Provo Library Children's Book Blog

You know that feeling you get when you are listening to your favorite song? It seems to calm you and energize you at the same time! Music has profound power. It can make you feel emotions, help you focus, promote physical well-being, and foster social connection. So, sing a song, dance to the beat, and pick up one of these books! We Light Up the Sky With Music  Written and illustrated by Nick Maland  Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishing, 2024. Picture Book. This is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the unifying and uplifting power of music. The story follows a group of characters who come together to create music that fills the sky. As the melodies rise, so does a sense of joy and connection. We Light Up the Sky With Music  reminds readers of all ages that creativity and community brightens our lives.   The Boy Who Said Wow  Written by Todd Boss  Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh  New York: Beach Lane Books, 2024. Picture Book.  The Boy Who S...

  Quiet Karima By Nidhi Chanani New York: Viking, 2024. Picture Book. Karima quietly listens to the rhythm of everyday sounds, saving her noisemaking for music class where she releases the songs in her heart. -- Editor One Sweet Song By Jyoti Rajan Gopal Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book. With a countdown from one to ten and back woven in, this celebration of music and community brings to life a shared moment in a diverse neighborhood where everyone comes together to make one sweet song. -- Publisher The Boy Who Said Wow By Todd Boss New York: Beach Lane Books, 2024. Picture Book. When Ronan, a nonverbal boy, goes to the symphony, the beautiful music moves him to speak. -- Editor We Light Up the Sky With Music! By Nick Maland Atlanta: Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2024. Picture Book. When Little Bear and Old Bear find an old saxophone, Old Bear decides to restore the instrument and finds joy and purpose as he rediscovers his groove. -- Editor Hannah and the ...

 Lots of kids LOVE to sing! I do as well, which is why I love books that are set to popular songs or are variations of nursery rhymes. These authors and illustrators are very creative in how they change up these songs to create something familiar, yet different. My only problem is remembering to slow down so I don't sing too fast to enjoy the pictures! Hush, Little Rocket Written by Mo O'Hara Illustrated by Alexandra Cook New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2023. Picture Book. It's hard to go to sleep without a good story to imagine. Set to the tune of "Hush, Little Baby,"  Hush, Little Rocket  will help fill your little one's head with images of this rocket blasting off through the solar system. Making sure to introduce the different planets seen along the way, this is a great bedtime book for any future space explorers. Back matter gives more information about the solar system for those who are interested. Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night Written by Megan Litwin Ill...

Lots of kids LOVE to sing! Singing is especially fun with friends and caregivers, but it doesn't always feel natural to burst into song (well, for some of us). These board books are great because they take classic tunes and put them with fun illustrations and some of them put new words and themes to the music.  The Llamas in the Field Written by Aly Fronis Illustrated by Luke Flowers New York: Little Bee Books, 2020. Board Book. Set to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus," this book is perfect for kids who love making animal sounds. At this farm, we get to sing about all different kinds of animals and what noises they make, and many of them we don't hear about all the time. Sure, we have the familiar cows, but also coyotes, alpacas, and of course llamas! I'm a Little Snowman Written by Hannah Eliot Illustrated by Anna Daviscourt New York: Little Simon, 2022. Board Book. Set to "I'm a Little Teapot," this book describes a fun winter's day with snow...

The Color of Sound Written by Emily Barth Isler Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. 2024. 326 pages. Rosie is a 12-year-old musical prodigy who has a remarkable brain that allows her to remember every piece of music she has ever heard or played. She also has the unique ability to hear sounds and her brain turns all of these sounds into colors that she can see, feel, and taste. This full sensory ability is called synesthesia and sometimes Rosie loves what her brain can do and sometimes she is overwhelmed because she can never get away from all the sounds and colors that surround her constantly. Since she was little Rosie has loved the violin, but lately she feels like she has lost her identity and is only known as "the girl with the violin," so she goes on a music strike. She tells her teachers and her mother that she is not playing the violin anymore. Her mother is very upset with her decision, and so she decides to take Rosie with her to spend the summer at her grandparents h...

Making songs into books is one of my favorite things. I love the added illustrations, the ability to see a familiar song in a new light, or learn a new song! These 5 picture books are all based on a song, some of which are familiar, and some of which are brand new. The messages vary book-to-book, but each shows the power of music, love, and community. 12 Days of Kindness By Irene Latham Illustrated by Junghwa Park. New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2022. Picture Book. In this story, the holiday classic "12 Days of Christmas" gets a new twist, focusing instead on ways to show kindness. Children and adults will be able to model the "days of kindness," and this book follows the cumulative formatting, meaning it repeats each day after a new one is introduced. This book is a great reminder, especially with its familiar and catchy tune, of how we can be kind everyday.  Sweet Child O' Mine By Guns N' Roses Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin New York : Jimmy Patterson ...

