Music
I’m a big fan of musical books! Singing the words to a book engages children, and invites them in. It makes a familiar story more interesting and can promote language development. You can also make up hand motions or dance movements that go along with the words to get your little one’s brain and body moving. If you’re looking for some new ways to engage with your little one, this is a fun and easy way to do it.
Below you’ll find titles and links to many great musical books. I’ve also included links to YouTube videos for some of the songs. You can play the videos in the background while reading or use them to learn new songs. Happy reading & singing!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Newest Titles
Frankie Finds the Blues - When Frankie’s grandma takes him to his first blues concert, it lights a spark inside of him. It’s unlike anything he’s ever heard before. Inspired by the music, and its history, Frankie is determined to learn the art of fingerpicking himself. His passion leads him on an unexpected journey, connecting him to the roots of the blues in the American South, and a new friend in his own community. This brilliant and beautiful story by Joel Harper & Gary Kelley is the perfect book for your mini musician.
Change Sings - as I read this book for the first time, it brought tears to my eyes. This heartfelt and empowering book is the anthem for social justice that we all need. With inspiring poetry by Amanda Gorman, and gorgeous illustrations by Loren Long, this book encourages readers to raise their voices and enact positive change.
Rock Legends Who Changed the World - From the deep tones of the “King” of rock ’n’ roll to the guitar solos of Jimi Hendrix, to the distinctive voice and poetic lyrics of Stevie Nicks, each of these rock stars upset the status quo, changing the genre forever. Highlighting 10 influential bands and artists from the last 75 years of rock ‘n’ roll, Rock Legends Who Changed the World is the perfect introduction to the sounds and styles that rocked the world.
Before Music: Where Instruments Come From - Finding this book at my local library was like striking gold. My son loves all things musical, and you can usually find him drumming on pretty much any object in the house. He loved learning about some of the earliest instruments ever created. I loved learning about music from around the world and the way it inspired us to think about the sounds that make up the music of our everyday lives.
Board Books
These books are great for toddlers and 2’s. At this age, little ones love to sing the same songs and read the same books over and over again. Board books are perfect because your little one will enjoy being able to turn the pages on their own, and they’re more durable than paperbacks.
Zoom Zoom Zoom - You can hear this space-themed song here. My son loves this book and song so much. I usually play the song on my phone while we read the book, he loves the sound effects of the rocket ship and shouting “3,2,1, blast off!”
You Are My Sunshine - Here’s a very sweet and relaxed version of the song by Elizabeth Mitchell, one of my favorite artists for kids music.
Skinnamarink - a sweet and silly song your little one will love to sing!
You’ve probably read Brown Bear, Brown Bear many times. But did you know that there’s a song to go with it?
Bob Marley’s iconic songs, One Love, Every Little Thing, and Get Up, Stand Up have been adapted into beautiful children’s books by his daughter, Cedella Marley.
Los Pollitos and Sol Solecito are classic Spanish songs that you can read and sing together.
These are some of my favorite musical books that are interactive. You can sing these books and make the characters on each page move. Some of our favorites are Wheels on the Bus, Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star, Row Row Row Your Boat and Old MacDonald.
Paperback & Hardcover Books
We all need a break from nursery rhymes sometimes. That’s why I love these books featuring music and stories from artists such the Beatles, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Timbaland and Billy Joel.
Blue Ridge Babies 1,2,3 - I love this book because it’s a counting book we can sing along to. This colorful adaptation of the classic “Over in the Meadow” song will get you and your little reader singing and counting. Join the counting fun with flying cardinals, hooting owls, and nibbling baby rabbits.
New York Melody - I’ll admit that I’m a little biased, as a New York native (now living in CT), but this book is simply gorgeous! Soar through the skies and streets of NYC, visit Carnegie Hall, the bright lights of Boadway, and even a hidden jazz club. I was completely swept away by the magical combination of the delicate laser-cut black-and-white paper illustrations, and the whimsical adventure of the music.
And of course, what list of children’s music books would be complete without the classic songs of Raffi and Laurie Berkner!
Baby Beluga - this was one of my favorite songs as a little girl, and its a big hit now with my kids.
5 Little Ducks - You can sing this song and do a finger play along with it. Use your fingers to keep track of how many ducks swim away and come back. This helps with language development, counting and fine motor skills.
Shake My Sillies Out - this book is perfect for singing and moving. You can shake, stretch and jump your sillies out while you read.
