Welcome! Use this guide to locate children's books that can be used in the music classroom.
Reed Library's Juvenile Collection is located on the Second Floor of the Carnahan-Jackson Center. It is organized based on content:
| Call Number Start | Description |
|---|---|
| JUV E | Fiction (Picture Books, Easy Readers), organized by author's last name |
| JUV F | Fiction (Chapter Books, Young Adult Novels), organized by author's last name |
|
JUV [001 → 999] |
Non-Fiction, organized by the Dewey Decimal System (Books on music are in 780 → 789) |
Can't find what you're looking for? Try searching our entire catalog using ReedSearch. Students and faculty can also use Interlibrary Loan to request materials not owned by Reed Library.
Raggin' Jazzin' Rockin' by
Meet the inventors and innovators who defined American music history. A radio repairman imagined inventing the electric guitar. The inventor of 3-D glasses envisioned an electric organ in every home. And a German carpenter immigrated to New York City with the dream of designing the greatest piano in the world. From Steinway pianos and Moog synthesizers to Zildjian cymbals and Martin guitars, noted music writer VanHeke offers a fascinating, insider view of the personalities and perseverance that led to some of music's most important innovations--from classical to jazz to rock. This ALA Notable Children's Book includes photos, source notes, and glossaries.
Summoning the Phoenix by
Every musician knows that learning to play an instrument has its challenges and its rewards. The 12 children in this book are just like any other musicians practicing their instruments and preparing for a concert. But what sets these music lovers apart is that they all play traditional Chinese musical instruments in a Chinese orchestra. Including both flights of fancy and practical considerations; lively poems capture each child's musical experience with a different Chinese instrument, while sidebars provide more information about each one.
The Composer Is Dead by
There's dreadful news from the symphony hall--the composer is dead! In this perplexing murder mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lemony Snicket, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi, and nearly everyone is a musical instrument.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by
A biography of African American jazz virtuoso Melba Doretta Liston, a pioneering twentieth-century trombone player, composer, and music arranger at a time when few women, of any race, played brass instruments and were part of the jazz scene. Brimming with ebullience and the joy of making music, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is a fitting tribute to a trailblazing musician and a great unsung hero of jazz.
Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin by
A Caldecott Honor book that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and a counting book that redefines the genre. When this book begins, the trombone is playing all by itself. But soon a trumpet makes a duet, a french horn a trio, and so on until the entire orchestra is assembled on stage. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups. Readers of all ages are sure to shout "Encore!" when they reach the final page of this joyous celebration of classical music.
Duke Ellington by
A joyful biography of jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, recognized with a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Honor, brought to life by a bestselling husband and wife duo.
Song in a Rainstorm by
A celebration of a remarkable, overlooked musical great. Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time.
Dancing Hands by
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.
Trombone Shorty by
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. Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by
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. Her string of hit songs earned her the title "the Queen of Soul," multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn't just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.
When Angels Sing by
Winner of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor and a Robert F. Sibert Honor! Celebrate music icon Carlos Santana in this vibrant, rhythmic picture book from the author of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters. 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. Carlos tried el clarinete and el violín, but there were no angels. Then he picked up la guitarra. He took the soul of the Blues, the brains of Jazz, and the energy of Rock and Roll, and added the slow heat of Afro-Cuban drums and the cilantro-scented sway of the music he'd grown up with in Mexico. There were a lot of bands in San Francisco but none of them sounded like this. Had Carlos finally found the music that would make his angels real?
When Bob Met Woody by
An enchanting, true story of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature winner, Bob Dylan, and his mentor, Woody Guthrie. Bob Dylan is a musical icon, an American legend, and, quite simply, a poet. This lyrical and gorgeously illustrated picture book biography follows Bob as he renames himself after his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas, and leaves his mining town to pursue his love of music in New York City. There, he meets his folk music hero and future mentor, Woody Guthrie, changing his life forever.
Drum Dream Girl by
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule--until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. This beautiful picture book was recognized with a Pura Belpré Honor. A strong option for those interested in women's history and Hispanic History topics.
