These are recommended Picture Books and Independent Readers for the 2015 Summer Fun at the Library Program: Read to the Rhythm.
A downloadable & printable list of all Summer Fun recommended books for kids is available here.
Abiyoyo : based on a South African lullaby and folk story
(K – Grade 3) 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.
Bats in the band
(PreK – Grade 3) When the weather warms up, bats take advantage of an empty theater to stage a concert.
Dancing feet!
(PreK – K) Easy-to-read, rhyming text depicts different animals dancing.
Hand, hand, fingers, thumb. Illustrated by Eric Gurney.
(PreK – Grade 1) Monkeys play drums with hands, fingers, and thumbs.
Hip hop dog
(PreK – Grade 3) A neglected dog finds his purpose through rapping and rhyming.
I Got the Rhythm
(PreK – Grade 2) On a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other children join her.
Jazz Age Josephine
(K – Grade 4) Illustrations and text introduce children to the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, examining her accomplishments, and describing how she overcame her poor, segregated upbringing to find success as a performer.
Listen to my trumpet!
(PreK – Grade 1) When Piggie plays her new trumpet for Gerald, the elephant decides he must be honest in his response.
The man with the violin
(K – Grade 2) When Dylan hears someone playing their violin in the subway he wants to stop and listen, but his mother and other commuters ignore the violinist (who happens to be Joshua Bell) completely.
Monster mash
(K – Grade 3) In this illustrated version of the classic novelty song, a mad scientist's monster performs a new dance which becomes "the hit of the land" when the scientist throws a party for other monsters.
Penny and her song
(K – Grade 2) Penny comes home from school eager to share her very own song, but must wait until the time is right to teach it to her parents and the babies.
Punk Farm
(PreK – Grade 3) At the end of the day, while Farmer Joe gets ready for bed, his animals tune their instruments to perform in a big concert as a rock band called Punk Farm.
The remarkable Farkle McBride
(K – Grade 2) The musical prodigy Farkle McBride tries a number of instruments before discovering that conducting the orchestra makes him happy.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
(PreK – K) In this expansion of a familiar song, the occupants of a rowboat enjoy seeing and making the sounds of different jungle animals.
Splat the Cat with a bang and a clang
(PreK – Grade 1) Splat's friends are having a rehearsal for their cool new band, the Cat Gang. Everyone wants Splat to join the band but Splat can't sing and he doesn't play an instrument.
This Jazz Man
(PreK – Grade 3) Presents an introduction to jazz music and nine well-known jazz musicians, set to the rhythm of the traditional song, "This Old Man." Includes brief facts about each musician.
We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song
(K – Grade 3) Traces the history of the inspiring anthem and explains how it has come to represents the right for equality and freedom around the world.
The wheels on the bus
(PreK – Grade 2) Pete the cat's school day is recounted in this twist on the classic song.
Zin! zin! zin! : a violin
(K – Grade 4) Ten instruments take their parts one by one in a musical performance.