Sounds Good to Me

For John Cage, music was everywhere- in the hum of the refrigerator, the screech of a garbage truck, the patter of the rain.  John Cage found sound in silence and knew that all noises were unique. All you had to do was listen to hear it. Told in second person and paired with exciting illustrations as innovative as Cage’s music, here is a picture book–perfect for any budding musician–that celebrates the genius of a nonconforming musician who always stayed true to his artistic vision.

Music doesn’t come out of nothing. It always starts somewhere . . . with something . . . with someone. Discover how music is made in this survey of musical instruments from around the world. Organized by material-from wood to gourds to found objects and more- Before Music marries a lyrical core text with tons of informational material for curious readers. 

Welcome to jazz! Feel the music and rhythms of all the different styles of jazz, from swing and Dixieland to the blues and bebop, with this interactive introduction to the world’s coolest music. Author Jabari Asim will take you on the journey through the history of jazz as you discover the most important musicians and singers while hearing some really cool sounds. You’ll learn all about the roots of jazz in Africa and New Orleans and how the music traveled to different parts of the United States and around the world

When Lani’s elite performance band is chosen to perform in London, she should be thrilled. But with too many fears to count and her little brother, Gavin, unable to join her due to a serious heart condition, the trip feels more daunting than exciting. Before Lani leaves, Gavin gives her a challenge: tap into her own hidden strength by embodying the Eight Invincible Brothers–and each of their special powers. 

Bo and her mom always had their own rhythm. But ever since they moved to Harlem, Bo’s world has fallen out of sync. She and Mum are now living with Mum’s boyfriend Bill, his daughter Sunday, the twins, Lili and Lee, the twins’ parents…along with a dog, two cats, a bearded dragon, a turtle, and chickens. All in one brownstone! Set against the bursting energy of a New York City summer, award-winning author Rhuday-Perkovich delivers a joyful novel about a new family that hits all the right notes!

Rap-a-tap-tap! Thrum, thrum, thrum! Plink-a-plink-plink! Ty loves playing the instruments, but something’s missing–his friends! With the help of his vivid imagination, Ty and his friends are onstage in a band making great music together. With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers.