Famous Composers Learn and Listen Interactive Book Review

Take a Peek Inside!

I haven’t decided which part I like the best of the “The Animal Orchestra Plays…” Famous Composers Learn and Listen series by Usborne Books. It could be the colorful pictures with adorable, loveable animals and a wide range of instruments to look at. Or perhaps it is the repertoire of classical music from each composer included within the pages of the book. But most likely, it is a combination of all of the above PLUS interesting facts about each composer so wonderfully put into a simple story!

Explore each title below – including a quick YouTube preview! (I know I learned a few facts from these books!)

Jump to Using in Your Classroom

(This post is NOT sponsored or endorsed by Usborne or Paper Pie. All opinions and reviews are my own. Each book links to an independent Paper Pie consultant’s website who has been generous to create an event to support The 4×6 Store – Thank you!)

Using in Your Classroom

I particularly enjoy how open-ended these picture books are for your music lessons. Beyond just reading, you can have your students dance, close their eyes and visualize the scene happening in the book while the music plays, extending text-to-self connections between the composers and more! An example of a text-to-self connection could be as simple as “Mozart was 5 when he made his first composition! And YOU have made a composition in this class! Wow! You are like Mozart!”

These books can also be put into a literacy-based music center (your admin will love it!) or in your sub tub for a rainy day!

Whether you use these as a whole class read-aloud or for students to independently explore, you will find your musicians love looking at and listening to these books!