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Music

A total workout for baby's brain: vocabulary, math, patterns, emotions, social, and more!

Every Little Thing

Music, Emotions, Diverse Leads

Every family will relate to this universal story of a boy who won't let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three special little birds. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Every Little Thing contains beautiful, full-page designs that are as colorful and fun as the storyline. Including all the lyrics of the original song "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, along with exciting new song verses, this cheerful children's book will bring a smile to faces of all ages—because every little thing's gonna be alright. "Will strike a chord with worrywarts and loving children everywhere."—School Library Journal MARLEY FAMILY CONNECTION: This vibrant picture book is adapted by Cedella Marley, the oldest child of legendary musician Bob Marley, who has dedicated herself to keeping her father's message and memory alive. DIVERSE CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Filled with upbeat illustrations and lyrical text that celebrates diversity and unity, Every Little Thing makes a terrific read-aloud for families or classrooms with its uplifting message of love, peace, and harmony. BEST KIDS' BOOK SERIES: Fans of One Love and Get Up, Stand Up will love this modern take on the uplifting song Every Little Thing.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 7239 votes, reviews

Cedella Marley

Barnyard Dance

Best of Boynton, Music

Everybody sing along because it's time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! From Boynton on Board, the bestselling series of board books, here is BARNYARD DANCE, with Sandra Boynton's twirling pigs, fiddle-playing cows, and other unforgettable animals. Extra-big, extra-fat, and extra-fun, BARNYARD DANCE features lively rhyming text and a die-cut cover that reveals the wacky characters inside. Guaranteed to get kids and adults stomping their feet.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 6428 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

One Love

Music, Diversity, Community Building

One love, one heart, let's get together and feel all right: Adapted from Bob Marley's timeless hit song, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. It's a testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts. Now available as a children's board book that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to learn about diversity, teamwork, and love.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5408 votes, reviews

Cedella Marley

You Are My Sunshine

Lovey Dovey, Music

Illustrated by the best-selling artist, Caroline Jayne Church, finally this classic song is becoming a children's board book! You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.You make me happy when skies are gray.Lovingly illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church, the bestselling artist from I LOVE YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH, this is the first of her new three book song series. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE has become well-known and well-loved by parents and children everywhere. Using the uplifting chorus, this board book with a foil cover is perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any day!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 4631 votes, reviews

Jimmie Davis

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Taylor Swift (Little Golden Book)

Thinking Big, Strong Female Leads, Music

elp your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Taylor Swift, the Grammy Award–winning and multiplatinum artist. Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers—as well as fans of all ages! "A must-have for any Taylor Swift collection." —Rolling Stone This Little Golden Book about Taylor Swift--the singer and songwriter whose distinctive talent for storytelling has made her one of the biggest superstars in both country and pop music--is an inspiring read-aloud for young children as well as their Swiftie parents!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3777 votes, reviews

Wendy Loggia

The Story of Rock

Music

1...2...3...4! Let’s rock and roll, babies! 2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner From Elvis Presley to Beatlemania, from Janis Joplin to David Bowie—rock has transformed through generations while ringing true with passionate sound. Rock along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the rockers that started it all! Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to play the air guitar with adorable frequency.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3282 votes, reviews

Editors of Caterpillar Books

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The Story of Rap

Music

Lay down a baby beat and learn all about the history of rap! "This is sooooo adorbs!!" —Missy Elliot on Twitter 2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner From Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar, rap has shaped generations and brought a voice to the voiceless. Bop along with the greats in this adorable baby book that introduces little ones to the rappers that started it all! Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to develop excessive amounts of swagger.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3254 votes, reviews

Editors of Caterpillar Books

What a Wonderful World

Music

First recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2857 votes, reviews

Bob Thiele

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The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker

Music, Christmas

Follow Clara on a magical Christmas adventure in this musical retelling of The Nutcracker ballet—push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score. It is Christmas Eve at Clara’s house. Scents of ginger, chocolate, and peppermint waft through the air. Clara’s parents are having a party, and her little brother Fritz is decorating the Christmas tree. Clara’s godfather, a toymaker, arrives with gifts, including a very special one for her—a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. After Fritz breaks it, the children are sent to bed.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2530 votes, reviews

