With so many different styles, music has the unique ability to touch everyone’s soul. Introducing children to different musical genres and instruments is a joy to behold, as they begin to truly appreciate the impact music can have. The books below open up the musical world in a joyous way, providing students with an introduction to music, its styles and key figures.
Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Music
by Lara Bryan (author) & Elisa Paganelli (illustrator)
Review: One of the popular Usborne lift-the-flap series, this short (13 pages), bright, interactive book answers a range of musical questions providing a beginning introduction to the world of music. Each section of the book addresses a different question word, “what”, “how”, “why”, “who”, “when”, etc. with the ensuing answers hidden under the flaps. Questions asked range from “What is rhythm?”, “How many different instruments are there?”, to “Who sits where in an orchestra?”, “Which instrument can you make with wood and horsehair?” and, my personal favourite, “Why don’t I like my dad’s music?”. Children can also listen to snippets of music from the book by going to Usborne Quicklinks. The interactive nature of the book will appeal to young learners first finding out about this subject.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 +. I feel that younger students would also find this particularly engaging and that students of 6 years are the upper end of the age bracket for this book.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Create an interactive lift-the-flap book or display. Students (or the teacher) record their musical questions. As they find out the answers to their questions, students write and/or draw their answers.
This Magical, Musical Night
by Rhonda Gowler Greene (author) & James Rey Sanchez (illustrator)
Review: This richly illustrated book introduces the orchestra to young readers in a wholly engaging manner. Written in verse, with evocative language, the orchestra’s instruments come to life on the page. From the entrance of the conductor to the applause at the end, readers are taken on a journey through the different sections of the orchestra. Musical terms such as crescendo, arpeggio and pizzicato feature naturally in the text, which also touches on the universality of music and the emotions it can evoke. This is a really lovely introduction to the orchestra and one which can be returned to over and again.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip(s): Musical vocabulary – Explore different musical terms introduced in the book, such as crescendo and allegro, by listening to different pieces of music.
Music Dictionary – Students create an interactive musical dictionary. They record the term, write/say the definition and include a snippet of music to highlight the technique/effect.
Music and How it Works: The Complete Guide for Kids
by DK
Review: Young and older readers are sure to learn something new in this colourful book. Providing a wide overview of all things musical, with information split into memorable snippets, this is a great book to dip into. Ranging from the history of music to the mechanics of music, to different musical genres, to music around the world, “Music and How it Works” is a treasure trove of information and a perfect launch point for more detailed research. Contents include “How to Build a Song” and “Reading Music”, for example. Whilst musical styles explored include opera, jazz, country, funk, reggae, hip-hop and K Pop. A selection of playlists is also featured within the text bringing the contents to life.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 9
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Personal playlists – As students explore some of the different musical styles, ask them to create a playlist of their own to showcase the genre.
The History of Rock For Big Fans and Little Punks
by Rita Nabais (author) & Joana Raimundo (illustrator)
Review: Sure to be a talking point amongst families, teachers and their students, this illustrated history of rock and roll covers 70 years of rock music. Featuring solo artists and notable women artists ranging from Elvis Presley to David Bowie to Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks, as well as bands ranging from the Beach Boys to Nirvana to Metallica, the book is packed full of fun facts about the artists and their journeys. Interesting connections are made between movements that either influenced or have been influenced by rock, such as blues, jazz, soul and hip-hop. An extended playlist of over 1,000 songs provides hours of listening pleasure as students explore the history of rock and roll.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years. I feel this would appeal more to the upper age range of this bracket and older students.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Music Rabbit Hole – Having listened to different artists, students select one that appeals to them and find out more about the artist’s musical influences.
Music The Definitive Visual History
by DK Smithsonian
Review: A DK Smithsonian collaboration, this hefty book provides a highly visual journey through the history of music. Full of stunning photographs, illustrations and pictures, the development of music is set in both social and cultural contexts. Featuring notable figures in music through the ages, ranging from classical composers to singers and songwriters, this book provides a wonderful overview of music and its roots. Some of the musicians featured are Antonio Vivaldi, Sergey Prokofiev, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holliday. This book is a must for any coffee table and library!
Suggested Reading Age: Older teens upwards. Interested younger readers would also enjoy the pictures and some of the briefer information contained in the insets.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Sparking Curiosity – This is a great book to use with students to spark their curiosity about music and lead them to their own inquiries. They could then share their new learnings with others.
Happy Reading!
Do YOU know of any great music books to add to this list? Please leave a recommendation below to support our community.