New children’s book by Salford acoustics expert

Titled A Symphony of Sound: The Science Behind What We Hear, the book by Professor Trevor Cox is a visual exploration of the science behind sound and music.

Looking at how different instruments create their own unique sound, the story also explores the elaborate calls animals produce to communicate with the natural world, and it asks the question – what will the future sound like?

Professor Cox said: "Sound fills our lives: we have evolved to communicate with it, we use it to create complex musical patterns of rhythm and pitch, and it evokes powerful emotional responses in us.

“The mysterious effects of sound on our everyday lives often go unnoticed – this book invites you to uncover those secrets and delve into the captivating origins of sound.”

With engaging text by Professor Cox, and vibrant artwork by Sophie Escavy Lim, the story provides a fresh take on a fascinating yet often overlooked subject.

Published by Bonnier Books UK, the story is recommended for children aged between 7 and 9.

Having authored several research-based books prior to The Symphony of Sound, Trevor Cox is Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford and former president of the Institute of Acoustics. He has presented numerous science radio documentaries and has written for the New Scientist.

While this upcoming story is the first time that Professor Cox has penned a children’s book, he is an associate editor for an international journal of acoustics, and the author of Sonic Wonderland, The Sound Book and Now You’re Talking.

Text and artwork from A Symphony of Sound.  Illustration copyright © 2026 by Sophie Escavy Lim. 

The Symphony of Sound: The Science Behind What We Hear is available now: A Symphony of Sound: The Science Behind What We Hear: Amazon.co.uk: Cox, Trevor, Lim, Sophie Escavy: 9781800783249: Books