This book is centered around Bartolomeo Cristofori, who in the court of the Medici family in Florence, changes the keyboard into what becomes the piano. There are musical terms incorporated into the pictures and in the text, giving the reader some indication of different sounds. It even explores how the pianoforte is eventually shortened into the piano, and how a musical instrument maker in Germany was able to build his own piano based on Cristofori’s published blueprints, helping popularize the instrument throughout Europe.

Readers will learn about the invention of the piano, one of the world’s most popular instruments. This book tells the story of Bartolomeo Cristofori and his quest to create an instrument that can play both soft and loud songs. Includes Timeline, Notes on the Piano, Music List, Author’s Note on Sources, Bibliography

This book is an excellent, interesting account of inventing the first piano. The illustrations are brightly colorful and have musical terminology depicted in the clouds of each page. It also approaches the subject through a scientific lens and would be a good demonstration of how the scientific method can be applied to other subjects, like music. Another aspect I really like is that each page includes a quote from a primary source, making this book an excellent addition to a social studies lesson on primary versus secondary sources as well. This book is a valuable addition to a library as it can be used in multiple subjects. ( )