Katy Flint

Wild Symphony

Music, Celebrity Authors

#1 New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown makes his picture book debut with this mindful, humorous, musical, and uniquely entertaining book! The author will be donating all US royalties due to him to support music education for children worldwide, through the New Hampshire Charitable foundation. Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! Young readers will meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles and graceful swans. Each has a special secret to share. Along the way, you might spot the surprises Maestro Mouse has left for you- a hiding buzzy bee, jumbled letters that spell out clues, and even a coded message to solve! Children and adults can enjoy this timeless picture book as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to original musical compositions as they read--one for each animal--with a free interactive smartphone app, which uses augmented reality to play the appropriate song for each page when a phone's camera is held over it.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2502 votes, reviews

Dan Brown

Because

Music, Bravery

Mo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1609 votes, reviews

Mo Willems

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The Story Orchestra: Swan Lake

Music

Discover the spellbinding magic of Swan Lake in this musical retelling of the ballet – push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score. This tale of a prince, a beautiful swan princess and an evil sorcerer begins in a woodland clearing far, far away. It is Prince Siegfried’s 21st birthday. He is playing games with his friends when his mother, the Queen, arrives to tell him he needs to stop having fun and start looking after the kingdom. Prince Siegfried dreams of running away. He follows an enchanting flock of swans to a clearing by a lake, where four of the little cygnets begin to dance. The most beautiful swan transforms into the Princess Odette, who tells him that she has been cursed to turn into a swan by day and return to her natural form at night by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. As the prince and Odette dance, they begin to fall in love. The story follows Prince Siegfried as he attends his birthday party, is tricked into proposing to Von Rothbart’s daughter Odile and returns to the lake to battle the evil sorcerer. Will the prince be reunited with his swan princess? As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet’s music. Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music. At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with details about his composition of Swan Lake. Next to this, you can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1574 votes, reviews

Katy Flint

The Bear and the Piano

Music, Thinking Big

One day, a bear cub finds something strange and wonderful in the forest. When he touches the keys, they make a horrible noise. Yet he is drawn back again and again. Eventually, he learns to play beautiful sounds, delighting his woodland friends. Then the bear is invited to share his sounds with new friends in the city. He longs to explore the world beyond his home, and to play bigger and better than before. But he knows that if he leaves, the other bears will be very sad . . . This gorgeously illustrated tale of following one’s dreams reminds us of the value of friendship, wherever we go.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1543 votes, reviews

David Litchfield

The Story of Pop

Music

Dust off your mic and learn all about the history of pop music in this adorable board book! From Elton John and Madonna to Beyoncé and Prince—pop music breathes life into melodies and makes us want to dance! Hit the high notes along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the pop stars that started it all! Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to start putting on living room concerts.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1515 votes, reviews

Caterpillar Books

Jungle Night

Betime, Boynton Bests, Music

Sandra Boynton and Yo-Yo Ma! Plus snoozing jungle animals! Two celebrated artists come together for JUNGLE NIGHT, a soothing bedtime board book. (Okay, MOSTLY soothing.) The book guides us through the jungle to hear the distinctive, gentle snore of each animal: "Listen to the tiger: ZEEE-ZOOO-HAAA. Listen to the cheetah: CHEE-CHEE-TAAAH." A free downloadable JUNGLE NIGHT recording offers a narration of the book, with each and every animal snore interpreted by the expressive, playful cello of Yo-Yo Ma. He even does the elephant's stop-the-show snore—though admittedly that took Ma's cello PLUS the classic horn salute of the James R. Barker steamship. (Seriously.) All of this fabulousness leads into the coolest lullaby ever: "Jungle Gymnopédie No. 1", a polyrhythmic jungly arrangement by Boynton of Erik Satie's renowned piece, with Yo-Yo Ma on cello, guitar played by Ron Block of Alison Krauss Union Station, and drums by Kevin MacLeod. "Yo-Yo and I chose this piece because it's the most gorgeous and mesmerizing night song imaginable," explains Boynton. "And there was surely nothing else that could get those animals back to sleep after that elephant blast."
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1107 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

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Music

Music

Learn from home and explore the world with these fun and easy board books! Every young child loves to listen to music, bang on drums, and pound the keys of a piano. Now here's a Hello, World! board book that can teach babies and toddlers all about musical instruments and the sounds they make—with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. Hello, World! board books introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms with read-aloud sound words ("Plink! There are 88 keys on a piano, and they each make a different sound") and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It's a perfect way to bring science and culture into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 997 votes, reviews