I See the Rhythm by
This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award-winning title celebrates African-American music by tracing the progression of black music from its traditional roots in Africa to contemporary hip hop.
My Family Plays Music (15th Anniversary Edition) by
A young girl tries out different genres and instruments in this exuberant celebration of music, winner of the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award--now available in a special anniversary edition. This is my family. We all love music, begins a young percussionist. When she plays with her father, a cellist, she taps the triangle. With her sister's marching band, she crashes cymbals together. At her aunt's jazz show, she taps a woodblock. Elbrite Brown's lively cut-paper illustrations, for which he was awarded the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award, depict this diverse, joyous family dancing, strumming, drumming and fiddling their way through a tour of major musical styles--everything from classical string quartets, to rock and roll, to the youngest niece banging on pots and pans. They love music--and most of all, they love to celebrate and play it together. Includes a glossary covering types of music and instruments mentioned.
Passing the Music Down by
A warmhearted ode to an American musical tradition and to generational ties, told in lyrical free verse with atmospheric illustrations. A young boy travels to the hills of Appalachia to meet the old-time fiddle player whose music he has admired, and so sparks a friendship that will forge a bond between generations. The boy develops under the man's care and instruction, just as seedlings grow with spring rain and summer sun. From playing on the front porch to performing at folk festivals, the two carry on the tradition of passing the music down. This touching, lyrical story, inspired by the lives of renowned fiddlers Melvin Wine and Jake Krack, includes an author's note and suggested resources for learning about the musicians and the music they love.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by
Inspired by one of our most popular children's lullabies, Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney's gentle world -- where the loving arms of nature embrace us despite darkness or uncertainty -- is perfect for easing little ones into dreamland. As a curious little chipmunk leaves his nest to greet the twilight, he gazes at the glittering sky above him. He can't help but also notice the sparkling dewdrops on a spider's web, the lights of the fireflies, and the shimmers of moonlight on the water. "How I wonder what you are!" marvels the tiny creature, launching a dreamlike quest to reach for the stars.
Frog Went A-Courtin' by
"A favorite old nursery ballad now appears in resplendent new dress. . . . Illustrator Feodor Rojankovsky somehow manages to combine quaintness with sophistication and his doughty frog, the coy mouse . . . and others make charming company."--The New York Times Book Review
The Rooster Crows by
The Caldecott Medal-winning collection of classic American rhymes, songs, and jingles. Beautifully rendered illustrations accompany well-known nursery rhymes, counting-out games, skipping-rope songs, finger games, and other schoolyard classics beloved by generations of American children. Collected from across America, The Rooster Crows features rhymes both old and new, and will be a perfect addition to any child's collection.
The Song of Robin Hood by
Through meticulous research and unfailing perseverance, Anne Malcolmson rediscovered fifteen of the original ballads of Robin Hood; Grace Castagnetta adapted them to modern musical notation. Virginia Lee Burton spent three years on drawings to accompany the songs, ultimately producing a work of art filled with exquisite detail and worthy of comparison to the greatest illuminated manuscripts of the medieval era.
Follow the Drinking Gourd by
"Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picture book format."
Abiyoyo : based on a South African lullaby and folk story by
Banished from the town for making mischief, a little boy and his father are welcomed back when they find a way to make the dreaded giant Abiyoyo disappear.
Berlioz the Bear by
Zum, zum, buzz.... zum, zum, buzz... What's that strange buzz coming from the double bass?
Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That! by
With bold paintings and a simple, rhyming text, Caldecott Medalists Leo & Diane Dillon bring young readers a rap a tap tap celebration of dance that will have readers clapping and tapping along.
Jazzy Miz Mozetta by
Lively, colorful illustrations and a rhythmic text make for a jazzy dance party that readers will delight in attending again and again.
Jazz on a Saturday Night by
Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon open your heart with the pure magic of a "dream team" jazz session. Bright colours and musical patterns make the music skip off the page in this toe-tapping homage to many jazz greats. From Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk to Ella Fitzgerald, here is an evening sure to knock your socks off. Learn about this popular music form and read a biography of each player, featured at the end of the book. From start to finish, here is a book to share and savor again and again.
