Parental Warning: Do not schedule this story time before you have to work or when it’s raining outside. You have been warned.
It’s time to break out the spoons, turn that pot upside down, and string up some rubber band guitars. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, get out the beat. We’re going to rock and roll and boogie on down with some great musical books!
Check out these books on OverDrive. If your card is inactive or you don't have one yet, you may be able to get temporary access until June 30 by registering with your phone number. Alachua County Public School students can also use their existing student library card number for access.
Participate
by Wynton Marsalis and Paul Rogers
Now when you read this book, I want to hear some ggrrrrrruuuummmmbbbblsss. I want to hear you WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP with the tubas and kritch kritch when you scratch your back.
by Margarita Engle and Rafael López
The drum dream girl lives on the island of music but she's not allowed to play. She dreams of playing conga drums, bongo drums, hears the rhythm of her own feet as they tap tap tap on the floor. Can you tap your feet or feel your heart beat? Listen for the rhythm in the world around you.
by Cedella Marley and Bob Marley
Music can be love and caring for one another. I think that's my favorite part about One Love. This book is based off a song the author's father sang a long time ago, a song about coming together and healing. If there's anyone you want to think happy thoughts to, keep them in mind as you read this book. Think of your friends and your family but think of the kids you don't really get along with too. We could all use One Love.
Some other books I think you'd love:
by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison
by Michael Bond and R. W. Alley
by Kristi Valiant
Connect
Are you ready to start your own band yet? Check out some instruments you can make yourself with what you have around the house!
Shaky eggs!
If you have any leftover plastic Easter eggs laying around you’ll have shaky eggs in no time! Throw some rice or popcorn kernels inside, tape or glue them shut, and you’re ready to shake shake shake! Check out this DIY on PBS kids if you want to add handles.
"Eggs!" by partymonstrrrr is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Rubber band guitar requires a few more pieces.
I remember doing this with just rubber bands and a shoe box so play around and see what works for you. This is all about being creative!
You can make music with objects just as they are as well.
Have you ever played the spoons? It's not hard! Learn how to play the spoons from Dave Ruch here.
How about a water xylophone? First you fill up several glasses with water. Make sure some have more water than others. Tap a spoon (lightly!) against the glass and listen to the sound it makes. Try the other glasses. Do you notice any differences?
Discover
I had so much fun seeking out great musical adventures for you! Some of our favorite musicians sing their books, dance parties with puppets, and so many musical adventures I can’t include them all here. Get ready to dance the day away!
Check out Little Kids Rock if you’re ready to pick up an instrument and start jamming out. Their YouTube channel has lessons on songwriting, body drumming, guitars and ukuleles!
No Nap Happy Hour live streams a family-friendly concert with a different artist every Saturday and Sunday at 5 PM central (6 PM EST). Don’t worry if you can’t make it live though, you can catch the recording whenever you like. Mr. Michael Group's performance of Cranky Crocodile on April 25th is a great song to listen to while writing story time blogs!
If you’ve been to one of my storytimes you’re familiar with Jim Gill. He wrote some of my favorite songs like Alabama Mississippi and Bananas! Usually Jim spends his time visiting libraries like ours to read and sing but he’s stuck at home too so here’s a video he shared with us!