As a piano teacher, this is the book I would use for children who were only just younger than school-age. It prepares children with general musical concepts which can be built upon with successive books in the series. It is most effective when used under the direction of a piano teacher or experienced musician. The pieces are go from simple to complex and there is a good progression of learning musical concepts which build upon and reinforce prior learning of musical concepts.
Alfred's Basic Prep Course, Lesson Book A is specifically designed for very young beginners. Through the use of appealing music and attractive illustrations, it is no wonder that Lesson Book A is the most widely used young beginner's piano book now available. This course takes into consideration the normal attention span, as well as the small-sized hands of the young beginner. Shortly after beginning, the young student will be able to play "Merrily We Roll Along." The complete Prep Course consists of six books (Levels A through F).