Children's Notebook for Piano was written in 1944 for Shostakovich's eight-year-old daughter, Galina, for her studies on the instrument. Another piece, “Birthday,” was added to the set as a birthday present in 1945. These pieces give piano students a glimpse of Shostakovich's style in miniature, with surprising turns of melody, playful moments, and melancholy. Pedagogical in nature, Schirmer Performance Editions offer new research, insightful interpretive suggestions, pertinent fingering, and historical and stylistic commentary. Some volumes include an excellent performance based on the recorded edition. Prepared by experienced artists and master teachers, these publications provide an accurate, well-informed score resource for pianists.