Looking to inspire your little ones with the magic of music? This collection of children’s books about music is perfect for sparking curiosity and creativity through melodies, rhythms, and powerful stories. Whether your child dreams of playing an instrument, loves to dance, or simply enjoys a good story, these books offer a harmonious blend of fun and inspiration. Let’s dive in!
Book #1: Music is in Everything
Summary: This charming book explores the idea that music is all around us—in the rustle of leaves, the patter of rain, and even the hum of everyday life. It’s a perfect read for inspiring little ones to find rhythm and melody in the simplest things.
Themes: Discovery, Imagination, Nature.
Book #2: Wild Symphony
Summary: Join Maestro Mouse and his orchestra of animal friends on a musical adventure! This book blends fun rhymes with interactive moments, inviting children to listen along with accompanying music.
Needless to say, my kids love the little animal friends play instruments in this book. The love animals. The love instruments. This is a perfect combination.
Themes: Teamwork, Creativity, Friendship Bonds.
Book #3: Because
Summary: A moving story about how one small event can lead to extraordinary things, this book follows a young girl’s journey into the world of music after attending a life-changing concert.
In our home, we use this to talk about cause and effect. We talk about things that were inspiring to us and how we can change or have changed because of them.
Granted for my little learners this is little over their head, but we try to find something they have experienced that has caused a change they can relate to.
Themes: Inspiration, Cause and Effect, Passion for Music.
Book #4: Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
Summary: This inspiring biography tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl who became a world-renowned percussionist. It’s a testament to perseverance and the power of listening in unconventional ways.
I love this story about resiliency. It teaches my kids they can do hard things even when it seems impossible.
Themes: Resilience, Inclusivity, Breaking Barriers.
Book #5: The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi
Summary: Discover the origins of the solfège system in this delightful story about a monk who changed the way people learned music. This historical tale is both educational and fascinating for budding musicians.
I had no clue about the origins of the solfège system before I read this book. This little story is very fascinating and informative. I also don’t get to talk to my kids that much about monks and their contribution to developing civilization, so this gives me a good opportunity.
Themes: History of Music, Curiosity, Innovation.
Book #6: The Note Who Faced the Music
Summary: A whimsical tale about a single musical note who learns to find her place in a big, bustling symphony. It’s a sweet story about embracing individuality and working together.
Themes: Self-Acceptance, Harmony, Community.
Book #7: The Enchanted Symphony: A Picture Book
Summary: When a town falls silent, a young girl’s creativity brings music back to life. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates the magic of imagination and the power of music to bring people together.
We talk a lot about unity when we read this book and the importance of being together. It also encourages me to keep singing in my home with my children.
Themes: Creativity, Hope, Unity.
Book #8: When Step Met Skip
Summary: This playful book explores rhythm and movement through the adventures of two musical characters, Step and Skip. It’s a fantastic introduction to musical patterns and dynamics for young readers.
I think this book is great for a little undercover music theory at a young age. It introduces some nice vocabulary that my kids will continue to learn throughout their music eduction.
Themes: Friendship, Rhythm, Collaboration.
Book #9: Trombone Shorty: A Picture Book Biography
Summary: The inspiring true story of Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, a boy from New Orleans who chased his musical dreams to become a renowned jazz musician.
We listen to A LOT of jazz in our home. I love explaining to my kids a little more about jazz and the culture that made it popular.
Themes: Determination, Jazz Heritage, Dream Big.
Book #10: Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
Summary: This beautifully written story captures how a young piano prodigy used her talent to bring comfort to a grieving nation.
This little anecdote from American history is touching. In our home, when we read this book, we talk about how we can use music to help others around us feel happy. We talk about how music makes us feel calm and happy. We also talk about other emotions we have when we hear music.
Themes: Music as Healing, Talent, Compassion
Book #11: Forte Moves To Town
Summary: Forte, a little note with a big personality, moves to a new town and learns how to make friends while staying true to herself.
We read this one quite a bit in our home. We talk about integrity, even when we are around our friends.
Themes: New Beginnings, Confidence, Friendship.
Book #12: The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music
Summary: This heartwarming story shares how a young girl discovers her love for music through a discarded piano that her dad painted green. It’s a touching reminder of how small things can ignite great passions.
Themes: Resourcefulness, Gratitude, Music’s Transformative Power.
Book #13: Family Dynamics: Embrace Your Sound
Summary: A fun and quirky story about a family of musical instruments learning to play in harmony. It’s a wonderful metaphor for family dynamics and finding your unique role.
This one is cute, cute. It talks about all the different instrument families: woodwind, brass, percussion, etc. and how they all work together to build a symphony.
Themes: Family, Cooperation, Celebrating Differences.
Book #14: Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin!
Summary: This rhythmic, lyrical book introduces children to a variety of instruments and the joy of ensemble playing. A classic that brings music to life with playful rhymes and vivid illustrations.
My kids love listening to the rhythm of this book. I will also ask them to pretend to play the different instruments in the book, which they love and think is so funny. Sometimes they will even try to mimic the sounds.
Themes: Musical Ensemble, Rhythm, Joy of Performance.
Each of these books celebrates music’s ability to inspire, teach, and connect us, making them wonderful additions to any young reader’s library.
Share your favorites in the comments below, and let us know how music lights up your family’s life.
Whether it’s through singing, dancing, or reading these delightful stories, let’s keep the joy of music alive for the next generation!
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