Book Description

Sing Along with the Weather Dude is a unique Book/CD combination by nationally-known TV meteorologist Nick Walker.In a fully-produced recording, he makes complicated concepts simple, singing ten fun original songs, each one an entertaining mini-lesson in meteorology. In musical styles ranging from light rock to light rap to ballads, Walker guides children through cloud types, rain, snow, wind and air pressure, thunderstorms, the seasons, the water cycle, and weather forecasting. Creatively illustrated by internationally-recognized artist Carl Strobe, the book provides simple explanations about each weather phenomenon, weather-related experiments and activities. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Check out the Songs
To listen to snippets of the song, check out Weather Dude's website at www.wxdude.com. Note that this is a book/CD combination. I'm taking a trip with my niece and nephew and we'll play this along with our Nature Nut CD's. ... Read more

Book Description

This compelling collection of stories explores the powerful impact that music has in our lives—especially in the lives of teens. Each story strikes a new note: Ron Koertge introduces us to the boys in the band—the marching band; Joseph Bruchac contributes a Native American boy with no rhythm whatsoever; Jennifer Armstrong writes about what was perhaps the first battle of the bands—during the American Civl War; and David Levithan offers up a love song that speaks powerfully to an unintended audience. But while each story is different, they combine into a harmonic song of praise—for the depths music can reach in us, and the power it has to bind us together. ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever seen an orchestra perform? What are all those different instruments and how do they all play just the right note at just the right time? In this fact-filled and entertaining picture book, Bruce Koscielniak gives us a lively look at the history of the orchestra and all the instruments that make up this wonderful gathering of sound. From the "tooter, strings and beaters" of the 1600s to the keyboard synthesizers of today, this playful exploration follows the developments and trends of music and instruments over the past four hundred years. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Let's Make Music.....
Come meet the orchestra, and learn about the fascinating history and evolution of this large ensemble, its individual instruments, and the wonderful music it plays. From its predecessor, the Beaters, Tooters, and Strings, to the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, and the modern orchestras of today, Bruce Koscielniak takes the reader on a marvelous and inviting 400 year journey. His engaging and entertaining text is written in an easy to read, conversational style, and is full of historical information, fun facts, and trivia. Busy, detailed illustrations enhance the text, and contain additional facts, definitions, diagrams, and other notes of interest, and youngsters will enjoy exploring all the artwork, finding something new and exciting every time they open the book. Perfect for kids 7 and older, The Story Of The Incredible Orchestra is a creative and innovative book that's sure to whet the appetite and peak the interest of budding musicians everywhere. As Mr Koscielniak tells us, "We've seen the orchestra develop over the past four hundred years, always with a blend of ideas old and new. Without a doubt, the incredible orchestra, whatever its shape, will roll onward-to the great enjoyment of listeners along the way." Read, learn, and enjoy!

Nicely Done
The Story of the Incredible Orchestra is a delightful way to introduce children to the history of the orchestra. Written and illustrated by Bruce Koscielniak, a musician who has played the violin and jazz guitar for years, the book can be enjoyed by both the casual reader as well as the music lover. The double-page spreads begin with a focus on a particular period of music and are followed by studies on the individual instruments introduced during that period. For example, violins during the Baroque Period and clarinets during the Romantic Period. The text itself is engaging and well-placed questions help focus attention on important points.

Colorful illustrations spill across the pages, bringing the text to life and engaging the reader in a deeper understanding of what is being discussed. Side-notes and smaller diagrams explain the text further and give specific definitions and notes of interest. The end pages depict and name by group all the instruments that are to be found in a symphony orchestra. Koscielniak encourages readers to make orchestral music a part of their lives, and his book may well inspire a budding young musician to pick an instrument and join in.

a wonderful book for people who want to share music
A wonderful book that anyone who has a child, they want to share the beauty and imagination of music through this book. Highly recommended.

Great book for any kid's library, even 50-year-old kids!
I'm a cellist, and I really love this book...and I'm 50 years old! If you (or your kids) liked "The Philharmonic Gets Dressed," you'll enjoy this one, too.

The text (written by a musician) is informative, and the delightful illustrations are amazing in detail and accuracy. I love that they even have barogue bows and bow holds on viol players!

Very informative book
If you want your child to really understand the history of musical instruments, this book is a good place to start. It's more like a concise, nicely illustrated children's textbook than a story book, but could certainly hold the interest of a child who wants to learn about what's behind the music. It's probably most appropriate for 6-9 year olds. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Even Opera Haters Will Love This Delightful Book
My children, ages 5 and 2, and I, a musician mom, love this book. The pictures are colorful and beautiful. The first page of each story is a picture of all the main opera characters with their names underneath, so the children can refer to this page if the story begins to confuse them. This is followed by a synopsis of the opera, a blurb about the composer and then the opera itself. The text is simply magnificent. The stories are interesting all on their own, and even if you don't like opera you will love this book.