Jill McDonald

Imagine

Celebrity Authors, Thinking Big

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one. Join one little pigeon as she sets out on a journey to spread a message of tolerance around the world. Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon’s iconic song and illustrations by the award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely picture book dares to imagine a world at peace. Imagine will be published in partnership with human rights organization Amnesty International.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 984 votes, reviews

John Lennon

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The Teddy Bears' Picnic

Music

Read (or sing!) your way through this picture book adaptation of the favorite teddy-bear tale, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. If you go down in the woods today You'd better go in disguise For every bear there ever was Will gather there for certain because Today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 856 votes, reviews

Jimmy Kennedy

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I Love Music

Music

What magical sounds do a guitar, violin, piano, and other instruments make? Find out in this exciting interactive introduction to music that's just right for curious little ones! Readers of every age will be enchanted by this charming board book, which is distinguished by the exceptional quality of the musical sounds that bring every picture to life. I Love Music has a button on every spread, which triggers one of six captivating sounds that introduces a familiar instrument to the reader. An incredibly simple but utterly fascinating interactive book with sounds bound to enchant young readers and ignite an early love of music!A delightful and compelling book in the My First Sound Book series that everyone in the family will enjoy reading again and again.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 850 votes, reviews

Marion Billet

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Trombone Shorty

Music, Thinking Big, African American Leads, Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award-winning picture book biography from Grammy-nominated musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and celebrated illustrator Bryan Collier “Who’s that playing out there?” Bo Diddley asked the New Orleans crowd. It was a small child who’d been nicknamed “Trombone Shorty” because his trombone was twice as large as he was. Trombone Shorty was lifted in the air and carried through the audience until he reached the stage with Bo Diddley. He has been onstage ever since. Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, where music always floated in the air, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews didn’t always have the money to buy an instrument, but he did have the dream to play music. This is the story of how he made his dream take flight. Today, Troy Andrews is a Grammy-nominated musician who tours the world with his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He continues to inspire hope for the next generation in New Orleans and for music lovers everywhere.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 624 votes, reviews

Troy Andrews

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Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo

Music, Celebrity Authors

This lively and lyrical jaunt from actor and author John Lithgow comes with a CD of his celebrated song! Oh, children! Remember! Whatever you may do, Never play music right next to the zoo. They’ll burst from their cages, each beast and each bird, Desperate to play all the music they’ve heard. A concert gets out of hand when the animals at the neighboring zoo storm the stage and play the instruments themselves in this hilarious picture book based on one of John Lithgow’s best-loved tunes. This package includes a CD of John and an orchestra performing the song!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 617 votes, reviews

John Lithgow

When Step Met Skip

Music

Step loves stepping up and down the musical staff, but his world is turned upside down when he meets Skip: an adventurous character who isn't afraid of a little risk. Together, they discover that the best music has a little of Step AND Skip!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 565 votes, reviews

Vicky Weber

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

Caldecott Medal, Music

A Caldecott Honor book that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and a counting book that redefines the genre. When this book begins, the trombone is playing all by itself. But soon a trumpet makes a duet, a french horn a trio, and so on until the entire orchestra is assembled on stage. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups. Readers of all ages are sure to shout “Encore!” when they reach the final page of this joyous celebration of classical music.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 540 votes, reviews

Lloyd Moss

Dancing Hands

Music, Venezuelan Culture, American History

In soaring words and stunning illustrations, Margarita Engle and Rafael López tell the story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy who played piano for Abraham Lincoln. As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy. Soon she was writing her own songs and performing in grand cathedrals. Then a revolution in Venezuela forced her family to flee to the United States. Teresa felt lonely in this unfamiliar place, where few of the people she met spoke Spanish. Worst of all, there was fighting in her new home, too—the Civil War. Still, Teresa kept playing, and soon she grew 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?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 499 votes, reviews

Margarita Engle

The Teddy Bears' Picnic

Grateful Dead, Familiar Songs

Join Jerry Garcia in this board book edition of the all-time favorite song, illustrated by bestselling artist Bruce Whatley. It’s rollicking reimaging of the classic song—with singing, dancing, and picnicking teddy bears and a slight ’60s twist. Come along—it's time for the Teddy Bears' Picnic!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 418 votes, reviews

Jerry Garcia

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Woodstock, Baby!

