Grades
PreK - 8
Groovy Children's Books About Music
Instill curiosity about music in your students through these uplifting books.
Music has far-reaching positive effects on the development and happiness of children. It not only promotes hope, but also increases confidence, bridges divides, and inspires some children to pick up their own instruments and let their creativity bloom and shine.
But playing musical instruments isn’t required to deliver these developmental and social-emotional benefits. One way to introduce a love of music is through moving books about music for kids of all ages.
From board books to picture books and beyond, these stories on this book list showcase the multifaceted artform, along with a variety of genres and artists.
For example, younger kids in grades Pre-K-3 will adore When Rubin Plays, about a boy’s love of orchestra instruments. Rubin wants to learn how to play his violin and make his own music. But when he begins to play, it doesn’t sound like Rubin imagined it would; realizing he needs more practice, Rubin heads into the forest to play. Despite Rubin only being able to make his violin screech for the time being, he finds an unlikely audience who loves his own brand of music!
With a timeless message of persistence and eye-catching illustrations, this book is sure to become a fast favorite in your class library.
Another beautiful example of a universality of music is I Got the Rhythm. On a simple trip to the park, the overwhelming joy of music overtakes a mother and her daughter. Finding the rhythm of everyday life — from the sound of butterflies’ wings to street performers to the ice cream truck — the little girl sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat!
This joyous title will capture the hearts and imaginations of kids who find their own rhythm every day.
Meanwhile, older students in grades 3-7 will be captivated by Barakah Beats, which braids themes of faith, friendship, and music. For twelve-year-old Nimra, life gets complicated when she joins Barakah Beats, the school’s popular boy band.
The reason for the complication: Nimra was taught that music isn't allowed in Islam. And while she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents by being in the boy band, she also doesn’t want to let down the band, either. With a benefit concert approaching, Nimra must decide on her path forward.
In another inspiring and lyrical picture book that deftly dives into the psyche and heart of a child's viewpoint and experience, the creator of Lala's Words, Gracey Zhang, offers confidence to everyone who longs to master something that can be difficult and shows that there is only one way to do something right: that is to do it your own special way.
Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison, capture the beat of the street, to create a rollicking read that will get any kid in the mood to boogie.
Bill Withers's "Lovely Day" is famous for bringing listeners joy. This beautiful picture book adapted from the song's timeless lyrics follows the story of a brother and sister who always find a way to make each other smile, no matter the challenges the day may bring.
Karma and her daddy love to make music together! Together, they're the perfect team! But when it's time for Karma to write her daddy a rap for his birthday all on her own, she can't quite make it perfect. What rhymes with banana anyway? Told with heart and humor, Karma soon realizes that she never has to do anything alone as long as she has daddy by her side.
Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. His knees buckle whenever he tries to twirl. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango.
Eva is ready to rock out at the Woodlandstock Music Festival! But when another band can't make it, Eva and her friends are ready to step in. Will they be able to form their own band in time to save the festival? And who will be their band's star singer?
By illuminating a performance on the U.S. border with Mexico in 2019, readers are introduced to the cellist"s remarkable career and the ways he challenges convention through music.
Teresa becomes famous as the talented Piano Girl who could play anything from a folk song to a sonata. So famous, in fact, that President Abraham Lincoln wanted her to play at the White House! Yet with the country torn apart by war, could Teresa's music bring comfort to those who needed it most?
Explore this extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.
They're cutting funding at Sarai's school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai! Inspired by her favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez, she organizes a benefit concert to raise money. Can Sarai save the music?
Perfect for fans of Save Me a Seat, this is a sweet, powerful, and joyous novel about a girl who finds her voice on her own terms.
