Picture books are an excellent tool to include in your music classroom. Not only are they perfect for soundless stations or extra end-of-class-filler, there are multitudes of opportunities to tie in musical concepts and topics to them as well. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites that you can use in your teaching. Let us know your favorites in the comments, or by tagging us on social media.
Books for Substitutes (most of these have a CD accompaniment)
Marsupial Sue Book and CD, by John Lithgow
Young Sue really doesn’t like being a kangaroo, so she goes off to find something better. First she tries climbing the trees like a koala, but that doesn’t work. Then she wades into the sea like a platypus, but that’s no good either. Finally, Sue joins up with some bouncy, jouncy wallabies…and discovers that being a kangaroo isn’t so bad, after all.
Using a jaunty waltz rhythm, actor, comedian, and best-selling author John Lithgow reassures children that they can be happy with who they are.
For listening or singing along, a CD of a John Lithgow performance of Marsupial Sue and an instrumental version is included with this book, as is the score of the song.
Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake" by John Lithgow
“I’m too fast, you’re too slow. Pan, pan, patty-cake pan, I can get away from you, I can!”
The much-loved story of the Runaway Pancake who pops out of the oven and is sure he can escape all who want to eat him, is given a new spin when Marsupial Sue and her friends put on a play version for their neighborhood. This has all of the wit and whimsy of Marsupial Sue and again features lively illustrations by Jack E. Davis. From the friends’ preparations behind the scenes to the actors’ final bows, readers will be inspired by the production. A CD recording of John Lithgow’s live performance of the song “The Runaway Pancake” is also included.
Tubby the Tuba, By Paul Tripp
All day long, Tubby plays oompah, oompah with his orchestra, but what he really wants is to “dance with the pretty little tune.” A resourceful bullfrog shows Tubby that everyone has the right to play his own melody. Comes complete with a CD of the author’s performance with full orchestration. This is a musical and visual treat for a whole new generation to enjoy the world’s most famous tuba.
The Rocket's Red Glare, by Peter Alderman
This book tells the story of the “Star-Spangled Banner. Although there are several books out there, this one has such beautiful illustrations that it is quickly becoming my favorite. For sub plans, I have the teacher read the book, discuss the etiquette that we should display during the national anthem and then listen to the version that comes with the book.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, by James Dean
Count down with Pete in this rocking story that makes counting fun! Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt—the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons?
The Composer is Dead, by Lemony Snicket
In this perplexing murder mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lemony Snicket, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi, and nearly everyone is a musical instrument. But the composer is still dead. Perhaps you will be able to solve it yourself. Join the Inspector as he interrogates all the unusual suspects. Then listen to the accompanying audio recording featuring Lemony Snicket and the music of Nathaniel Stookey performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Hear for yourself exactly what took place on that fateful, well-orchestrated evening.
Books to Teach Pitch
Mortimer, by Robert Munsch
This is a perfect book for a lesson on pitch and exploring high/low and up/down. As Mortimer is in his bed, supposed to be falling to sleep, lots of people “thump” up and down the stairs to yell at him. But he sings his song anyway – “clang, clang.”
Here Come the High Notes, by Marin Marka
Meet the 12 treble monsters as colorful illustrations tell the story of how the high notes chose their spots on the music lines. In this brilliantly engaging book, sheet music becomes an unforgettable musical world. What’s inside? A musician has thought up the notes in her head, and decides to set them free onto paper so she could share her songs with the world. In this 32-page book, the notes are introduced one-by-one as their stories explain where to find them on the music lines.
Look Out for Low Notes, by Marin Marka
Meet the 12 bass monsters as colorful illustrations tell the story of how the low notes chose their spots on the music lines. In this brilliantly engaging book, sheet music becomes an unforgettable musical world. What’s inside? A musician has thought up the notes in his head, and decides to set them free onto paper so he could share his songs with the world. In this 32-page book, the notes are introduced one-by-one as their stories explain where to find them on the music lines.
Song Garden, by Vicky Weber
It tells about a young girl who is so determined to create a song garden without anyone’s help. The story has a lot of different themes running through it – not only the melodic part, but also composition, determination, and creativity.
Books for Movement
Giraffes Can't Dance, Giles Andreae
Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
We Are the Dinosaurs, by Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner, “the queen of children’s music,” pairs the lyrics of her beloved hit with Ben Clanton’s whimsical illustrations in this winning, adorable picture book.
How Do You Wokka Wokka, by Elizabeth Bluemle
Some days you wake up and you just gotta wokka. Wokka what? Wokka-wokka! It’s about movement. It’s about dance. It’s about shimmy-shakin’, be-boppin’, and more! It’s about gathering friends and joining the party. The creative team behind My Father, the Dog returns with a call-and-response for preschoolers, an exuberant invitation to be part of the fun — and show your stuff!
