While I was finishing my master’s degree, Music Therapy internship and becoming board-certified, before I began working full time with Metro Music Makers, I ran the music department at my local Barnes & Noble. I worked in several locations during grad school and my internship, with so many wonderful people who loved their work and knew so much about their areas of expertise. I’m fortunate to still have access to an entire nation of Barnes & Noble booksellers through Facebook, so I thought I’d ask for their expert input about music-themed books for young children. So, just in time for the three-day weekend, here’s a round-up of favorites, from the people who know best!
Th
e Pete the Cat books by Eric Litwin and Atlanta artist James Dean, suggested by Kathy Franklin
Philadelphia Chickens (comes with a CD!) by Sandra Boynton, suggested by Lisa DeMeno
Puff the Magic Dragon
(with CD!) by Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton and Eric Puybaret, suggested by Jeanette M. Hildwine
The Composer is Dead (with CD!) by Lemony Snicket, suggested by Suzanne Cadwell
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick, suggested by Melissa Zander
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont, suggested by Jenalee Wright
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss and Marjorie Priceman, suggested by Shannon Lackey
The Philharmonic Gets Dressed by Karla Kuskin and Marc Simont, suggested by Melissa Sands Boveroux
Marc Brown’s Playtime Rhymes by Marc Brown, suggested by Melissa Sands Boveroux
M Is For Music by Kathleen Krull and Stacy Innerst, suggested by Melissa Sands Boveroux
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault and Lois Ehlert, suggested by Melissa Sands Boveroux
The Remarkable Farkle McBride by John Lithgow and C.F. Payne, suggested by Tammi Drevers
Jazz ABZ and Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! by Wynton Marsalis, suggested by Elise Moore
Kids Go!
by They Might Be Giants, suggested by Susan Orcutt Morris
We highly encourage parents to share titles like these with their young students, especially those who love to read or who are visual and love color. Books like these can provide a fun, exciting and novel type of musical experience that adds to what they are already getting in lessons and practice. And best of all, it’s a wonderful way for parents to share in their student’s musical life. Enjoy!
Sara R. Longwell, M.M.Ed, MT-BC, Community Relations Manager & Music Therapy Specialist