The Best Books About Music for Kids

Books about music are a fantastic exploration of sound, rhythm, and rhyme. Here are some of our favorite musical reads!

Updated April 2024

Music and books might seem like an unlikely pair, but together they create a magical symphony of storytelling. From gentle lullabies that soothe bedtime routines to vibrant tunes that energize young readers, music breathes life into books with interactive lyrics and easy-to-follow rhythm.

Introducing children to books about music from an early age can foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts—so for your next storytime, kick up your heels and let the rhythm take over!

The Best Books About Music for Kids

• Barnyard Boogie! by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Allison Black 
• I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison
• Ear Worm! by Jo Knowles, illustrated by Galia Bernstein

• Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
• 88 Instruments by Chris Barton, illustrated by Louis Thomas
• Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora

• Music is for Everyone by Jill Barber, illustrated by Sydney Smith
• Rock ’n’ Roll Soul by Susan Verde, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
• Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated R. Gregory Christie

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
• Music Is . . . by Brandon Stosu, illustrated by Amy Martin 
• The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

• 100 Things to Know About Music by Usborne
• The Animal Song by Jonty Howley
• Play This Book by Jessica Young, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

• Music for Mister Moon by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead 
• Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
• Music and How it Works by DK

Books Based on a Song

Illustrated versions of some of your favorite songs—perfect for a sing-along!

• Frog Went A-Courtin’ by John Langstaff, illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky
• What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, illustrated by Tim Hopgood
• Happy! by Pharrell Williams

• Octopus’s Garden by Ringo Starr, illustrated by Ben Cort
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Jane Cabrera
• Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song lyrics by Joe Raposo, illustrated by Various

More Children’s Book Lists

• 30 Children’s Books About Artists + Creativity
• The Best Wordless Picture Books for Children
• The Best Art Books for Toddlers
• The Best Books About Mindfulness for Kids
• Our Favorite Beautiful Picture Books for Children

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