Music Festivals, Counting

A far-out counting board book celebrating the peace and love of Woodstock! Little rockers will love counting everything from peace signs and guitars to bell-bottoms and rock bands in this out-of-sight board book with simple rhyming words and groovy illustrations. It's the perfect gift for every little flower child and music fan.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 401 votes, reviews

Spencer Wilson

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I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello

Music

Perfect for any young reader interested in music, families who love music, and a must-have staple for music classrooms, this funny picture book is an amusing introduction to the instruments in an orchestra, featuring clever rhymes and whimsical illustrations. Meet a shy fellow! He’s hard to notice, but he’s right at the side of the room listening to a duet for cello and viola. But look again -- our shy fellow suddenly has an urge to swallow a HUGE cello, which is precisely what he does. And he doesn't stop there! He also swallows a harp, a saxophone, and a fiddle while trying to satisfy his voracious appetite for musical instruments. But when he swallows a teensy, tiny, little bitty bell, you won’t believe what happens! In this take-off on a classic children’s song, kids will laugh out loud and learn all about musical instruments with this story that’s a melodious mix of fun and frivolity.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 360 votes, reviews

Barbara S. Garriel

A You're Adorable

Music, Alphabet

“Warm illustrations by Martha Alexander . . . and the silly words address kissable little sweethearts.” —Publishers Weekly A You’re adorable B You’re so beautiful C You’re a cutie full of charm D — You’ll be delighted by this delicious trip through the alphabet! Sing along as a lively company of children and assorted pets scamper across the bright pages and through the letters from A to Z. With warm and charming illustrations by Martha Alexander, this popular 1940s song by Buddy Kaye, Fred Wise, and Sidney Lippman makes a captivating board book. Complete with the music for the song, here is a ditty for your darling, a song for your sweetheart, a valentine for anytime.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 357 votes, reviews

Martha Alexander

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Clap Your Hands

Music

Full of reasons to get up and dance, Lorinda Bryan Cauley's popular picture book, now available in board book format, has been delighting children for nearly a decade. Little ones will jump at the chance to join this menagerie of zany animals and children as they stomp, wiggle, roar, and spin their way through the day, as the rhyming text reinforces important concepts.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 340 votes, reviews

Lorinda Bryan Cauley

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In My Life

Celebrity Authors, Music

With three generations of one family, we share moments that are meant to be savored in this special book that beautifully illustrates the words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s world-renowned song “In My Life.” There are places I’ll remember, in my life, though some have changed... One gift with a bright bow starts a young girl on a path…one her mother follows with her as she explores, grows, and rides off on her own, only to return again with her own daughter in tow. This hauntingly beautiful book shares the small moments of that journey that are meant to be remembered and savored in the lyrics of this classic song.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 338 votes, reviews

John Lennon

The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk

Indian Culture, Familiar Songs

From the mother-son duo behind the New York Times bestselling A Bucket of Blessings comes a zany picture book about a wild ride on a tuk tuk taxi in India! This picture book brings an international twist to the beloved nursery rhyme, The Wheels on the Bus, by bringing you aboard a busy three-wheeled taxi in India! Anything can happen as the tuk tuk rolls through town—from an elephant encounter to a tasty treat to a grand fireworks display. And in the midst of all the action, one thing’s for sure: passengers young and old love every minute of their exciting ride as the wheels of the tuk tuk go round and round!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 304 votes, reviews

Kabir Sehgal

Ada's Violin

Music

From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash. Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 291 votes, reviews

Susan Hood

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Dancing Feet!

Music

Lindsey Craig's rollicking text features funny sound words (Tippity! Creepity! Stompity! Thumpity!), dancing animals, a singsong beat, and a guessing element just easy enough for preschoolers to anticipate. Marc Brown's artwork is bright, textured, and joyful, a collage of simple shapes for kids to find and name.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 231 votes, reviews

Lindsey Craig

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Meet the Orchestra

Music

This lyrical romp through the orchestra begins with animal musicians slowly gathering for the evening performance. Poetic descriptions suggest the sounds of the instruments, and lively watercolor illustrations capture the playful essence of each musician and musical instrument. “It’s a smashing introduction to classical music, and a must prior to a first visit to the symphony.”--Publishers Weekly
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 170 votes, reviews

Ann Hayes

Billy the Kid Makes It Big

Pets, Music, Celebrity Authors

From the legendary Dolly Parton comes a story about her god-dog and Instagram personality, Billy the Kid, who is hoping to make it big as a country music star in Nashville, Tennessee. French bulldog Billy the Kid was born with an ear for music. And not just any music. He loves barking to the beat of country music! So Billy sets out to Nashville to sing his heart out. But when he meets some big bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, Billy worries he's barking up the wrong tree. He'll need his favorite songs ("Jowlene" and "I Will Pawlways Love You," of course), a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be. Written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, this is a delightful picture book about standing up to people (and dogs) who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 133 votes, reviews

