Jonathan's musical instrument collection consists of a series of photographs with captions. Each photograph depicts a musical instrument hand made by the author. The format of the book is an overview of various folk instruments. It is divided into sections associated with "musical instrument families" percussion, brass, reeds, strings and woodwinds. In addition, there is a section called "Whistles and globular flutes," related to the Woodwind section. Rather than being an instructional or "how to" book, Jonathan's musical instrument collection is designed to inform, entertain and inspire the reader. The book includes a list of references. Jonathan's musical instrument collection may be appropriate for older children and teenagers, from ages 11 through 18, as well as for adults.