Music is an incredible way for kids to discover more about themselves and the world. It’s not just about having fun and clapping along; music also helps them learn important skills as part of their early education. Check out these six fantastic children’s books about music, perfect for every young child to enjoy!
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Monday, January 29th
Encouraging your child’s love for music can be as simple as combining their fascination with sound and enjoyment of picture books. Introducing musical or sound books designed for toddlers and children can make learning about music fun and engaging for them.
1. Animal Orchestra by Ilo Orleans
It is a delightful, rhyming story that follows an animal orchestra led by a hippo conductor. Perfect for reading aloud, this book offers children an imaginative journey into the world of music and orchestras. The engaging narrative and charming illustrations make it an ideal choice for young readers and an excellent addition to any family’s storytime collection. With its timeless appeal, this classic Little Golden Book continues to capture the hearts of both children and adults alike.
2. Allegro: A Musical Journey Through 11 Musical Masterpieces by David Miles
This book takes young readers on a magical exploration of classical music through the story of Allegro, an ordinary boy who embarks on an extraordinary adventure. Each beautifully illustrated scene is accompanied by a famous classical theme that can be played with a button, adding an interactive and immersive element to the reading experience.
It offers a captivating way for children to discover and appreciate timeless compositions while accompanying Allegro on his musical journey. With its enchanting narrative and interactive features, it’s sure to spark a love for classical music in young readers.
3. The Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine
It is an enchanting and educational journey that introduces children to the world of classical music. With eye-catching illustrations and an accompanying 70-minute CD, this book provides an immersive experience for young readers to learn about the instruments, the music, and the composers who wrote the music.
It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to spark a love for classical music in children, offering engaging narratives and delightful musical selections that make learning about orchestras an enjoyable adventure.
4. Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael Lopez
It is a captivating and inspiring picture book based on the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who challenged Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers.
The poetic narrative and enchanting folk-art illustrations vividly portray Millo’s courageous pursuit of her musical dreams in the face of societal norms. This beautifully crafted book celebrates the determination, cultural heritage, and power of music, making it a compelling and important addition to any child’s literary collection.
5. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss
It is a delightful and rhythmic picture book that introduces young readers to the world of musical groups and serves as a unique counting book. The engaging, poetic text captures the essence of each instrument presented, making it a perfect introduction to orchestral music for children. Through playful and flowing artwork, this book educates and entertains, making it a valuable addition to any child’s literary collection.
6. Music Is… by Brandon Stosuy
It is a beautifully illustrated board book that artfully introduces young readers to the concept of opposites within the music world. Through engaging and vibrant illustrations, this book celebrates various musical concepts, instruments, and the people who enjoy them. It’s an excellent tool for teaching kindergarten music, touching on fast/slow, loud/quiet, and more.
The book’s jazzy modern approach appeals to everyone, and its visual representation of musical vocabulary is both creative and educational.
Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comments!