Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin

by Lloyd Moss

Book Overview

A Caldecott Honor book that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and a counting book that redefines the genre.

When this book begins, the trombone is playing all by itself. But soon a trumpet makes a duet, a french horn a trio, and so on until the entire orchestra is assembled on stage. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671882392
• ISBN13: 9780671882396
• Release Date: March 1995
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.8" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Emergent readers' gem!

Being a cello player myself, I believe all children should be exposed to music as soon as possible. This is a great introduction to music, orchestras, and the sounds the instruments make. It?s great for emergent readers because of the rhyming and the way the words seem to flow from page to page. The illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. I really like the way the author uses pretty advanced descriptive words for the sounds the instruments make, like ?mournful moan? for the trombone and ?the reeds implore?. Students will also learn basic information about musical groups, such as what they?re called, octet, quintet, etc. A great part of this book is that the musical terminology is not reduced to children?s levels. The words are quite large and reflect what is really true about classical musical instruments and musical groups. I think children would enjoy seeing the illustrations and learning about these instruments, and perhaps picking their favorite one. It plants an early seed in their head about orchestral groups, makes music fun, and perhaps creates a new generation of orchestral students.

A family favorite and super introduction to music

Lloyd Moss is DJ for a classical music radio station in New York, and had never written a children's book before his superlative "Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin." Lucky man, he hit it out of the park with his very first attempt. Moss uses propulsive, rhyming text to introduce children not only to different musical instruments, but to the Italian terms by which their groupings are known (solo, duo, trio and so on). Moss's poetry is enhanced immeasurably by illustrator Marjorie Priceman's vigorous and colorful artwork. Borrowing elements from Chagall, Rousseau, and Bemelmans--without ever stooping to a visually derivative look--Priceman's pictures more than matches the energy of Moss' text. Her colors are lush and saturated: a rich periwinkle, jet black, sunset pink, and lipstick red all work together here, along with shots of teal, orange, grey and other colors. The overall effect is, quite simply, delicious. The whole leaves you wanting more--exactly the effect any children's book should have.

Encore!

I suspect this is one of those truly fabulous books that just didn't get promoted. I found it by accident and it has become one of my 2 yr old's great faves. Wonderful illustrations, engaging (and easy for little folks to remember) text. This is by far the most charming, lively, and lovely intro-to-music book I've found.

Don't miss this one!

A marvelous read-aloud! Beautifully unique illustrations and an outrageously well written text make this an irresistible book for the whole family to enjoy. On top of its entertainment value, readers are painlessly introduced to the instruments found in a chamber group, and counting skills are encouraged. Can't say enough about this gem.If, in addition to the pleasure of sharing good books, you're looking to build on teachable moments, (1) consider playing classical music before, during, or after your read-aloud session; and/or, (2) for older readers, try following up on Zin! Zin! Zin! with A Young Person's Guide to Music, which includes a companion cd.

Fresh, charming, artistic approach to counting and music

I wish I could give this book 6 stars, because it is a truly wonderful book for preschoolers. One by one, the instruments in a classic orchestra are introduced, combining simple counting with music education. The text is in elegant rhyme, perfectly complemented by the bright, original & whimsical illustrations (make sure you pay attention to the "dance" performed by the cats, dog and mouse). A top-notch addition to a young child's library.