also
folk tunes like “Yankee Doodle.” All of them are readable with basic
musical knowledge.

One could easily imagine these instruments being built in an art class,
followed by a rousing session with the music teacher. In fact, the only
instrument I had doubts about was the “popsicle-stick kalimba,” a
kind of rudimentary piano. Given the fragility of the material, I could
not help thinking that its life span would be rather short. Still, this
excellent book is a must for educators and interested children. Highly
recommended.