Music and Musicians
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Reading Adventure Packs
Hands-on fun and learning centered around paired fiction and nonfiction books. In each themed reading adventure pack you’ll find great book suggestions plus three related activities to do together with your child. Just download and print the PDF.
Great Fiction & Nonfi ction Books
Age Level: 3-6 years old
A Tisket, a Tasket
By: Ella Fitzgerald | Illustrated by: Ora Eitan
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
The song made famous by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald in the 1930s has been re-created, re-energized and newly presented in a picture book version. Sprightly cut paper collage illustrations show two children losing and ultimately finding both a lost basket and a friendship.
Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane
By: Carole Boston Weatherford | Illustrated by: Sean Qualls
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
John's music began when he listened to the music in his childhood. Semi-abstract illustrations vivify sound-filled poetry, together introducing a boy who would grow up to become the great John Coltrane.
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop
By: Chris Raschka
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
By: Renee Watson | Illustrated by: Christian Robinson
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Hip Cat
By: Jonathan London
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
A cool cat named Oobie-Do moves to San Francisco, plays his saxophone and works as a short order cook, until his jazzy talents are recognized by nightclub owner Minnie, who books him for a gig. The bold, stylized illustrations are a cool complement to the rhythmic language of this off beat(nik!) tale.
Hip Hop Dog
By: Chris Raschka | Illustrated by: Vladimir Radunsky
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
A mutt tells reveals a "doggy allegory" and how he went from "the saddest and the baddest" to being a hip hop dog. Jazzy language swirls around and with fresh, loose art to create a sense of music in many forms. While rappers may just call it 'freestyle,' this zippy book is howling good fun.
Music, Music for Everyone
By: Vera Williams
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
When Rosa's grandmother becomes sick, Rosa comes up with an idea that not only makes Grandma feel better, it helps add coins to the family's near empty money jar. Translucent watercolors illustrate this timeless, affectionate tale of family, community and the power of music.
Tito Puente, Mambo King
By: Monica Brown | Illustrated by: Rafael López
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Uptown
By: Bryan Collier
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Join a boy as he takes you uptown to introduce his Harlem home, filled with excitement, sounds, and verve. Illustrations use watercolor and collage to present a vibrant, music-filled place sure to please.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan | Illustrated by: Brian Selznick
Age Level: 3-6 years old | Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Marian Anderson was an extraordinary contralto whose talent was celebrated in Europe long before she was recognized in her native United States. Anderson's focus, musical talent, and the difficult times in which she lived are captured in a dramatic picture book biography.
Age Level: 6-9 years old
A Band of Angels
By: Deborah Hopkinson | Illustrated by: Raul Colón
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
Ella Sheppard was one of the original Jubilee Singers from what is now known as Fisk University. This is a touching story, told by Ella's great-great-granddaughter, accompanied by gentle, poignant illustrations.
Dizzy
By: Jonah Winter | Illustrated by: Sean Qualls
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
John Birks Gillespie was an angry child from an abusive home. He was able to overcome huge obstacles when given a trumpet to channel his anger and begin the journey to jazz. 'Dizzy' Gillespie's story is told in swirling images and rhythmic language, telling the story of how music inspired him and how he used his talents to inspire others.
Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
By: Anna Harwell Celenza | Illustrated by: Don Tate
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
Duke Ellington's collaboration with a classically trained colleague resulting in unique rendition of the 'Nutcracker Suite' comes to life in jazzy text and illustrations; a CD is included.
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa
By: Andrea Pinkney | Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
From her early days in Harlem to becoming the First Lady of Jazz, the story of Ella Fitzgerald is presented by a cool feline named Scat Cat Monroe. As Scat Cat steals through the pages of this book, Ella Fitzgerald's life and work are revealed in jazz-inspired language accompanied by dramatic scratchboard illustrations. The result is a lively and loving picture book biography.
M is for Music
By: Kathleen Krull | Illustrated by: Stacey Innerst
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
The alphabet is used as a device to introduce the vocabulary for a range of musical styles as well as the names of famous musicians. Jaunty illustrations combine with energetic language for an intriguing glimpse into music and musicians.
My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia
By: Monica Brown | Illustrated by: Rafael López
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
Odetta: The Queen of Folk
By: Stephen Alcorn
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
The life and music of Odetta who became an influential folksinger and civil rights activist is revealed in lyrical, rhythmic language and evocative, swirling illustration. An affectionate afterword by the author provides factual information about the person and her influence.
Simple Gifts
By: Chris Raschka
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.
Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald
By: Eileen L. Ordover | Illustrated by: Sean Qualls
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
From a poor girl who had "a dancing beat in her feet ever since she was a bitty girl" to when she finally got a chance to perform with a professional band, Ella Fitzgerald set the world of music on its ear. Her early life is presented in energetic, downright jazzy text and richly hued illustrations.
Sweet Music in Harlem
By: Debbie Taylor
Age Level: 6-9 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
CJ's uncle, a well known jazz musician, has lost his signature hat and sends the boy out to locate it. CJ searches Harlem finding something better than the beret for the magazine photographer to snap. Animated illustrations and an author's note take a memorable look at Harlem and musicians of the mid 1950s.
Age Level: 9-12 years old
Great American Mousical
By: Emma Walton Hamilton | Illustrated by: Tony Walton
Age Level: 9-12 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
By: Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton | Illustrated by: Jim McMullan
Age Level: 9-12 years old | Reading Level: Independent Reader
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