With so many wonderful children’s books in libraries and bookstores, how do you select the right ones to read to your children? Sometimes it’s helpful to decide on a theme. Get your little ones interested in the world of music (and so much more) with these musically-themed picture books.
Following Papa’s Song by Gianna Marino (2014)
Little Blue and his Papa are humpback whales on a long adventure. Little Blue has some questions and doubts about the long trip he and Papa are making, but Papa leads and comforts his little one with his song. This heartwarming story might remind children of the familiar songs they hear from their own parents, making strange places feel just like home.
Gabriella’s Song by Candace Fleming (2001)
Gabriella lives in Venice, and she hears music wherever she goes. When she hums along with the music she hears, the people of the town hear her. Each person reacts differently to the lovely melody. Gabriella’s simple humming even inspires a composer, who turns it into a symphony.
A-Hunting We Will Go! by Steven Kellogg (1998)
Sing your un-sleepy child to bed with this adventurous book which stars a group of children who are not ready to go to sleep. The traditional song and the fun illustrations will raise your spirits as you all march your way to the bedroom.
Berlioz the Bear by Jan Brett (1996)
Introduce your children to a small orchestra of instruments. Berlioz’s double bass has a strange buzz, and his band gets stuck on the way to their performance at the village square. Different animals try to help Berlioz out. Which one will do the job? Jan Brett’s intricate illustrations delight children (and adults) as they listen to this fun musical story.
Carnival of the Animals: Classical Music for Kids by Camille Saint-Saens (1999)
Classical music for kids? This picture book and CD make it delightful for children to follow the different sections of Saint-Saens’ music. This classical music is about animals, perfect for an introduction to classical music.
Mole Music by David McPhail (1999)
In his underground burrow, Mole learns to play a violin because he longs to make beautiful music. He has no idea that his music is being listened to above ground, and it has more effect than he ever dreams.
Flowers for Sarajevo by John McCutcheon (2017)
The day after a bomb destroys a Sarajevo bakery and kills twenty-two people, a single musician comes out and plays heartbreaking cello music at the bombsite. He continues this routine for twenty-two days. A flower stand boy hears the music and finds his own way to make Sarajevo beautiful again. This touching story is based on real events. An accompanying CD plays the cello music that honored the victims of the bombing.
Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed by Leslea Newman (2015)
This charming tale is also based on the true story of a composer named Moshe Cotel and his little kitten, Ketzel. Together, they make music. When the creative composer can’t find the right notes, Ketzel takes an inspiring stroll across the keyboard.
A Violin for Elva by Mary Lyn Ray (2015)
Elva’s parents tell her no when she asks for a violin. Instead, she pretends to play one, even when she should be doing other things. Years later, after Elva is all grown up, she still wishes to play a violin. Will Elva play the music she always wanted to play? This story reminds us that dreams can last a long time.
The Fiddler of the Northern Lights by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (1996)
Henry’s grandfather tells wonderful stories, and one story about a fiddler who summons the northern lights particularly interests him. Will the two of them find the fiddler out in the wilderness? Or will the fiddler come to them? Read this magical story to explore some interesting connections between music, nature, and a sense of wonder.
Enjoy reading these musical picture books to your children. We hope they inspire you to listen to more music and make musical memories of your own.