Start a Band! Written by Matt Anniss Arcturus Publishers, 2012. Informational. Songwriting and performing are rewarding and fun. So why not give it a go? This book gives you all the advice and encouragement you need to take your first steps in the world of music. The Business of Being a Music Influencer Written by Kaitlin Scirri Capstone Press, 2021. Informational. Are you always looking for the newest bands and singers? Do you love to talk about music and share your musical opinions with others? Then you might have what it takes to be a music influencer. Learn about social media marketing and basic economics, and discover what it takes to become a music influencer, all while staying safe and having fun. The Stories of Musical Instruments Written by Stepanka Sekaninova Albatros, 2021. Informational. Niccolo the cricket would like to become a musician. But which instrument should he start with? The violin? The guitar? The trumpet? All at once? Well, he does have six limbs, so why not? I...

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip By Melissa de la Cruz Los Angeles: Disney-Hyperion, 2021. Fiction. 263 pgs. The East High Wildcats are still fresh from the success of their production of High School Musical: The Musical when Carlos finds out about an HSM convention in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and proposes a last minute, road-trip field trip. Of course, all of the Wildcats and their fearless leader Miss Jenn jump at the chance to attend panels about dancing, singing, acting, and much more. Plus, rumor has it that stars from the original High School Musical cast will be in attendance. Everyone has their own reason to attend, but one thing is clear -- even if the road gets bumpy, nothing will stop our Wildcats. Fans of High School Musical, and especially High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, will fall in love with this goofy road trip story. The novel picks up right at the end of season one of the TV show and offers an additional story for reade...

  Itzhak: The Boy Who Loved the Violin Written by: Tracy Newman Illustrated by: Abigail Halpin Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2020. Biography. Before Itzhak Perlman became one of the world's best violinists, he was just a small boy who loved music. When he was four years-old he contracted Polio which left him crippled for life. Despite his many obstacles he never gave up on his love for the violin and music. He began studying the violin when he was five years-old. He would spend two to three hours a day practicing. During his practice he experimented with different bow techniques, bouncing his bow along the strings and seeing what kinds of sounds he could make plucking the strings. He would talk to the music and would imagine what the music would look like and what kind of personality it had. He became the music. By the age of 10 he was giving solo performances and when he was 13 he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. After that performance "His life would never again be ordin...

  Music for Tigers  By Michelle Kadarusman  Pajama Press, 2020. 189 p.  Frustrated Louisa is sent to spend the summer with her Uncle Ruff in the Tasmanian Rainforest when she would rather be spending time with her family in Canada practicing her violin as she prepares for a youth symphony audition. Even though she isn’t thrilled with her summer plans, she does find a few enticing—or rather extinct—reasons to enjoy her stay. Louisa learns that her uncle is caring for the world’s last pig-footed bandicoot and there might be some Tasmanian tigers on a nearby island (even though they should have been extinct for decades). With the help of her friend Collin, Louisa learns more about the Tasmanian Rainforest, herself, and the music that she and the Tasmanian tigers feel connected to. Give this book to readers who love music, a touch of adventure, and the idea of making a difference in the world.

Frank and Bean By: Jamie Michalak Candlewick Press, 2019. Easy Reader. Frank likes peace and quiet and he enjoys writing in his secret notebook but he is afraid to share his words with anyone. His life is simple but lonely, after all roasting marshmallows by yourself isn't a lot of fun. Then along comes Bean who couldn't be more opposite then Frank. He likes banging on his drum, blasting his trumpet, smacking his triangle and revving his loud motor bike. His music is as loud and annoying as he is but he has a problem, he can't think of words for his songs. The duo couldn't be more opposite and they seem destined to be enemies until they discover that maybe by working together they can accomplish something great. The illustrations by Bob Kolar are fun and expressive and they enrich the text nicely. The narrative is simple but effective in telling the story of two different people teaching each other some important lessons.  Check out this amusing new easy r...

Because  Score by Mo Willems Performance by Amber Ren Hyperion Books for Children, 2019. Picture Book. This is a book about cause and effect. Because Ludwig van Beethoven created music he inspired Franz Schubert. Because Franz Schubert created music he inspired musicians. Because musicians practiced they were invited to play in an orchestra. Because the orchestra performed a young girl heard them. Because she heard them she was inspired to dedicate her life to music as well (and on and on). For an author who usually writes clever and funny stories this book goes in a different direction—in fact it is one poignant picture book that almost brought a tear to my eye. Kids who need to understand how their actions (such as if they choose to practice music or not) can have a greater effect on the community or world will enjoy looking at this book. Brilliantly done Mr. Willems and Ms. Ren. Brilliantly done.

She Loves You: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah By Ann Hood Penguin Random House, 2018. Fiction p. 252 Set in the height of popularity of The Beatles, “She Loves You: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” is a truly delightful historical fiction that explores the summer of 1966 from our main character’s point of view as she obsesses over The Beatles and seeing them in concert while simultaneously dealing with her own personal struggles. Trudy shares a love of The Beatles with her dad, and her closest friends. But as their concert quickly approaches, she finds that her life is changing all around her, and she doesn’t seem to have any control over it. Trudy is convinced that if she just sees The Beatles in concert and meets Paul McCartney, her father will be more present, her best friend will start actually acting like her best friend, and her life will make sense again. Hood does an excellent job making Trudy a protagonist that sometimes isn’t perfectly likable, but who is always relatable. Her problem...