Books About Diverse Artists
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, by Andrea Pinkney
A joyful biography of jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, recognized with a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Honor, brought to life by a bestselling husband and wife duo. This is a stunning introduction to Duke Ellington—a legend who continues to live on and influence musicians everywhere.
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa, by Andrea Pinkney
Ella Fitzgerald began her life as a singer on the stage of the Apollo Theater when she was just seventeen years old. Her rich voice and vocal innovations brought her fame and a remarkable career than spanned half a century and won her generations of fans around the world. Acclaimed author Andrea Davis Pinkney has told Ella’s inspiring story in the voice of Scat Cat Monroe, a feline fan whose imagined narrative sings with the infectious rhythms of scat.
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop, by Chris Raschka
Ever hear of Charlie Parker? The great jazz saxophone player? If you have or if you haven’t, it’s okay. Look at this board book and you’ll hear Charlie Parker; you’ll hear music in your mind. “Be bop. Fisk, fisk. Lollipop. Boomba, boomba.” Look. That’s Charlie swinging and spinning all over the pages. And that’s Charlie’s cat, waiting, waiting for him to come home…
When Louis Armstrong Taught Me to Scat, by Muriel Harris Weinstein
In a CRACKITY-SNAPPITY-POPPITY-POP bubblegum dream, a young girl learns to scat from the master himself, Louis Armstrong! Written in prose and scat with wild and wonderful illustrations by R. Gregory Christie, this joyful tribute is downright contagious. CHEW-ITEE CHEW-ITEE CHEW-ITEE CHOP, CRACKITY SNAPPITY POPPITY POP!
My Name is Celia, by Monica Brown
This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz’s life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is Celia “[a]n exuberant picture-book biography . . . a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music.”
Your Name is a Song, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class.
When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop, by Laban Carrick Hill
Before there was hip hop, there was DJ Kool Herc.On a hot day at the end of summer in 1973 Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school party at a park in the South Bronx. Her brother, Clive Campbell, spun the records. He had a new way of playing the music to make the breaks—the musical interludes between verses—longer for dancing. He called himself DJ Kool Herc and this is When the Beat Was Born. From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, here’s how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to breakdance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.
Books for Classical Music
In The Hall of The Mountain King, by Allison Flannery
This beautifully illustrated story brings to life Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s musical masterpiece and Henrik Ibsen’s timeless characters. Includes downloadable audio files of “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and four other pieces from the “Peer Gynt Suite.” Lesson plans and a puppet-making sheet are available from the author’s website.
Carnival of the Animals, by Jack Prelutsky
Included is a CD of the music and of Jack Prelutsky reading the verses. Ways students can act out the music—tromp like an elephant, hop like a kangaroo, glide like a swan—or, for older children, be creatively inspired by this joyful work.
Zin Zin Zin A Violin, by Moss Lloyd
Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups (duet, trio, quartet, etc.) Readers of all ages are sure to shout “Encore!” when they reach the final page of this joyous celebration of classical music.
The Remarkable Farkle McBride, by John Lithgow
Young Farkle McBride is a musical genius: He plays the violin, the flute, the trombone, and the drums with incredible skill. But he’s never satisfied: Something is missing.
In his first book, actor and musician John Lithgow introduces a memorable character, a fickle yet lovable child prodigy who brings the sounds and rhythms of an orchestra to sprawling visual life. With a double gatefold showing the entire orchestra, this is the ultimate book for the music lover in all of us.
Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo, by John Lithgow
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!
Because, by Mo Willems
“Because” tells the story of how a little girl goes to her first symphony concert because her uncle got a cold and couldn’t use his ticket, and how she was so inspired she ended up studying music and becoming a composer and conductor herself. The story shows how life-changing moments can happen by chance. There is even a special piece of music composed for this book by Hilary Purrington you can find that here: https://hilarypurrington.com/because-by-mo-willems.html
The Tale of the Firebird, by Gennady Spirin (Author), Tatiana Popova (Translator)
In all the world there is said to be nothing more beautiful than the Firebird. When Ivan-Tsarevitch, youngest son of the Tsar, goes on a quest for the amazing bird, he finds himself flying over mountains and woods on a talking wolf, confronting a wicked Baba Yaga, and rescuing an enchanted princess from Koshchei the Immortal. But when he returns from his magical journey, he brings home the most precious treasure of all.
Use these gorgeous illustrations while you paraphrase the story for your students with the Finale of Firebird playing in the background. If you time it right, you can have the “surprise” entrance coincide with the evil wizard’s entrance into the story.
