ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOOKS (RESOURCES)
These Elementary level books can help instructors integrate music into their classroom. Click on the book to buy it.
Calabash Cat Written By James Rumsford
Summary: Calabash Cat, a West African cat, sets out one day to find where the world ends. His adventures take him across a desert, grasslands, a jungle, and the ocean, until he finds what he is looking for. Illustrated in the style of the calabash engravers of the country of Chad, James Rumford’s original tale will keep you thinking long after you have closed the covers of this book—about our one world, and about seeking knowledge and finding wisdom.
How is Music Included?
This book talks about different types of movements such as walking, galloping, and leaping. Have students use instruments to represent the movements while you read the book aloud.
We All Sing With the Same Voice Written By J. Phillip Miller
Summary: We All Sing With the Same Voice Written By J. Phillip Miller First featured as a song on the widely popular Sesame Street, the beloved educational children’s television show, We All Sing with the Same Voice is a joyous read-aloud that embraces the notion that no matter where children live or what they look like, they’re all the same where it counts—at heart!
With colorful illustrations from Geisel Honor-winning artist Paul Meisel, this celebration of love and respect has been noted by many teachers and parents as a top pick for teaching empathy.
How is Music Included?
This book talks about a group coming together by singing.
Rabbityness Written By Jo Empson
Summary: Rabbit enjoys doing rabbity things, but he also loves un-rabbity things! When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. His friends are desolate. But, as it turns out, Rabbit has left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own unrabbity talents! Rabbityness celebrates individuality, encourages the creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind.
How is music included?
James Rumsford writes about a rabbits love for music and dancing. This use of music helps the other rabbits understand Rabbit. Students can act out scenes in the book. They can dance when the rabbits dance. They can use colored scarves to "paint". This can be used to promote creativity among the students.
Welcome to the Symphony Written By Carolyn Sloan & James Williamson
Summary: Using one of the most famous works in classical music—Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—here is the perfect way to introduce a young child to the world of classical music. This charming and interactive picture book with its panel of 19 sound buttons is like a ticket to a concert hall, taking readers on a journey from the exciting first moment when the musicians begin tuning up to the end of the first movement (attention newcomers: don’t clap yet!). At each step of the way, readers learn the basics of classical music and the orchestra: What is a conductor? What is a symphony? Who was Beethoven? The different aspects of music: melody, harmony, tempo, theme. And the families of instruments—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
But the best part is that every critical idea is illustrated in gorgeous sound. The sound panel allows readers to hear the different parts of the symphony and voices of the music—the famous beginning of the Fifth, what a clarinet sounds like, the difference between a violin and a viola, what a melody is, and what harmony is. Kids will want to match their voices to the A note that tunes the orchestra, dance to the rhythmic passages—and, of course, sing along to da-da-da-daah!
How is Music Included?
This book is about a Symphony. It also speaks about Beethoven and instruments. Play Beethoven lightly and read this book aloud.
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day Written By Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Summary: Discover what it would be like to travel through the four seasons in one day, following a little girl called Isabelle and her dog, Pickle, as they take on the adventure of a lifetime. As a sign of the changing seasons, Isabelle carries a little apple tree with her, and we see it bud, blossom and lose its leaves. Each spread features a musical note to press and a 10 second sound clip from the original score of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Illustrated by artist Jessica Courtney-Tickle, the book also features a biography of Vivaldi at the back along with a guide to the music. This is the first title in a series of sound books that bring classical music to life for young children.
How is Music Included?
This book is based on Vivaldi's "Four Seasons". Read the book and play a clip from each "season" of the song.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Written By Caroline Jayne Church
Summary: With an eye-catching foil cover that twinkles even on the darkest nights, Caroline Jayne Church's beloved toddlers and stuffed animals become adorable stargazers in this perfect bedtime rhyme.
How is Music Included?
This book includes the popular nursery rhyme, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star". This book could be read aloud. Then students sing when the song lyrics appear.
Trombone Shorty Written By Troy Andrews
Summary: Hailing from the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy Trombone Shorty Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest. Here, follow Andrews as he fulfills his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, and becomes an international star. Based on the 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and winner of the Coretta Scott King (Illustration) Medal, Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
How is Music Included?
This book is about a Trombone player named "Trombone Shorty". It talks about bands and instruments. It also talks about music history.
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands Written By Kadir Nelson
Summary: What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature. Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it—vast and beautiful.
How is Music Included?
This book talks about religion and the popular Christian song, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands".
Do Re Mi Written By Rogers & Hammerstein
Summary: Introduce the splendor of Broadway music to your children with the Broadway Baby series! Now you can share and enjoy Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Do Re Mi from The Sound of Music with your children in this gorgeously illustrated book.
How is Music Included?
This book talks about solfege. But, it is also from the popular movie and Brodway, "The Sound of Music".
Rain, Rain, Go Away Written By Caroline Jayne Church
Summary: RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY is already a well-loved preschool favorite. Now this board book with a full-foil cover will catch everyone's eye (rain or shine!) as Church's toddlers and stuffed animals are as adorable as ever in colorful rain gear.
How is Music Included?
This book's topic is the popular children's song, "Rain, Rain, Go away". This story can be read aloud and students can sing the lyrics.
