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If You Like... Music

By Suzanne
You know that feeling you get when you are listening to your favorite song? It seems to calm you and energize you at the same time! Music has profound power. It can make you feel emotions, help you focus, promote physical well-being, and foster social connection. So, sing a song, dance to the beat, and pick up one of these books!

Written and illustrated by Nick Maland 
Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishing, 2024. Picture Book.

This is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the unifying and uplifting power of music. The story follows a group of characters who come together to create music that fills the sky. As the melodies rise, so does a sense of joy and connection. We Light Up the Sky With Music reminds readers of all ages that creativity and community brightens our lives.

 
Written by Todd Boss 
Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh 
New York: Beach Lane Books, 2024. Picture Book. 

The Boy Who Said Wow is a touching book based on the true story of a young boy with nonverbal autism who expresses his awe during a live concert with a single word, “Wow.” The story captures the the power of a single moment to break through silence and connect people in unexpected ways. The book celebrates the profound impact of music, inclusivity, and the beauty of every child's voice—spoken or unspoken.


Written by Shane Goth 
Illustrated by Sara Gagnon-Dumont 
Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books, 2025. Picture Book. 

This is a charming story that explores the beauty of imperfection through the eyes of a young pianist. Hannah, a dedicated and serious musician, is taken down an unexpected path when she embraces her own creativity. Inspired by her little sister's playful delight with her wrong note, she seeks to abandon her need for perfection. Through improvisation, Hannah discovers a newfound joy in music that is uniquely her own.  


Written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal 
Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez 
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book.

This is a lyrical picture book that celebrates the unifying power of music within a diverse community. The story begins with a single musical note that prompts neighbors to join in from their windows and balconies. Each one adds their own unique sound—from traditional instruments to everyday household items, sharing a message of connection and the joy of shared experiences.


By Zachariah OHora 
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2024. Picture Book.

Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas is the inspiring true story of Paul Horn, a professional flutist, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying orcas in the 1970s. We follow how Horn and Spong used music to communicate with two captive orcas at Sealand of the Pacific on Vancouver Island. The book brings to light how their connection with the orcas contributed to the beginning of the anti-captivity movement for intelligent marine animals. This story is a tribute to the power of music and empathy.
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