Children's books with a musical theme: Elementary--PreK to 2nd
This guide lists children's books and young adult literature about music and musicians.
Elementary--PreK to 2nd
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Change sings: a children's anthem by Amanda Gorman; Loren Long (Ill.)
Publication Date: 2021Ages 4-8; K-Gr.3.
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. -
This magical, musical night by Rhonda Gowler Greene; James Rey Sanchez (Ill.)
Publication Date: 2021Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.2
Get swept away by the musical performance of a lifetime as, one by one, each instrument of the symphony orchestra shows off their skills!
2020
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The musician by Xuefeng Liu ; illustrated by Gunter Grossholz and Yuxi Wan
Publication Date: 2020Ages 4-8; Gr.1-4.
In ancient China, a young musician named Yu Boya gained fame for his talents. On the night of the Moon Festival, he encounters a mysterious woodcutter who is also a musician and admires Boya's most famous song: Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water. Their friendship deepens and Boya vows to play the song for his new friend every year on the festival night. -
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul by Carole Boston Weatherford; Frank Morrison (Illustrator)
Publication Date: 2020Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.3; Coretta Scott King illustrator winner, 2021.
From a creative team with multiple Caldecott Honors comes this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin that pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves. Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father's Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves. -
A voice named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown; Laura Freeman (Ill.)
Publication Date: 2020Ages 4-8; K-Gr.3.
From acclaimed author and illustrator pairing comes a beautiful picture book biography about the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and how she fought for respect throughout her life. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul, a legend. But before she became a star, she was a shy little girl with a voice so powerful it made people jump up, sway, and hum along.
2019
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Because by Mo Willems; Amber Ren (Illustrator)
Publication Date: 2019Ages 3-6; PrK-K.
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. -
Dancing Hands by Margarita Engle; Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .C2635 E55 2019Lexile measure NC1260L; Ages 4-8; Prk-Gr.2.
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. -
Double bass blues by Andrea J. Loney; Rudy Gutierrez (Ill.)
Publication Date: 2019Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.3; Caldecott honor, 2020.
Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. -
Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson (Text by)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3561 .L54 J64 2019Ages 6-9; PrK-Gr.3.
An illustrated version of the song written by civil rights leader and poet James Weldon Johnson in 1899 that has come to be considered the African American national anthem.
2018
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The 5 O'Clock Band by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews; Bryan Collier (Ill.); Bill Taylor
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .A53 A3 2018Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.3.
After letting his band down by missing rehearsal, Shorty has some serious questions about what it means to be a leader. He hits the streets of New Orleans to find some answers and soak up inspiration. Along the way he'll meet street musicians, a favorite restaurant owner, and the famous Mardi Gras Indians. -
Frankie Finds the Blues by Gary Kelley (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3608 .A73 F73 2018When Frankie's grandmother invites him to a blues concert, he's hesitant at first he loves hip hop! But he can't resist his beloved grandmother's invitation. Little does he know, that night ignites his passion for learning to play the blues. -
Libba: the magnificent musical life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura Veirs; Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .C67 V45 2018Lexile measure 580; Ages 5-8; K-Gr.3.
This lyrical, loving picture book from popular singer-songwriter Laura Veirs and debut illustrator Tatyana Fazlalizadeh tells the story of the determined, gifted, daring Elizabeth Cotten--one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time. Elizabeth Cotten was only a little girl when she picked up a guitar for the first time. -
When Angels Sing: the story of rock legend Carlos Santana by Michael James Mahin; José Ramírez (Ill.)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .S26 M34 2018 FLexile measure 610; Ages 6-10; PrK-Gr.3; Pura Belpre illustrator honor,2019; Robert F. Sibert honor, 2019.
Carlos Santana loved to listen to his father play el violín. It was a sound that filled the world with magic and love and feeling and healing--a sound that made angels real. Carlos wanted to make angels real, too. So he started playing music.
2016-2017
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Feel the Beat: Dance Poems That Zing from Salsa to Swing by Marilyn Singer; Kristi Valiant (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3569 .I546 F44 2017Lexile measure 490; Ages 5-8; K-Gr.3.
An irresistible book of poems about dancing that mimic the rhythms of social dances from cha-cha to two-step, by the acclaimed author of Mirror Mirror. -
Muddy: the story of blues legend Muddy Waters by Michael Mahin; Evan Turk (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .M92 M34 2016K-Gr.3; An Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Winner.
A picture book celebration of the indomitable Muddy Waters, a blues musician whose fierce and electric sound laid the groundwork for what would become rock and roll. -
The music in George's head: George Gershwin creates Rhapsody in blue by Suzanne Slade; Stacy Innerst (Illustrator)
Publication Date: 2016Lexile measure 680; Ages 7-10; K-Gr.4.
A picture book biography of famous composer George Gershwin and a look at his famous composition Rhapsody In Blue. With rhythmic swirls of words and pictures, author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Stacy Innerst beautifully reveal just how brilliantly Gershwin combined various kinds of music to create his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue, a surprising and whirlwind composition of notes, sounds, and one long wail of a clarinet.
2011-2015
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Drum dream girl : how one girl's courage changed music by Margarita Engle; Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3555 .N4254 D78 2015Ages 6-10.
Follows a young Cuban girl in the 1930s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there's never been a female drummer in Cuba. -
Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed by Lesléa Newman; Amy June Bates (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3564 .E91628 K48 2015Lexile measure 730; Ages 5-8; PrK-Gr.2; Sydney Taylor Book Award, 2016.
