Music is such an important part of life, and we love celebrating the power of music and learning about musicians through storybooks. This list of new kid’s books about music features board books and picture books that introduce kids to the powerful impact that music can have, and celebrate some of the popular musicians who have made an impact on the world.

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This is Music: Strings

Written by Rekha S. Rajan and illustrated by Tania Yakunova

This colorful board book introduces young readers to the wide variety of musical instruments that use strings to make music. Each page features a different musical instrument, exploring how the strings on each instrument can be manipulated to make music. The text includes strong action words and noises to show how strings can be played in different ways, while the colorful illustrations show people playing them. The back of the book includes a labeled guide to the instruments featured in the book.

Bowie for Babies

Illustrated by Paul Daviz

This brightly colored board book uses simple text and psychedelic illustrations to teach little ones about David Bowie. The book touches on his skills, including saxophone and singing, as well as the many fashion choices that people associate with him. This is a fun book for fans of Bowie to share with their little rock stars.

Related Post: Introducing Babies to the Classics with Musical Board Books

A is for Aretha

Written by Leslie Kwan and illustrated by Rachelle Baker

This alphabet book pairs each letter with a different trailblazing black woman who changed the music world. Each woman has a paragraph detailing her music stylings and accomplishments, accompanied by a colorful cartoon illustration. This is a great book for introducing remarkable female musicians to little ones in a fun way!

Music is in Everything

Written by Ziggy Marley and illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

This picture book is based on Ziggy Marley’s popular song, celebrating the music in everything around us. The text celebrates the many sounds around us, from kitchen sounds to the ocean, and even laughter, reminding us that there is music to be heard all around. The brightly colored illustrations feature kids playing music together or finding music in nature. Kids will love the way the book brings the song to life, and encourages them to find music everywhere.

Shiny Happy People

Written by R.E.M. and illustrated by Paul Hoppe and Shinyeon Moon

This illustrated version of the R.E.M. song “Shiny Happy People” shares an important message of inclusion with young kids. The text is made up of the song’s lyrics while the illustrations follow the unlikely friendship of a fox and a rabbit as they teach others about inclusion and acceptance. Fans of R.E.M. will appreciate the opportunity to share this song with their little ones in a fun way.

Related Post: 13 Children’s Books about Musicians Who Changed Music

The Animal Song

Written by Jonty Howley

This peppy picture book follows a crocodile, a brown bear, and a weasel as they entertain the woodland creatures with their animal song. When winter comes and the animals are ready for bed, the band isn’t ready to sleep. So they head to town with their song. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this a great read aloud, and kids will love the sounds of the animals’ instruments.

Rock Star Recess

Written by Patrick Baggatta and illustrated by Emily Mullock

In this fun story, a young girl and her friends decide that they don’t want to play the same old songs in music class. They want to be rock stars! So they decide to spend their recess putting on a rock concert. But all the glitz and glamour of rock stardom becomes more important than the music and they find themselves unprepared for their big show. This story will have kids laughing out loud while they learn the importance of practice. The vivid illustrations will have them wanting to put on their own rock concert too!

Maurice

Written by Jessixa Bagley

In this sweet story, a dog named Maurice shares his love with the world through his music. But as the world changes, his music is silenced, and he can no longer afford to care for his bird friends. When the Spring season returns,  his heart remembers what was forgotten, and his music brings joy to the world again. The simple text and sweet cartoon illustrations bring the character to life, and celebrate the power of music to connect us to others.

Taylor Swift

Written by Wendy Loggia and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

This picture book biography introduces young music fans to the life and accomplishments of Taylor Swift. The text shares all kinds of interesting information about Taylor and how she became a superstar, while the colorful illustrations show her passion for music and highlight the love that she has for her fans. Young fans of Swift will love learning more about her childhood and the determination that made her a star.

What are your favorite new kid’s books about music? Share in the comments below!

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