NNFN2024: Thank you for the Music

For many people, music is a hobby which is central to their lives. My grandfather played in orchestras all his life, my mother has always sung in choirs, my older brother plays guitar in a band and my younger plays drums in another. Music runs through our family- and ‘Thank you for the Music’ offers a practical guide to music from its origins to advice about working in the industry.

The book opens by offering a definition of music and its main elements before focusing on classical music. A typical plan of a symphony orchestra is given and then each of the instrument families are introduced. A timeline shows a selection of famous classical composers from Hildegard of Bingen to Kerry Andrew, giving the nationality and dates for each, offering a starting point for readers to discover more. The next section explores 20th century music and the different genres which have developed.

Different career possibilities are ‘zoomed in’ on, giving information about and advice on roles such as producer, therapist and DJ. The skills needed for each job are outlined along with an overview of the job requirements. With a final section about creating music, there is so much to enjoy and learn in this book. Further reading suggestions are also offered and a comprehensive index allows information to be quickly and easily located.

Thank you for the Music: A celebration of the value of creativity

Sarah Walden, illustrated by Hannah Li

Noodle Juice ISBN: 978-1915613189

NNFN2023: What is philosophy?

Day 14 of NNFN2023 and today’s review is for something a little bit different! ‘What is philosophy?’ is the first in a series of books which seeks to explain ‘big’ ideas to young children. The first spread poses the question ‘What is philosophy?’, explaining how to pronounce it as well as offering a definition. The page then also serves as a contents page, asking some BIG questions and giving the number of the page where possible answers are offered.

Each spread is devoted to one of these questions, offering a range of possible answers. Many of the pictures show settings which little children are familiar with- the classroom, library, playground- making it easy for them to better relate to and understand each one.

Little ones love to ask endless questions, seeking answers to help them make sense of the world, the people and places in it, and this little book is full of questions with possible answers to help support them with this- and to help the adults in their lives who might not always feel they have the ‘right’ responses!

Little Book Big Idea: What is philosophy?

illustrated by Katie Rewse

Noodle Juice ISBN: 978-1915613004