It doesn't stand out to me and is lengthy. It seems like other instrument books I have read. The art is very busy and at times overwhelming.

This book was received as an ARC from Publisher Spotlight - Tilbury House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book reminded me of Bourbon Street and the music they play on a constant basis but, in this kid-friendly story, the instruments came to life. The rhyming was too adorable and very catchy which made me think if this story can be sung as well as read. This book will be perfect for a music inspired Toddler Time and for elementary schools for music class. This story also reflects the life lesson on courage and to always follow your dreams and at first you don't succeed try try again. The pictures were just too adorable and I think our children at the library will really love this book very much.

We will consider adding this title to our Picture Book collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This was an awesome, creative, children's book about belonging and finding your place in the world. The instruments in the town are all woodwinds, and the drum (the narrator of the story) is sad because he doesn't know where he fits in in the scheme of things.

The unique style of the illustrator combined with the rhyming and rhythm of words from the author creates an engaging reading experience! Drum struggles to find his place in a world of melodies, and discovers that he has an important role to play. This book is a "must have" for any elementary music teacher who is introducing instruments and/or doing a unit on percussion!

It is interesting to me that the plot here isn't centered on others making the protagonist feel inadequate. Rather, the drum compares itself to other instruments, lamenting that it cannot do what they do. The lesson is an obvious one - that each instrument contributes something unique and all are necessary to make good music.

I love stories about musical instruments, and the illustrations were wonderful, but I must admit this picture book wasn't a hit with me. It's a decent story with a good theme but not one I would want to read and reread.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tilbury House Publishers, for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

This book really has the beat! The drum in this book is trying to find his place in the band. He thinks he just makes sounds, but doesn't realize that he carries the overall beat of the band.

The book is short, fun, and has extra cool bold words that match their action/sound. The illustrations are very modern and each page could be its own work of art!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's so tricky to find good children's books for music class; I am SO happy to see that there is one more out there to light up the love of music for children! In My Neighborhood tells the story of a little drum with musical family members who are excellent melody makers; it takes little drum some time, but he eventually finds out what he is best at and how he fits in with others. I would absolutely read this to my class to introduce them to different instruments and musical terminology!

Thanks to Netgalley and Tilbury House Publishers for a free digital copy.

Teaching kids about music, but more importantly about how we all have a role in the song of life, this book has intricate illustrations and a great message.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Unfortunately I found the pages to be overly busy and distracting. There was just too much going on, on the page, which made it really difficult to actually read.

Drum’s neighborhood is filled with sound. Instead of conversing with one another through words, his friends and family use music to communicate. With a piano for a mother, a cello for a father, and a violin for a brother, Drum finds himself feeling disconnected from everyone else because of his lack of melody. However, when three saxophones invite him to keep their beat, Drum discovers his very important role in his dynamic musical community. This glorious picture book embodies music in every element of its design. From rhyming, rhythmic poetry guiding the story to dynamic, multicolored illustrations, readers are invited into a musical wonderland without having to hear a single note. Inspired by the author’s own experience playing the drums, this story reinforces the message that everyone has a place in the world and they should embrace the unique contribution they bring to the global symphony. Cubist-style illustrations feature anthropomorphic instruments in a panoply of hues and unusual angles, ebbing and flowing just as a piece of music would do. Specific words and sounds are called out in the text using different colors and design, drawing readers’ attention to them as they punctuate the narrative. At once a story that introduces young readers to music and one that encourages them to pursue their dreams, this is immediately accessible to a wide range of ages while incorporating deeper layers of messaging for older readers. This is a highly recommended inclusion in libraries for children and their families.

The art in this book is amazing! It's fascinating to pore over while looking for hidden details and will keep kids' attention easily.

The text is a lovely combination of an uplifting story about affirming your own identity and talents, smooth rhymes, and a great lesson in the names of musical instruments and music theory terms.

I'm excited to try this for circle time! The kids will love the illustrations, lively language, and the chance to imitate sounds. I'll love adding to their foundation of musical knowledge!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I officially have a new favorite children's book for the first day of school! Oscar Loubriel captured my interest from the very first page with his rhythmic prose and the beautiful way that he personified different musical instruments. The drum felt inadequate in his family of melody-makers, but his strength and value were affirmed in this touching story. Coelho's vibrant illustrations and the variations in fonts added the perfect touches to In My Neighborhood. Five stars!