Top 10 Books that have Songs or Music as Supplements

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Top 10 Books that have Songs or Music as Supplements

This type of literature was not a module we studied this semester and so all the books on this list are new reads for me recommended by our local Lexington Librarian.  Once I listened to a wide variety, Pete the Cat surfaced for me as the best crafted blend of story, pictures and music in a children’s book.  While reading and listening I thought often about Preschool age children who are enchanted with music.  There are many uses for these books and songs I hope that you will leave a comment at the end if you have additional ideas of ways to use this blend of art in your classrooms?

1. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin, James Dean (Illustrator)

And video of the song can be located at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOP8PdTJDf0

I am adding this to my top ten list because the story is a good way to get children excited & reduce fears concerning activities that are a part of a school day.  I think the music will stick in their little minds and be theirs to keep!

2. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

The story and song can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwUlh3i4qto

Placed on my top list because as I read it aloud one day to preschoolers they had already memorized the lyrics and story line and they went bizerk for it during Read Aloud time.  Reading this book to children of diversity united them with music and signing.  There is a moral to the story as well and that is to keep on going forward no matter what barriers you encounter.

3.      Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons (Pete the Cat) by Eric Litwin, James Dean (Illustrator)

Buttons come and go and this doesn’t stop Pete from moving along and signing his song.  This book is added to my list a because of the math skills it teaches preschoolers and the moral that is taught.  I can see how this song and book can be used to transition the kiddos into a math lesson.  This book along with it’s song, being sang out loud can get the children’s adrenaline running just in time to sit and focus on a subject that can be difficult.

4.      The Nuts: Bedtime at the Nut House by Eric Litwin, Scott Magoon (Goodreads Author) (Illustrations)

The accompanying song can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrsDnjv_1BA

Placed on my list because the story is about bed time, a mutual daily activity for all children.  The story allows children in a classroom to become aware of a commonality in their diverse classrooms.  Although some children don’t have the amount of energy at the end of the day that characters Hazel and Wally have most often it takes some work to get to bed.

5. Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin

The accompanying song can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28nzTngxrbI

I want to feature this award-winning team of authors who I have seen firsthand capture and hold the attention of 22 preschoolers!  The pictures in the book and song capture the attention and hearts of young students. This book is also, an effective ice breaker as well as soothing self read.

6. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas (Pete the Cat) by Eric Litwin, James Dean (Illustrations)

The accompanying song can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Qiiksp4sg

 This is an inspiring Christmas story that I thought could be motivating to children in the classroom.  Some children need a little boost during long afternoons or first thing in the morning as they wake up and this fun story helps them want to “give it their all” despite it being a holiday theme book I think it is acceptable to use year-round.

 

7. Pete the Cat: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by James Dean

The accompanying song/music can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-FHyzjwHwE

This sing along is fun way to regroup children after lunch or recess.  Therefore, it made my list.

 

8. Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by Kimberly Dean, James Dean (Illustrator)

The accompanying music that works well with the story can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCVSWqgmd_w&list=PLCuLa7CUOssGIvdI0INIUJN3oQ4TR2X47

This book offers a creative way of Pete showing kiddo’s his willingness to be uplifting to others.  I think children can learn from this story that caring about others can be rewarding.

9. Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus by James Dean

The accompanying song/music can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0icbqvmehs&index=7&list=PLCuLa7CUOssGIvdI0INIUJN3oQ4TR2X47

This made my list because any one who has ever helped in the bus line knows it is stressful part of the day for staff and students.   This picture book & music can calm rowdy bus students by filling the wait time with some fun.

10. Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins (Hardcover) by James Dean

The accompanying song/music can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVd0FE6rLFc

This book made my list because it is a short holiday theme book and song that works in the l o n g month of October.

 I hope you have learned a few new ideas and enjoyed the songs and books?  Please leave me your ideas?