Moshe Cotel was a composer who lived in a noisy building on a noisy street in a noisy city. But Moshe didn't mind. Everything he heard was music to his ears. One day, while out for a walk, he heard a small, sad sound that he'd never heard before. It was a tiny kitten! Inspired by a true story, Lesléa Newman and Amy June Bates craft an engaging tale of a creative man and the beloved cat who brings unexpected sweet notes his way. -
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki; Qin Leng (Ill.)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PR9199.4 .U34 H36 2014Ages 5-9; Gr.K-3; Lexile measure AD930L; Ezra Jack Keats Book Award - New Writer, 2015.
In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only had only three lessons. Hana's brothers insist she isn't good enough. -
Korean Folk Songs by Robert Choi; Samee Back (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » M1817.18 .S36 2014Ages 4-8; K-Gr.3.
In Korean Folk Songs, music teacher Robert Choi shares 14 of Korea's best-loved classic children's songs--with musical scores and lyrics in both Korean and English. -
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown; Frank Morrison (Ill.)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .L566 R87 2014Ages 4-8; Gr.1-3; Coretta Scott King illustrator honor book, 2015.
Melba Doretta Liston loved the sounds of music from as far back as she could remember. As a child, she daydreamed about beats and lyrics, and hummed along with the music from her family's Majestic radio. At age seven, Melba fell in love with a big, shiny trombone, and soon taught herself to play the instrument. -
Hey, Charleston! : the true story of the Jenkins Orphanage Band by Anne Rockwell; Colin Bootman (Ill.)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML28 .C35 J469 2013Lexile measure 1040L; Ages 7-10; Gr.1-4.
What happened when a former slave took beat-up old instruments and gave them to a bunch of orphans? The Jenkins Orphanage Band caused a sensation on the streets of Charleston. People called the band's style of music "rag"--a rhythm inspired by the African American people who lived on the South Carolina and Georgia coast. -
Korean nursery rhymes: Wild geese, Land of goblins and other favorite songs and rhymesKorean Nursery Rhymes by Danielle Wright; Helen Acraman (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PL975.7 .C55 W75 2013Ages 4-8; PrK-Gr.3.
A charming collection of fourteen well-loved rhymes, Korean Nursery Rhymes is the perfect introduction to Korean language and culture for young readers. -
Tito Puente, Mambo King = Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo by Monica Brown; Rafael López (Ill.)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .P83 B76 2013Lexile Measure AD740L; Ages 4-8; Gr.k-3.
A vibrant bilingual picture-book biography that portrays the musical and cultural phenomenon of Tito Puente, Mambo King. -
What animals really like : a new song composed & conducted by Mr. Herbert Timberteeth by Fiona Robinson
Publication Date: 2011Ages 4-8, gr. PreK-1.
When the National Animal Choir performs the latest song by renowned composer and conductor Mr. Herbert Timberteeth, nothing goes exactly as planned. Mr. Timberteeth has some preconceived notions of what animals like to do that are reflected in his song. But it turns out that lions prefer flower arranging to prowling and shrimp would rather ski than swim!
Before 2010
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Drum City by Thea Guidone; Vanessa Brantley Newton (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3607 .U478 D78 2010Lexile AD570L; Ages 5-9.
A summer parade, a drummer parade, a magical bucket-and-bowl serenade! What begins with one boy's beat on a kettle soon spreads to pots and pans and cartons and cans all across the neighborhood. -
Jimi: sounds like a rainbow : a story of the young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio; Javaka Steptoe (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .H45 G65 2010Lexile measure 900; Ages 3-9, Book level 5.6; Biography, gr. K-2.
Jimi Hendrix was many things: a superstar, a rebel, a hero, an innovator. But first, he was a boy named Jimmy who loved to draw and paint and listen to records. A boy who played air guitar with a broomstick and longed for a real guitar of his own. -
Little Rat makes music by Monika Bang-Campbell; Molly Bang (Illustrator)
Publication Date: 2007Lexile measure 520, ages 6-9, gr. 2-3
In this third book of Little Rat's celebrated tales of triumph, Little Rat wants to play the violin, but practicing is boring, and her violin squawks a lot.With encouragement from her teacher, Little Rat discovers that with a bit of pluck, patience, and practice, anything is possible. -
This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt; R G Roth (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3605 .H744 T48 2006Ages 3-7, gr. K-2.
In this toe-tapping jazz tribute, the traditional "This Old Man" gets a swinging makeover, and some of the era's best musicians take center stage. -
Grandma's Records by Eric Velasquez; National Geographic Learning Staff
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3622 .E4356 G736 2004PrK-Gr.5; Reading level 3.1; Guided reading O
The author describes his boyhood summers spent at his grandmother's apartment in Spanish Harlem where she introduced him to the sounds and steps of the merengue and the conga and told him stories of Puerto Rico. -
Blues Journey by Walter Dean Myers; Christopher Myers (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » PS3563 .Y48 B58 2003Book level 5; Ages 9-14; Gr.3-7.
The blues aren't all sad. There's joy in the blues as well as heartbreak. Love discovered. Love lost. Love just around the corner. -
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka (Illustrator)
Call Number: Education Library (Cubberley) » Curriculum Collection » ML3930 .P24 R4 1992Lexile measure AD140L; Ages 5-8.
Ever hear of Charlie Parker? The great jazz saxophone player? Look at this board book and you'll hear Charlie Parker; you'll hear music in your mind.
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