Books for Rhyming and Rhythm
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem, by Amanda Gorman
“I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don’t fear change coming,
And so I sing along.”
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , by Bill Martin Jr
In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
This book is an easy one to add small handheld percussion instruments to as you go.
Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
Tiki Tiki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel
Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent’s classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.
Drum Dream Girl, by Margarita Engle
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Books That Are Songs
Coat of Many Colors, by Dolly Parton
Using lyrics from her classic song “Coat of Many Colors,” the book tells the story of a young girl in need of a warm winter coat. When her mother sews her a coat made of rags, the girl is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton’s trademark positivity carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love “in every stitch.” Beautiful illustrations pair with Parton’s poetic lyrics in this heartfelt picture book sure to speak to all young readers.
Grandma's Feather Bed, by John Denver
“Upbeat, funny and irresistibly singable,” the song Grandma’s Feather Bed was made famous by John Denver and now made “doubly memorable” by Christopher Canyon’s delightful illustrations. Learn all about the cousins, the chicken pie, four hound dogs and a piggy, but “the best darn thing about Grandma’s house was her great big feather bed.” If you need the perfect John Denver song book, read along book with cd for kids, or preschool book with a cd, this is the book for you!
Imagine, by John Lennon
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.
Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, by Alan Katz
Songwriter and comedy writer extraordinaire Alan Katz has turned those and other old favorites on their ears and created new nonsense songs kids will love. With zany, spirited pictures by illustrator and cartoonist David Catrow, this kooky collection guarantees laughs and plenty of silly dillyness for kids everywhere!
This will be a favorite of your students, guaranteed! It makes a great short reward or time-filler at the end of a busy class when you just need everyone to sit down and listen for a moment. There is also a book 2 in this series, “I’m Still Here in the Bathtub” that is just as hilarious.
The Erie Canal, by Peter Spier
The Erie Canal comes to life in this classic children’s book, illustrated by award winning artist Peter Spier, to the words of the familiar folk song, “Low Bridge, Everybody down.” Enjoy reading and singing this song with your children. Teachers use this book to introduce curriculum subjects and to tell stories about what is happening in the paintings of canal town life. Every child, library and school should have this book.
Books for Sound Effects
Shh, We Have a Plan, by Chris Haughton
Four friends creep through the woods, and what do they spot? An exquisite bird high in a tree! “Hello birdie,” waves one. “Shh! We have a plan,” hush the others. They stealthily make their advance, nets in the air. Ready one, ready two, ready three, and go! But as one comically foiled plan follows another, it soon becomes clear that their quiet, observant companion, hand outstretched, has a far better idea.
Gerald McBoingBoing, by Dr Suess
They say it all started when Gerald was two— That’s the age kids start talking—least, most of them do. Well, when he started talking, you know what he said? He didn’t talk words— he went boing boing instead! So goes the hilarious tale of a boy who was a little bit different—a tale that only Dr. Seuss could create. Based on the Academy Award-winning motion picture!
Squeak Rumble Whomp Whomp Whomp, by Wynton Marsalis
What’s that sound? The back door squeeeaks open, sounding like a noisy mouse nearby — eeek, eeeek, eeeek! Big trucks on the highway rrrrrrrumble, just as hunger makes a tummy grrrrumble. Ringing with exuberance and auditory delights, this second collaboration by world-renowned jazz musician and composer Wynton Marsalis and acclaimed illustrator Paul Rogers takes readers (and listeners) on a rollicking, clanging, clapping tour through the many sounds that fill a neighborhood.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear?, by Bill Martin Jr.
Children will chant the rhythmic words. They’ll make the sounds the animals make. And they’ll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book– look at the last page!
Books for Holidays
Frank was a Monster who wanted to Dance, by Kieth Graves
Frank was a monster who wanted to dance. So he put on his hat, and his shoes made in France… and opened a jar and put ants in his pants! So begins this monstrously funny, deliciously disgusting, horrifyingly hilarious story of a monster who follows his dream. Keith Graves’ wacky illustrations and laugh-out-loud text will tickle the funny bone and leave readers clamoring for an encore.
Old Lady Who Swallowed Series, by Lucille Colandro
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker, by Katy Flint
The Nutcracker is essential for any bookshelf during the holidays. This book is the children’s Christmas story of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker. The young girl, Clara, receives a nutcracker for Christmas, and he takes her on a marvelous adventure. This version above is lovely for its gorgeous illustrations. But, the most special part is that it includes buttons to play each of the musical selections as you are reading!
Do you have any favorite books that are missing from our list? Share them with us in the comments, or tag us on social media @wengerformusiced and we’ll try to feature your ideas in another post.
