Book Giveaways on Music and Voice: Enrich Young Readers’ Lives

Since I have a stack of picture books by my desk waiting to find good homes, I thought this was a good time of year to offer them as giveaways. Each one would make a special gift to a young reader in your life, to a library, or to a school.

SALAMANDER SONG by Ginny Neill, Illustrated by Charli Vince

From the publisher:

Salamanders and children alike hear the rhythms and song of the seasons as winter gives way to spring. Salamanders begin to squirm and stretch in the early spring sun, while the children and their teacher plan. They meet on a night of salamander rain (the first warm rain of spring), when the children and their teacher work to help the salamanders cross a busy road to the vernal pool on the other side. This lyrical, parallel narrative story reinforces the idea that kids can make a big difference. The author’s note includes information about amphibian migrations and descriptions of citizen science activities that kids can participate in to help keep the world wild and beautiful.

This educational and charming book traces a year in the life of a salamander and a classroom full of inquiring young scientists. While the children play in the snow, salamanders hibernate.

In the spring, the teacher prepares her students for what happens in the spring when the salamanders wake up at the first rain.

The students and parents take to the street ensuring that the salamanders get across a busy street at night.

A VOICE LIKE YOURS by Frank Murphy and April Groman, illustrated by Kayla Harren

I have reviewed other books in this series published by Sleeping Bear Press (A Planet Like Ours, A Teacher Like You, A Girl Like You and A Friend Like You) and this one follows a similar pattern: the author and illustrator illuminate a theme that celebrates diversity and individuality.

From the publisher:

Each of us has a unique and powerful voice, whether we speak loudly or softly, sing or sign, or without any words at all. What matters is how we use that voice–because voices are meant to be used. Some of us use it to express ourselves through art. And some use their voices to vote and make big changes. Others use their voice to inspire or lift up others, helping other voices to be heard. Your voice is yours alone–and the world needs a voice like yours.

The message of how individual voices matter comes through loud and clear.

As well as the many ways children can express themselves.

This book, with its universal theme, will be a welcome addition to preschool-first grade classrooms and library story times.

MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC by Donna Cangelosi and Illustrated by Amanda Calatzsis

Adults who remember Mister Rogers and the little ones who listen to this book, will appreciate Mister Rogers and his love of music and children.

From the publisher:

For a young Fred Rogers, music was a gift. It eased the pain of childhood illness and bullying and helped Fred express how he felt when words alone were difficult.

As an adult, he gifted his melodies to the world, showing children by example that they can express themselves, cope with negative feelings, and connect to each other through music.

This sensitive, life-affirming biography not only portrays the life of this beloved TV personality, but focuses on Fred’s most memorable songs and musical TV moments, and captures the enduring magic of his music in brilliantly colorful abstract illustration. Readers will not only learn about what music meant to Fred Rogers, but find the encouragement and inspiration to brighten their own lives with song.

I didn’t know the difficulties Mr. Rogers faced as a child. The book shows insight into a boy who suffered from asthma but went on to make sunshine with music.

Music “pushed Fred’s gloomy feelings out and let fresh air in.” His piano was the friend he could always turn to. Eventually, Fred Rogers found a place to encourage children– through his television program, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

This book is a tribute to a man who brought music and friendship into the homes of millions of children for 33 years.

THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Mark Hoffman

This is a laugh-out-loud book with the theme of, “No one needs me and so I’m headed out of town!” Throw that together with musical puns galore which parents will enjoy reading and kids will relate to–and you have a terrific book.

From the publisher:

Half Note doesn’t feel whole. With two beats, she isn’t as big and beautiful as Whole Note, or as quick and upbeat as Quarter Note. She worries she’ll never measure up! So when the other members of the musical staff are at rest, she picks up like a fast tempo and leaves.

But Composer and the staff can’t play anything noteworthy without Half Note. Their only hope is to convince Half Note to change her tune and come back.

This hilarious, offbeat tale of sheet music in treble will strike a chord with anyone who’s felt out of sync, ringing with reassurance that everyone has a part to play when working as a team. At the coda, readers can develop their ear with a glossary of musical terms included.

Half Note complains, “Why do they get all the fun?”

“It’s time to face the music. I’ll never measure up. The staff will be better off without me.”

While Half-Note is hoofing it down the tracks, she overhears the orchestra play her favorite song, “Only it sounded OFFBEAT! AWFUL! Downright DISSONANT!”

Much to everyone’s relief, she hurries back as fast as she as she can.

GIVEAWAY

I’m giving away Salamander’s Song, A Voice Like Yours, and Mister Rogers’ Gift of Music. (Sorry, The Note Who Faced the Music is going to my piano-playing grandkids!) In the comments please let me know which book you are interested in winning. If you are an educator or share this post on social media, you get an extra chance. Hurry! Giveaway ends December 9! U.S. addresses only.