Kat Writes a Song by Greg Foley New York : Little Simon, 2018.  Picture book. Kat is sitting at home lonely because it's raining and she has no one to play with. To cheer herself up she writes the "Amazing Song to Make Things Better".  As she sings her song,  the rain stops and the sun comes out from behind the clouds. Her song really does make things better! Kat walks around her neighborhood, singing her song and making things better for her friends. Until she runs into her friend Bunny. When her song can't fix his broken skateboard, she beings to doubt the power of her song. Kat's friends come together to show her that her song really does make things better.   Written and illustrated by Greg Foley, this sweet story about the power of friendship and dealing with emotions is great for kids ages 3-7. As a bonus, you can learn to sing Kat's song with the music printed inside the front and back covers.  

Display: Sing Sing is one of the 5 Early Literacy Tips parents can do everyday to help their child develop the skills necessary for optimal early child development. These books are all illustrated versions of songs. You can't help but sing along as you look through them. Check one out today! Yankee Doodle Written by Edward Bangs Illustrated by Steven Kellogg An illustrated version of the well-known song of the American Revolution. Let it Shine Illustrated by Ashley Bryan Illustrated versions of three well-known hymns. This little light of mine. When the saints go marching in. He's got the whole world in his hands. Forever Young Written by Bob Dylan Illustrated by Paul Rogers Bob Dylan's classic 1974 anthem Forever Young is reimagined by award-willing illustrator Rogers. In this picture book, the lyrics follow the story of a young boy who travels through Dylan's life, living in the footsteps of the musical legend. Sing, Don't Cry Presents a l...

Sing, Don't Cry Angela Dominguez Harry Holt and Company, 2017. Picture Book. Dominguez tells the true story of her grandfather coming each year to visit during her childhood and sharing his love for music and remaining positive, despite hard times. He also believes in the importance of passing stories down to his family. The simple message throughout comes from the ever popular Mexican song "Cielito lindo" Ay, ay, ay, ay (Ay, ay, ay, ay) canta y no llores, (sing and don't cry) porque cantando se alegran, (because singing gladdens) cielito lindo, los corazones. (the heart, sweet lovely one.)  Sing, don't cry. Although hard times will come, choose to sing. This sweet, simple story can be shared with young and old as a perfect motto to live by.

Jingle Bells Susan Jeffers HarperCollins Publishers, 2017. Picture Book. There are certain songs that just stick in my head—and Jingle Bells happens to be one of them (especially at this time of year). If you are like me, this might be a fun book to read—er sing—aloud to little ones. The text is the lyrics to the song (though in my renditions of the singing I add a few “Hey!” exclamations here or there that aren’t included in the text). The illustrations are a story arc all on their own, though they do complement the text. When readers get to the end of the book I suspect that everyone will wonder if Santa Claus happens to be their grandpa along with the protagonists. This is a fun book to be sung around this time of year.

The 12 Days of Christmas  Greg Pizolli 2017, Disney Hyperion. Picture Book. Greg Pizzoli delivers one of my new favorite holiday books this season. In this remake of the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song Pizzoli has illustrated elephants as the main characters. One elephant (sporting a red Santa hat) comes bearing gifts for a second elephant. However, a third larger elephant (perhaps a mama or papa elephant?) is not so enamored by the large groups of gifts—and with all the birds that are in this song there is quite a large amount of chaos that comes with each day of gifts. In fact, the expressions on the grown-up elephant from reactions to the various odd gifts and the resulting cleaning and mess may be my favorite part of this book. This is a great rendition of a classic song, with a little humor added, that would be fun to read (or sing) this holiday season.

Look! What Do You See? An Art Puzzle Book of American and Chinese Songs By Xu Bing Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander Penguin Random House, 2017. Informational Picture Book. TO: Children and Adults who love puzzles. ASSIGNMENT: Check out Look! What do you See?  YOUR MISSION: Figure out the hidden code created by the author. The code is used throughout the book in familiar American Songs and Chinese Songs that have been translated into English. Your spy eyes will be amazed with what you discover.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground By Rita Williams-Garcia HarperCollins, 2017. Fiction. 166 p. Clayton loves it when he can sneak away with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and jam with the Blues Men in Washington Park.  Then one day, he grandfather is gone. Clayton wants to hold on to anything that reminds him of his beloved grandfather, but his mother seems determined to get rid of everything her father once owned.  When Clayton's mother takes his last memento of his grandfather, Clayton decides to run away and join the Blues Men on the road. Thus begins his adventure in the rich musical culture of New York's underground. Here is a book that is likely to be on a lot of potential Newbery Lists this fall.  Williams-Garcia has created totally authentic and sympathetic characters of Clayton, his grandfather and his mother.  She also captures the heart of blues music and the vibrancy of both past and modern urban culture. This book is great both in print and as a bo...