Last week, I posted a handful of great reads for older children. Today I’ve got some more books that rock, this time for the younger set.
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael Lopez (2015). This gorgeous picture book inspired by real events tells the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who longs to play the drums. In the 1920s there are no female drummers in Cuba and Millo’s father forbids her to perform, but the “drum dream girl” just won’t give up and it ends up changing music forever. This is a great book to share with young musicians or future trailblazers to show kids that there’s nothing they can’t do.
I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison (2014). This exuberant picture book features a young girl walking down the street. She starts to notice the rhythms all around her and then she can’t help but dance to them. This is a celebration of dance and of the music we hear around us everyday. What kind of rhythms do you hear in your neighborhood?
Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl by Debbi Michiko Florence (2018). The Jasmine Toguchi series is a cute and funny series for early chapter book readers. In this volume, Jasmine really wants to perform in her school’s talent show but she doesn’t have a talent. Mom to the rescue! Jasmine’s mother introduces her to the art of Japanese taiko drumming, which she learned when she was younger. Jasmine loves playing the drums, but can she get good enough in time for the talent show? This is a perfect book for young musicians who are just starting to learn a musical instrument and readers will clamor for more of Jasmine’s adventures.
The Remarkable Farkle McBride by John Lithgow, illustrated by C.F. Payne (2000). Written in John Lithgow’s signature hilarious rhymes, this story tells of Farkle McBride, a talented boy who just can’t settle on which instrument he wants to play. Will it be the trill of the flute? The blaring trombone? The crashing drums? Or maybe it will be something altogether different. This book is a really fun readaloud with lots of fun sounds, rhyme, and rhythm.
Come on down to the library to find books that rock all summer long. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask one of our friendly librarians – we love to suggest great books your kids will love!
— Abby Johnson, Collection Development Leader
