Dr. Emily AronoffCombining Story and Song with a Visual Props Generates Terrific Engagement
In this blog post, I’m going to explore ten remarkable musical books that bring famous songs to life with vibrant illustrations, inviting young readers and their families to share in the joy of a musical story. Each of these books is a testament to the magic that happens when the melodious world of music intertwines with the imaginative realm of stories.
Music and Literature can Inspire Young Minds
When combined, music and literature can form an educational tool that’s as engaging as it is enlightening. This is precisely why I’m delving into the enchanting world of musical stories- books that contain illustrated adaptations of famous songs. While these songs might not explicitly relate to Jewish education and content, the values, imagery, and storylines can support children’s exploration of values and concepts in our community.
Stories are a fundamental part of children’s development. They help foster imagination, enhance vocabulary, and cultivate empathy by introducing youngsters to diverse characters and experiences. Similarly, music plays an instrumental role in early childhood development. It stimulates brain growth, builds memory, and reinforces language skills, while also fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, and the ability to express and control feelings.
Illustrated Musical Stories: A Rich Multi-Sensory Experience
Musical storybooks harmoniously blend visual, auditory, and emotional elements, providing children with an immersive journey that transcends the traditional reading experience. When we share these books, we’re not just following a narrative, we’re engaging with a melody as well. We absorb the rhythm of language, the cadence of storytelling, and the beauty of visual representation, all of which are effortlessly interwoven in these special books.
Furthermore, these adaptations can help children (and adults) connect with these popular songs in a deeper and more meaningful way. They broaden their understanding of the songs’ lyrics, giving them a unique perspective that enhances their appreciation of music.
Whether you’re an educator, clergy person, or parent, I invite you to add a few of your favorite songs to your storybook repertoire and join us on this melodic literary journey. You’ll discover a symphony of books that transform famous songs into illustrated narratives, and in doing so, open a new door of learning and enjoyment for children. Let’s strike a chord with these delightful musical stories and ignite our children’s imaginations one page, and one note, at a time.
My moderately granola elder millennial is showing with this selection of tunes. I sang most of these tunes in Jewish youth groups and camping experiences as a child. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the books available in this genre, these are simply my favorites!
1. With a Little Help from My Friends by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
This adorable story is about friendship and communication.
Two good friends deal with one friend moving away, so they find a new phase of friendship. The illustrator did a brilliant job giving an appropriate context to the line “I get high with a little help from my friends” that you’ll have to read the book yourself to enjoy.
2. All You Need Is Love by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
The vibrant illustrations and frequent repetition make this a favorite to share with infants. I have many adorable videos of my littles chanting “all you need is love, doo doo doo doo doo!” It is a nurturing reminder of the importance of love in our lives.
3. Forever Young by Bob Dylan
This song was the first lullaby that I sang to my girls. Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman AKA שבתאי זיסל בן אברהם) says he wrote this as a lullaby for his son. The opening lyrics echo that of our priestly blessing: “May God Bless and Keep You Always.” I love how this book illustrates the value of L’dor vador (connecting generations). The illustrations are remarkable and rich with historic detail.
4. Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley
This classic reggae tune is morphed into a contemporary anti-bullying anthem that teaches kids to seek justice. When sharing this book, I might encourage children to literally get up and stand up to sing the chorus of the song. I’ve enjoyed many conversations with my children about what they would do in the tricky social situations depicted in the pages.
5. Imagine by John Lennon
I always experience high levels of interactivity with this tune as the grown-ups in the room connect nostalgically with memories of this well-known song. Be warned that it does contain the word “hell”- but I’ve never had any issue with it.
6. One Love by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley
The simplicity of this song works beautifully in early learning environments: Let’s get together and feel alright! The story shares all the different ways that love is given- in a family, in nature, in community. The characters in the book work together to create a communal garden.
7. What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. I’ve shared this song in connection with teaching about gratitude (hakarat hatov), creation, and earth day.
8. This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
Perfect to share around the 4th of July, this exceptional book includes not only the verses you know, but also the ones you don’t. I actually wrote a paper about this song while I was in grad school. Woody Guthrie wrote it in response to “God Bless America”- a song he did NOT think represented his American experience.
9. Boker Tov, Good Morning! by Rabbi Joe Black
This book teaches the Hebrew words for “Good Morning” (Boker Tov) and shares a relatable story of waking, getting ready, and going to school. I love sharing this with children during our first encounters so that I can be sure they understand the greeting in future sessions.
10. In My Life by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
This story depicted in a beautiful watercolor book shows a little girl growing up into an adult, highlighting intergenerational relationships. I like to share this story during children’s services towards the conclusion, where the mourner’s kaddish might go. It might be a great spark for conversation for families to discuss who the people in their lives have been that brought great meaning.
I hope you find familiar tunes among this list and select a few stories to share with your kiddos. Consider singing the songs acapella while reading or experimenting with playing a recording of the tune as you turn the pages. Sharing singable stories is just one of the strategies I employ when songleading for kids. For more strategies and songs, please visit my course at www.songleadingforkiddos.com.
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