LINDEEN, Mary . Cool Country Music: Create & Appreciate What Makes Music Great! ISBN 978-1-59928-970-0 . LC 2007039881. LINDEEN, Mary . Cool Latin Music: Create & Appreciate What Makes Music Great! ISBN 978-1-59928-972-4 . LC 2007040584. ea vol: 32p. (Cool Music Series). illus. photos. reprods. chron. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library . 2008. PLB $16.95. Gr 4-6 Beginning with a discussion of different music styles, these books go on to define the relevant genre, discuss its history, and describe the elements particular to it. Chapters cover instruments often used in the musical style, such as cellos in Classical ; a wide range of musical legends and other great performers of noted songs or works; music production; and collection, including information on downloading, and copyright agreements and violations. The titles direct young musicians to online resources including performance sites specific to each type. A wide range of works from and performers of each style are referenced (the sidebar of opera plots in Classical details decidedly adult themes, such as adultery in Carmen ). Each color photo-illustrated book also invites readers to experience music by writing a song or putting together elements to create a production or performance. In addition, simple, step-by-step instructions teach students to make instruments and perform dances-how to make a trombone and waltz ( Classical ), create a banjo and learn the Texas two-step ( Country ), and make a cuíca and perform the samba ( Latin ). The strength of these books lies in the introduction of vocabulary with the history of each genre. Though the titles do not provide in-depth studies, the ample, concise information will engage beginners. Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX