Music to My Ears: Picture Books for Little Music Lovers
By Rebecca Harrison, MLIS, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Community Engagement Manager, Tulsa City-County Library
Music plays a special role in early learning. It helps children hear patterns in language, build confidence, and connect with the people they love. Anyone who’s ever danced around the kitchen with a toddler knows that children love to engage in musical activities. A nursery rhyme, a clapped rhythm, or even a silly made-up tune can spark curiosity and joy.
Researchers have found that singing (more than talking!) has several benefits, from keeping babies calm to promoting stronger social bonds with caregivers. The rhythm and repetition of songs also help build your child’s memory skills. The link between music and memory is why you can probably still sing along to many favorite songs from your own childhood.
To jazz up your storytime routine, check out these titles that feature the magic of music. Sing, dance, stomp, and clap as you and your child read these books together.
- Wild Symphony by Dan Brown
- Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big by Dolly Parton
- Play this Book by Jessica Young
- Ear Worm! by Johanna Knowles
- Something Wild by Molly Ruttan
Find even more toe-tapping stories in this longer list here: Music to My Ears
Did you know that world-famous musician Dolly Parton is also a huge early literacy advocate? She's made it her life's work to encourage young children to love books and reading.
If you live in Tulsa County and have a child under the age of 5, sign them up to receive free books EVERY MONTH through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. More info here: https://www.tulsalibrary.org/imagination-library.
