“Equal parts comical and deeply informative. . . . Venable’s text is interwoven with threads of humor, charm, and creativity. . . . Cho’s bright, eye-popping illustrations create a happy chaos on the page, and one can almost imagine the cacophony of a room full of children practicing their instruments. An altogether delightful introduction to musical instruments.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“As a band director instructs the new band members on the different instruments they can play, he must also contend with a very enthusiastic drummer. . . . There is an irrepressible feeling of energy in the illustrations . . . further emphasized by playful and colorful typography. . . . A lively introduction to some musical instruments.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Each time jolly-looking band director Mr. V. . . .  gives a student the opportunity to play their instrument of choice, he’s interrupted by little Felicity, who has already discovered her love of whaling on an enormous drum. . . . Frisky typography and balloons of musical notation float through the air, and visual nudges and jokes elevate the story . . . The afterword includes short, inclusive bios of diverse real-life classical, rock, and jazz musicians upon whom the book’s characters are based.” — Publishers Weekly

“Band director Mr. V introduces a diverse class of students to seven instruments. Mr. V places each in its musical family, sometimes offering a little history, and briefly describes how it works, how to play, and how it sounds. . . . The lighthearted narrative and lively cartoon illustrations balance humor and information nicely. Back matter provides some biographical information about seven professional musicians (who make cameos as the students).” — Horn Book Magazine