Anna Burton-Duke Elington

Duke Ellington

The colorfully illustrated biography of Duke Ellington, written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, provides an accurately factual yet engaging story of his life for young readers. Pinkney writes the story in such a descriptive and captivating way that children would absolutely hear and not realize they’re getting a history lesson at the same time. This book is a great resource for elementary school students that a teacher could do shared reading with. It could be a leeway into talking about jazz music and it also provides students with an example of a successful African-American man in the music industry. It is a good idea to make teaching culturally responsive, as well as talk about many different genres of music in the classroom. With the topic of jazz, the concept of improvisation can then be introduced or connected for students.

Anna Burton-Pest in Show

Pest in Show

Pest in Show, by Victoria Jamieson, is a picture book about two siblings Ladybug and Fly. While Ladybug spent much time rehearsing for her upcoming show, Fly would not stop pestering her to ask if he could be a part of it! Ladybug refused, claiming that Fly would ruin it. Once show time came, Ladybug warned her brother not to intrude, but he spent the whole time trying to one-up each of her acts! To settle the fight, they ended the show with a Grand Finale Dance Off! Although Ladybug wanted to be the star, the audience and critics loved the show that seemed to be put on by both Ladybug AND  Fly. Pest in Show provides bright playful illustrations that can show students the many different things that go on behind the stage and in preparation. The “acts”  that were put on by each of the siblings had innovative lyrics that could go with a familiar tune, so that almost anyone could sing along while reading the book. That being said, this book would be an excellent resource for a music classroom in helping students find the aural recognition between these songs and the ones they already know that go with the same melody. It would also be a great introduction to putting together a show and having to work together with another person to do so.

Valerie Lee: Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs

Take Me Out of the Bathtub and other silly dilly songs

By Alan Katz

Illustrated by David Catrow

This beautifully illustrated songbook for children is a creative and fun read for children. It includes tune recognitions from songs like “I’m a Little Teapot” as well as “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” but replaces these songs with new lyrics to sing along to. The lyrics are creative and stimulate any children’s imagination. Furthermore, it’s a fun twist for teachers or even parents to sing for children. Overall, this book is filled with beautiful illustration and creative song lyrics for child to sing to or sing along to.

Valerie Lee: The Book of Rock Stars- 24 Music Icons that Shine Through History

The Book of Rock Stars- 24 Music Icons that Shine Through History

By Kathleen Krull

Art by Stephen Alcorn

This non-fiction bibliography covering 24 iconic rock stars combines a variety of rock stars from past to present. With iconic stars suck as Elvis Presley and David Bowie, this book collects an important aspect of rock music; who creates it. This book includes around three to four pages per artist with just enough information for each artist. Furthermore, Stephen Alcorn does a great job with the illustrations to add a fun kick of art to each rock star. Many important quotes from each artist are highlighted throughout this book as well as the instruments that pertained to each artist. Overall, this book is more of a detailed read because the text is quite small and information is condensed.