Singing Stories

Are you ready to sing? Why not try a sing-along picture book that uses the words of a song as text? Many popular nursery rhymes and folk songs have been illustrated and presented in this format. Even if you are not a great singer, sharing the books with young children is a wonderful way to introduce reading. Babies and toddlers love to hear rhyming words and music. As they grow older and more familiar with the rhymes, children will join in and sing along.

Sing-along picture books provide various opportunities to engage children in early literacy activities. For example, while singing the book, encourage children to identify the sounds that are the same or different in rhyming sequences. After finishing the book, ask children to create a new rhyme or verse to add to the song. Additionally, children can create actions and hand movements for each verse. Together you can sing and move to the rhythm.

When you are ready to create your own sing-along, try one of these terrific books:

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson.

A picture-book interpretation of one of America's best-known songs, focusing on landscapes and images of a boy and his family. Includes printed melody-line and all four verses.

If You’re Happy and You Know It by James Warhola.

Jungle animals sing the verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.

The Boy on the Bus by Penny Dale.

Various farm animals make their own sounds as a young boy takes them on a bus ride through the countryside. Who wants to ride on the bus? The boy on this bus drives round and round -- but his passengers are not quite what you would expect! Hop on board as the very merry group oinks, quacks, and clucks its way through the countryside in a brand-new version of a classic children's song.

Señor Pancho Had a Rancho by René Colato Laínez.

As Old MacDonald sings of farm animals that moo and woof, Señor Pancho sings of those that jii and guau, until the animals realize they understand each other and get together for a fiesta.

Little White Duck by Walt Whippo.

Based on the song of the same title, a little white duck causes a commotion in its pond.

Over in the Meadow by Jill McDonald

An adaptation of the old counting rhyme about meadow animals and their activities. Includes music score.

I LoveYou! A Bushel and a Peck by Frank Loesser.

A picture book based on a song from the musical "Guys and Dolls."

Sing! by Joe Raposa.

An illustrated presentation of the classic Sesame Street song about self-expression and the celebration of music.

Ten in the Bed by Jane Cabrera

In this version of the traditional song, each of the sleepers who fall, leap, bounce, or wobble out of bed when the little one says "move over" represents a different profession.

The Story of My Feelings by Laurie Berkner.

Presents words and music to a simple song celebrating emotions and the value of expressing them.

-  Briana C.