Play This Book

April 1, 2018

PreS-K-Music-loving kids will go nuts for this interactive book that encourages young ones to "play" the instruments on the page. A variety of instruments are presented on an otherwise empty stage, just waiting for someone to strike up the band. A bright pink guitar stretches across the whole spread and invites readers to give it a strum. Playing the piano, drum, shaking the maracas, and even keeping time with your feet are all options. The cymbals are the most satisfying instrument, which you play by closing the book to make a crash. The text is full of effective rhymes like "What a show! Brava! Bravo! You played this book just like a pro!" This title offers an experience that kids can have alone, but it is best shared with friends, whether that be in the classroom, storytime, or with a caretaker. Wiseman's illustrations shine with bold strokes and bright colors and an inclusive cast of kid musicians. The book ends, of course, with thunderous applause. VERDICT A winning interactive picture book that will be a storytime hit.-Gretchen Hardin, Sterling Municipal Library, Baytown, TX

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
A hands-on approach (literally) to the wide and wonderful world of instruments. Seven instruments sit on a stage, ready and waiting to be played. A multiracial cast of kids instructs young readers on how to play each instrument. As readers strum the picture of the guitar, bang the drum, or tap the piano keys, onomatopoeic sounds are spelled out in large display type on the page. By the time readers come to the performance at the end they'll need little urging to get their groove on as well. Wiseman's art cleverly makes each instrument something readers can "play," blowing them up on the page and even forcing the occasional 90-degree turn when it suits. Librarians and caregivers should prepare for rips, tears, and other signs of adoration-turned-annihilation from young fans as they take to these instruments with gusto. Interactive picture books may be a dime a dozen, but this latest product of the post-Press Here (2011) era makes for a clever combination of interactive elements and good old-fashioned read-aloud know-how. Interestingly, the companion title, Pet This Book, is less successful, concentrating instead on petting, feeding, and caring for animals. Though well-intentioned, it lacks the bombast and wit of Play This Book's premise.Whether it's storytime for a large group or one-on-one laptime, just try and stop kids from following this book's titular encouragement. (Picture book. 3-6)

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