"Child-Friendly" Opera
This book would be a good choice for introducing children to the stories from operas. The author does a nice job of retelling in simple terms, the often-time complicated stories from seven different "child-friendly" operas. Some of the stories will be new to children and are sure to hold their interest. A couple of the operas are based on fairy-tales the children already know and they will be interested to see the differences in these versions. My only complaint was that I did not feel that the illustrations lived up to the same high quality as the stories. ... Read more

Book Description

In this richly layered compendium, Aliki shares her keen insight about music and all its themes and variations. Ah, Music! is about composers and instruments. It's about artists and performers. It's about history -- from the earliest music through classical, modern, jazz, and popular times. It's about diversity and pleasure.

If you have a love of music in your bones, or if you are just learning, or if you are about to play in your first recital, it's about you. Ah, music!

Reviews (1)

Refreshing Music Mini-encyclopedia
Aliki provides a broad synopsis of music-its place in history, cultures and the human heart-in this inspirational, informative volume. Each page consists of a collage of images united by a concise narrative.
What is especially refreshing about this mini-encyclopedia of music is that Aliki "bookends" the mechanics and "hardware"- types of instruments, who's who of Western composers, time lines of jazz and pop music - with "software," placing music's emotional and social value into perspective for the child. She shows how music is the background of everyday life, for example, with this definition, "Rhythm is a marching-band beat, a puffing-train beat, a beating-the eggs beat, a heart beat."
The book closes with a panoply of pictures demonstrating how music comforts and inspires, by helping people to relax, calm anger, cheer low spirits, and create or perform work. ... Read more

Book Description

Count down with these little kings. TEN little Elvi gettin’ ready to shine, One made a comeback and then there were NINE. Ten little tykes pay tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. While younguns learn numbers with caped Elvis, GI Elvis, Karate Elvis, and seven other diminutive impersonators, adults will enjoy finding hidden references to the King’s life and song. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An entertaining juvenile biography of J. S. Bach
Having enjoyed Mike Venezia's Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series, I had some doubts about his World's Greatest Composers series for the simple reason that music does not have the same visual dimension as paintings (I figured that out all by myself). One of the strengths of the Artists series was that Venezia could provide examples of famous paintings by the likes of Rembrandt or Van Gogh and talk specifically about artistic technique. Consequently, more often than not, those volumes constituted mini-lessons in art appreciation for young readers. However, even when these Greatest Composers volumes are reduced to being just juvenile biographies, they still constitute a delightful look at a famous person.

In the case of Johan Sebastian Bach we find once again the delightful combination of historic paintings of Bach and his times, along with Venezia's wickedly funny but still informative cartoons (e.g., Bach as a tester and repairer of organs). Young readers will be astounded by the fact that Bach has 20 children, four of whom went out to be composers of note as well, but even more so by the revelation that Bach's music was not especially popular in his own time because it was too "new." Hopefully reading this volume will get young readers interested in the music of Bach: my strong suggestion would be that a youngster reading this book should also be able to listen to Bach's music. Any of the decent Bach collections of "greatest hits" should have "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" and excerpts from "The Brandenburg Concertos," as well as examples of the various types of music composed by Bach and talked about in this volume. This would be true for any volume in this series, which includes volumes on great composers from Ludwig Van Beethoven to The Beatles! ... Read more

