Singing books are some of our favorites. I quickly re-learned Baby Beluga from my childhood because Liliana loved the song so much; then, we found the book and our lives were complete. Puff the Magic Dragon is another current favorite and I find that the picture book really adds something to the original song (don't worry, no reference made to the popular adult meanings attached to the song!).
Books set to songs are great books to have around if you want to mix up your reading routine and teach your little one a song or two. Songs are great ways to bond together - read together, sing together, rhyme together, learn together, have fun together!
I've rounded up a few of our favorites. I've also included links to the YouTube recordings of the songs, done by their artists in case you want to listen.
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Raffi is a huge favorite in our house. Maybe it's because I grew up with him, but Liliana just loves almost all of his songs.
The books are great additions and as your reader gets older, you can track the words to the song so your child can match printed words with sung words.
Baby Beluga and Down by the Bay are fantastic companions to Wheels on the Bus.
Need to hear it?
Wheels on the Bus sung by Raffi |
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The song made popular by Sesame Street...and The Carpenters.
The start of this book is just pictures, no words. And, so we were surprised when partway through the book, the words start flowing. The song is simple and slow. The message is affirming for children. It's a really good feel-good song. Tom Lichtenheld has won awards for his illustrations - this book is beautiful.
Need to hear it?
Sing a Song by The Carpenters |
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My daughter LOVES this book and song. Louis Armstrong reminds her of Cookie Monster. She first heard this song and saw the book in music class.
The teachers tell me that it's a perennial favorite - for parents and kids alike.
Need to hear it?
What a Wonderful World spoken to music by Louis Armstrong |
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If you're a baseball fan, this is a must. The book goes through the song 3 times. There is some story, but really the point is to learn the song.
Lily had it down within a few reads of the book. She loves the pictures and so will bring this book and start singing to me every other day at least.
Need to hear it?
Take Me Out to the Ball Game sung by Carly Simon |
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Cars? Dogs? What more could you want?
This book is adorable. The dogs in the car go on a road trip through America. It has lift-flaps to name America's treasures. And Dogs. And cars. The video is also really well done. You could play it and flip the pages as you read/sing this book with your kids.
Need to Hear It?
Riding in my Car sung by Woody Guthrie |
Enjoy!