Dolly Parton

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The Philharmonic Gets Dressed

Music

"It is almost Friday night. Outside, the dark is getting darker," and here and there around the city ninety-two men and thirteen women are getting dressed to go to work. First they bathe and put on their underwear. Then they don special black-and-white apparel. Then when the one hundred and five people are completely ready, each takes a musical instrument and travels to midtown. There, at 8:30 tonight, they will work together: playing. In these pages Karla Kuskin and Marc Simont combine their talents to give us a delightful and unusual inside view of one way an orchestra prepares.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 119 votes, reviews

Karla Kuskin

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Jazz

Music, Diverse Leads

There's a crazy syncopation /and it's tearing through the nation / and it's bringing sweet elation / to every single tune./ It's Jazz One of TIME's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time Fifteen poems, infused with the rhythm and wordplay of jazz music, are paired with bold, stylized illustrations of performers and dancers to convey the history and breadth of this unique musical style. From bebop to New Orleans, from ragtime to boogie, and every style in between, Jazz takes readers on a musical journey from jazz's beginnings to the present day. Created by a celebrated father-son team, Jazz is a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a Kirkus Best Children's Books Editor's Choice. In addition to its colorful and lyrical celebration, the book includes a brief introductory essay about the history and form of jazz, as well as a timeline and glossary of jazz terms.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 72 votes, reviews

Walter Dean Myers

The Story Orchestra: The Planets

Music

Discover the spellbinding magic of The Planets in this musical reimagining of one of Holst’s most famous suites.Push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Holst’s score. This tale is about a brother and sister who adventure deep into our solar system. Our story begins one night as Helen and Tim get ready for bed in their new space rocket bunk beds… but sleep will have to wait as they magically blast up, up, up into the glittering night sky, leaving planet Earth far below them. Helen and Tim journey here, there and everywhere through our majestic solar system. They soar past the cold rocky surface of Mars as it rises into towering peaks and plunges into deep canyons and glide through a bumpy asteroid belt made of icy rocks. They blast deeper into our solar system, exploring the dazzling stars and astounding planets along the way. But now it really is time to head home! As the rocket speeds towards Earth, Tim and Helen watch the sun rise over their planet. As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the score. Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music. At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Gustav Holst, with details about his composition of The Planets. Next to this, you can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 52 votes, reviews

Jessica Courtney Tickle

The Enchanted Symphony

Music, Celebrity Authors

The Enchanted Symphony is an inspiring picture book about the power of art, nature, and community from New York Times bestselling mother–daughter duo, beloved Academy Award-winner Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. When a lively village is beset by a mysterious fog, the town turns dull and silent; melancholy neighbors stop visiting each other and even going outside. Until one day, when a boy’s simple melody strikes a chord, reminding everyone of what matters most—even in the darkest of times. Beautifully and colorfully illustrated by Elly MacKay, The Enchanted Symphony is a powerful, hopeful fairy tale celebrating life’s simple pleasures that bring us together.
average rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 25 votes, reviews

Julie Andrews

Beatles Legends Alphabet

Music, Alphabet

From Blackbird to Taxman, Eleanor Rigby to Lucy In The Sky, Beatles Legends Alphabet whimsically celebrates a compilation of the Fab Four’s most legendary tracks. Meaningfully illustrated and knowledgeably written, this unique book will inspire new fans, and turn up the volume for even the most enthusiastic Beatles maniac.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 10 votes, reviews

Beck Feiner

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Is This Love?

Music, Emotions

Relive the magic of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs in this newest picture book adaptation! Is this love? Is this love that I’m feeling? Bob Marley’s music has captured the hearts and souls of families around the world. This sweet adaptation of one of his best-loved songs is a heartwarming tale of an older child’s love for a younger sibling. From the moment she sees her baby sister, big sister knows just what she’s going to do: love her and treat her right, every day and every night. Playing together, watching over her, standing by her through thick and thin . . . big sister does it all because, yes, this is love that she’s feeling. Adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s eldest child, and exuberantly illustrated by Alea Marley, Is This Love? is a joyful ode to the unshakeable love shared by all those who call one another family.
average rating is 3.9 out of 5, based on 4 votes, reviews

Bob Marley

Music

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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