Book Description

All aboard! Every young child wants to know: 'where do babies come from?' In this book, Woody Guthrie provides an imaginative answer: 'the new baby train!' Rambunctious and reassuring at the same time, this sing song story will have readers giggling all the way down the track. Frazee's beaming babies and vintage style will send this book roaring off the shelves. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amusing Illustrations
This is one in a wonderful series of books intended to introduce young readers to the lives of famous composers. Tchaikovsky was an interesting character, to say the least, and Venezia does a nice job of expressing that in an amusing way without losing respect for the composer. Venezia picks out events in Tchaikovsky's life that children can relate to and at the same time, see his unique way of dealing with life. As with all the books in this series, the best part are the illustrations. Cartoonlike and colorful; they are full of details and wonderfully amusing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Life With Beethoven.....
"...I write, Uncle, because something terrible has happened.A madman has moved into our house."Young Christoph can't believe his family's misfortune with their new boarder.Mr Beethoven has rented the upstairs rooms, and the terrible noises begin at dawn.There's loud pounding and howling, stomping and crashing.Beethoven has four pianos, some without legs sitting right on the floor so that he can "hear" the vibrations of his music.His room is a mess, papers scattered everywhere, dirty dishes and clothes on every surface, and he writes on the walls.He walks the streets humming and growling, and waving his arms.Christoph is mortified, angry, and embarrassed as he asks his uncle..."I beg you to tell my mother to send Mr Beethoven away."But as the months and then years go by, Christoph's letters begin to change.He develops compassion and tolerance for this eccentric musical genius who lives upstairs, that slowly turns into respect, admiration, and true friendship.....Barbara Nichol and Scott Cameron have authored a creative and inventive story, written as correspondence between uncle and nephew, that combines history, music, and actual events during the three years Beethoven wrote his Ninth Symphony in Vienna.Christoph's intriguing and compelling letters are full of drama and tension as he tells his uncle what it's like to live with the deaf and tormented composer.His uncle, also a musician, writes back giving Christoph insight and understanding into Beethoven's life and times and famous temper.Ms Nichol's engaging and entertaining text is spellbinding and enhanced by Mr Cameron's dark, lush oil paintings.Together word and art transport you back to the 1820s, and allows the reader to spy on Beethoven as he works.Perfect for youngsters 8-12, Beethoven Lives Upstairs is an evocative and fascinating adventure about a remarkable composer that is sure to whet the appetite of budding musicians, and send them looking for more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Child Within
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter's piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness. ... Read more

Book Description

Other mice scurry, but not Tessa. She boogies, bops, shimmies, and hops.On her family¹s raids through Mrs. Timboni¹s kitchen, Tessa tap dances across the teapot and sashays with the saltshakers.Soon, Mrs. Timboni brings home a cat named Oscar, who is no ordinary cat. He doesn¹t like to nap or chase mice at all! Instead, he croons on the counter, sings in the sinks, and trills on the table! Is it any wonder there is magic when these two finally meet? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

LUUUV IIIITTTT
I love this book Beautiful illustrations My name just happens to be tessa

Wow, and I thought "Don't Need Friends" was great!
You haven't lived until you've read this book! The characters are absolutely charming and the story line teaches children of all ages the importance of enjoying life to the fullest. Nice illustrations, too, but the best part is the writing...so clever!!

Loved it!
My daughter's brought this home from the library--my oldest picked it out because her sisters name is Tessa. Much to my suprise this little mouse is alot like my Tessa. It's a wonderful children's story with wonderfully colored pictures. We've only had it one night and have already read it 3 times!This is definately one to add to your bookshelf!!

This is the best book I have read in my whole life!
I loved this book. The pictures are hilarious! My children ask me every night to read this book to them over and over. You would think I would be tired of reading it, but I am not. There are so many funny things to look at in the pictures, that it keeps the interest of not only my children, but myself as well. If you want to buy a funny book, this is the one! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is an excellent source for teachers.
I have used this book as a source for a workshop I do for early childhood educators. It has excellent ideas and ways of presenting musical concepts. The book content leans a little to the older ages (6-8), rather than the early childhood population. However, it is still valuable for early childhood educators. ... Read more

Book Description

My First Songs...

For toddlers who love to sing and dance, this collection contains ten favorite, easy-to-sing songs.Here’s a toddler’s top-ten collection of easy-to-sing songs. Join in the chorus of such favorites as Take Me Out to the Ball Game, London Bridge Is Falling Down, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, and Ring Around the Rosie.

Here’s a toddler’s top-ten collection of easy-to-sing songs. Join in the chorus of such favorites as Take Me Out to the Ball Game, London Bridge Is Falling Down, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, and Ring Around the Rosie.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Their choice
Let's face it--sometimes we don't know why a particular book is a kid's favorite. That's the case with this book. I would never have guessed it was to become the all-time-favorite book of both my children (1 and 3). They just love it!

You Know the Tunes - - Now Here's the Words!
This is quite a mom & dad's helper... you know the tunes but can't remember the verses to "Wheels On The Bus". This is a word book, it doesn't contain the music notes, but they really aren't needed. They are presented with one beautiful color illustration per song with easy-to-read text. Some words are a bit different than I recall (Is it eensy weensy spider or itsy bitsy spider?) but that may just be a regional thing. It is a good parent/child interactive book.