Nighttime Symphony by
The sounds of the city at night create a lively lullaby in this melodious bedtime story from superstar producer and musician Timbaland, Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christopher Myers, and Kaa Illustration! hey there, darling baby child, you're safe in here though the storm is wild the streetlights glow through dark so deep but safe in sound you'll go to sleep As a little boy gets ready for bed, the sounds of a wild storm echo around him, lulling him to sleep. From the crash of thunder to the pitter-patter of raindrops to the beat of passing cars, the music of the city creates a cozy bedtime soundtrack.
Spider and the Fly by
"'Will you walk into my parlor,' said the Spider to the Fly..." is easily one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. But do you have any idea how the age-old tale of the Spider and the Fly ends? Join celebrated artist Tony DiTerlizzi as he -- drawing inspiration from one of his loves, the classic Hollywood horror movies of the 1920s and 1930s -- shines a cinematic spotlight on Mary Howitt's warning, written to her own children about those who use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions.
The Snowy Day by
In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter's small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
Old Black Fly by
Nothing drives a family crazy faster than an old black fly on a hot summer day, especially when the family's a little crazy already. And this fly is as bad as they come. He knows every low-down trick in the book--and won't rest until he's gone through them all. He ate on the crust of the Apple pie. He bothered the Baby and made her cry. Shoo fly! Shoo fly! Shooo.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by
A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck-- all parade across the pages of this delightful classic children's book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by
In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no--Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
Rainbow Weaver by
A young Mayan girl isn't allowed to use her mother's thread to weave, so with a little ingenuity she discovers how to repurpose plastic bags to create colorful weavings. Based on an actual recycling movement in Guatemala.
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by
A classic and fun Halloween read-aloud story that neither you nor the kids in your life will be able to resist, whether curled up at home or in a classroom or library setting.
The Napping House by
The classic silly cumulative tale that's perfect for bedtime, naptime...anytime! In the napping house is a cozy bed piled high with a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a slumbering mouse.
I Went Walking Board Book by
A child discovers a parade of animals in this vibrant board book filled with playful humor and rhyme. This simple, funny read-aloud follows a boy's exciting stroll through the countryside.
Beresford, A. (2020). Books in the music classroom: Stories to stimulate learning. Canadian Music Educator, 61(3), 6–9. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A322562904/PROF?u= sunyfredonia&sid=bookmark-PROF&xid=884025f6
Brinson, S. A. (2012). Knowledge of multicultural literature among early childhood educators. Multicultural Education, 19(2), 30. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A322562904/ AONE?u=sunyfredonia&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=3fcab40a
El Koubi, N. H. (2005). Idea bank: More children’s literature in the music classroom. Music Educators Journal, 91(4), 73–73. https://doi.org/10.2307/3400169
Gauthier, D. R. (2005). Children’s literature in the music classroom: Finding the music within. Music Educators Journal, 91(3), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/3400076
Hall, S. (2021). Using picture books as a tool for creating a culturally inclusive elementary music classroom. General Music Today, 34(2), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371320961378
Hall, S. (2023). Idea bank: Children’s books: A great partner in the music classroom. Music Educators Journal, 109(3), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/00274321231159558
Miller, B. A. (2008). A harmonious duet: Music and children’s literature. General Music Today, 21(2), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371308316413
Montgomery, A. P. (2012). “Over in the meadow” and beyond: Singing for joy with song-based picture books. Canadian Music Educator, 53(4), 29–32. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/ A311183785/PROF?u=sunyfredonia&sid=bookmark-PROF&xid=c9abc057
Watts, S. H., & Piña, K. (2023). Bibliotherapy and social and emotional learning in the elementary music setting. Journal of General Music Education, 36(3), 5–12 https://doi. org/10.1177/27527646231154541
General directories/resources for diverse literature:
Black Voices:
Immigrants:
Hispanic/Raza:
Native American:
LGBTQ:
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