Many years ago, I took a reading class as required for my teacher certification program. In all things I do, I tried to find meaning in the course as it related to music education. As I researched books for elementary music, I began purchasing every book I found. Within months, I had a substantial collection of children’s books for my classroom library.
Over the years, the collection has taken on a life of its own. What started as a handful of folk songs and composer biographies has grown into song tales, story books that teach musical concepts, movement exploration, patriotic tunes, instruments, and more. I organize the library by genres:
- Composer & Performers
- Folk songs & Song stories
- Instruments
- Operas and Musicals
- Patriotic song books
- Poetry (used for composition and chants)
- Picture books (many used instrument exploration or movement)
- Multicultural books (books about diversity or multicultural music)
Here’s how the books are displayed in my classroom. On the back of each cover, there is a small label which tells students which bin the book belongs in, so that kids can help keep the books organized.
Children’s Books for Instrument Exploration
It’s so hard to just choose a few of these books! I have so many I love to use for instrument exploration. Listen to the Rain and Tiptoe Joe are great for exploring dynamics. The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything, Tap, Tap, Boom, Boom and Marsh Music are great for exploring unpitched percussion. I love Mrs. Wishy-Washy and The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Orff exploration with little ones. Jump, Frog Jump and Mortimer are great for melodic direction!
Classic Stories & Nursery Rhymes
There as some songs every child should simply know. Here are some of my favorite songs and nursery rhymes books for elementary music!
Song Stories
Ok, let’s be real – this page could just be every Feierabend song story every published. Go buy them al!. But there are so many other amazing song stories out there. Puff the Magic Dragon is a beloved song in my classroom. Music Together has a series of song stories available on Amazon as well. And who doesn’t love Raffi? Here are just a few of my favorites.
Books about Instruments
There are so many amazing children’s books about instruments. I love teaching The Carnival of the Animals and Peter and the Wolf through children’s book. The Remarkable Farkle McBride is a fabulous introductory book for instrument families. Jazz Fly is one of my FAVORITE books for introducing jazz! And who doesn’t love Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin?
Books for Movement
I love using books for movement because they give children a concrete example of how to move. Pretend You’re a Cat explores movement of animals. Want magic in your room? Turn the lights low and read The Moonglow Roll-O-Rama. Give each child a pair of rollerskates (small paper plates) and let them rollerskate in the moonlight! Snowflakes Fall is a great book to read to get children flowing from high to low space! My Kindergarten students love practicing strong and gentle movements to We Are the Dinosaurs!
Books for Black History Month
I originally started this page to honor Black History Month, but the reality is this is really a celebration of Diversity in Music. My children love seeing themselves in books and I love being able to provide that for them. We love reading Trombone Shorty, then seeing to him play on YouTube. I love reading about Ella Fitzgerald and sharing her version of A Tisket, A Tasket.
Books about Patriotic Song
There are some beautiful children’s book that illustrate some of our nation’s patriotic songs. Many also offer background information about the songs as well.
Classical Music Books
I love using books to provide context around some of our favorite classical pieces. In the Hall of the Mountain King is a classroom favorite and comes to life when we read the storybook. The books by Anna Harwell Celenza are a great for background information on pieces like Rhapsody in Blue and Pictures at an Exhibition.
These are just a fraction of my favorite children’s books for the elementary music room. Want a more complete list?
Download a full list of the books in my music room here.
Have a beloved book from your classroom? Leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear about it!
Related Blog Posts
Good morning Jennifer! Your blog is wonderful! I have been creating children’s music books and videos for more than ten years. But, I am stuck in how to get my products out into the world. I would make me so happy if you would take look at my work. I need someone with your experience to suggest how I should proceed. Please visit my website http://www.classactionlearning.com
Let me know if I can send you a copy of the book (see the store page) that provides lessons on how to read or chant on the beat (rap) while telling the story of the Ballad of Black Drumfish. I can drop box to you the coloring book and the 16 track practice audio mp3. Thank you! Jan Magray
LOVE this list! I have so many of these books, but it is nice to have them listed in one place.