My Daughter's FAVORITE book!!!
"My First Songs" by Jane Manning is Haley's favorite book at the moment. It has to be read (sung) to her by Daddy every night. And she refuses to go to bed until she's heard it. This book is excellent for those parents (like me) who have forgotten all the songs they grew up with. The illustrations are bright and colorful and hold a 16 month old's attention night after night. We've recommended "My First Songs" to all of our friends with small children, and we recommend it to YOU too. ... Read more

Book Description

Both a beautifully illustrated four-color children’s story and a grown-up fantasy, Polly and the Piano is based upon the true-life loving relationship between the pianist-author and her dog, Polly. The book is filled with Montparker’s affectionate and spontaneous watercolor sketches of her dog, from the moment of her adoption as a puppy at an animal shelter, to a very astonishing setting at the end of the book. Polly lived underneath the piano, greeted piano students, learned to love the classical repertoire, and kept herpianist-partner from being lonely during long hours of preparation for a recital at Carnegie Hall.

From the charm of everyday interactions between owner and pet, the book takes an enchanting turn into a musical fairy tale that will delight readers of any age. Written in the dog’s voice, the story draws the reader into the pianist’s life—the dedicated work and stress, along with the relief of more playful moments when Polly persuades her mistress to take some time off. The mutual appreciation, tender love, good humor, and wonderful surprise ending will captivate the reader’s heart. This book will be treasured by pianists, piano teachers, students, children, pet lovers, and by everyone else as well. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Jazz transcribed to text and illustrations
A determined, jazzy cat tries to, and finally succeeds to, make music in a dog-run city, letting the reader see the importance of persevering even in tribulations. The impressionistic, curving illustrations that bleed to the edge every page, as well as the beat poem rhythm of the text, flow together to give the reader an understanding of what jazz is about: improvisation and expression of feelings. Even the placement of the text itself, which sometimes swirls, sometimes indents, and sometimes changes fonts, suggests the unpredictability of jazz music.

Hip Cat
This is one of the most amazing children's books I have ever read. Jonathan London is able to convert prose into music. You have a sense of being inside jazz and understanding what it is from a completely emotional standpoint. I was thrilled to have the pleasure of reading this book to my 5 year old son and to introduce him to what jazz feels like. We listened to several Jazz albums after reading this book and the book helped to make a connection to the music. Thank you, Thank you Mr. London for this incredible experience!

Cool Jazz...
This book is definitely hard to get into, but once you do, you're hooked. The jazz theme is awesome (although I wouldn't have chosen a cat...) and the pictures are brilliant. What a great picture book!

Hip Cat-Jazz Is His Bag!
This Reading Rainbow Book, Hip Cat, by Jonathan London and illustrated by Woodleigh Hubbard is a refreshing introduction to the lyrical and "cool" genre of jazz music for the young child. It gives them the opportunity to experience with words and visuals a character who desires to make his livelihood by doing what he enjoys best! The story is dedicated to Herschel Silverman, jazz poet, Bobby McFerrin, scat man, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Young learners, hopefully, will come away with a heightened idea of self-awareness as it relates to career choices and a greater level of endurance to make of their lives what they choose. Oobie-do John the Sax Man Scat Man, the cool cat man, realizes his love for making jazzy music on his saxophone. Others enjoy his craft and his pay is peanuts and applause. Oobie-do needs more to survive. He doesn't give up finding a good gig, one that will feed him and pay his bills. Persistence and perfecting his craft win him a just reward.

Teacher Note: Excellent opportunity to integrate language, music and rhyme. Students can also meet and greet jazz greats via musical listening/movement experiences. A real opportunity to submerge classroom experiences into "multiple-intelligences" mode. Another recommended book is Willie Jerome by Alice Faye Duncan.

Wonderful!
I was book-shopping for my nephew when I came across this book and I simply couldn't pass it up. It's simply vibrant in color and language, with an entertaining story line and a motivational message as well. It's simple enough for most reading levels, yet I'm sure that the enjoyment could span over many ages. I recommend this for all children (and parents who love them).

I'll have to get a copy for myself! ... Read more

Book Description

First comes Mr. Lion's Marching Band, with an elephant on the drum, a tiger on the trumpet, and a zebra playing the clarinet. With a boom-a-boom and a rat-a-tat-tat the menagerie parades loudly by. Next to perform is the Sheep's Dance Band, with a goose on the mandolin and a cow playing the cello. The band's lively music calls all the farm animals to an uproarious dance! The cornucopia of musical merriment in this festive book never misses a beat and will have children stomping their feet. Saaf's brilliant paintings are the perfect complement to this joyous rhyme. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

All Time Favorite!
Two different stories are told in clever rhyme about animals and the instruments they play. The first is "Mr Lion's Marching Band" with trumpets, drums and tubas played by tigers, monkeys and elephants. The second story involves "Sheep's Dance Band" with a pig playing piano, cow on bass and cats and mice dancing. This book has provied a real opportunity for our 2 1/2 year old son to identify many, many different instruments; the illustrations are fun and accurate. Perhaps most of all, these rhymes are clever and FUN TO READ ALOUD! ... Read more