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Music, Book Spotlight, Public Locations / December 2024



Music and Literacy

Books Help Reap Benefits of Both

'Tis the season! What are we grateful for and what brings us joy? Family and food may be first on the list, but music inevitably comes up near the top. Music is a rich source of joy and inspiration in our lives, and fundamental to celebrations around the world. For children, music develops vocabulary, relationships, cultural awareness, skills to sequence events and anticipate patterns, and sense of rhythm, all of which help them when they begin to read on their own.


Reading books about music promotes creative thinking, teaches life lessons about the value of practice, discipline, and self expression, and engages children with music's limitless possibilities. Research shows that reading and music are powerful activities for fostering a child's overall development, so let's read books about music with our children and reap the benefits of both!


- Kathy Balch, BookTree Founder

Book Spotlight: Music!

Drum City, by Thea Guidone and Illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Rhythmic language and diverse, engaging illustrations tell a story of how one boy's beat on a kettle becomes contagious, with the neighborhood joining in to create a spontaneous town percussion ensemble; for ages 2 and up.


88 Instruments, by Chris Barton and Illustrator Louis Thomas. Vibrant artwork accompany rhyme, rhythm, and humor as a boy and his parents explore the sounds of each instrument in a music shop, seeking one to learn to play; for ages 3 and up.


Because, by Mo Willems and Illustrator Amber Ren. With illustrations that capture the feeling of a young girl's inspirational journey, we discover how music brings people together, creates a ripple effect in changing lives for the better, and provides a path for self realization within a framework of working hard towards a goal; for ages 4 and up.


The Note Who Faced the Music, by Lindsay Bonilla and Illustrator Mark Hoffman. In this hilarious story with cute and colorful illustrations, a musical note who initially questions her worth helps us learn about musical terminology, the importance of teamwork, and how each of us has unique value and an important role; for ages 5 and up.


Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, by Katheryn Russell-Brown and Illustrator Frank Morrison. Through a compelling narrative and rich artwork that evokes the jazz age, we follow the true story of Melba Doretta Liston, who overcame barriers to become a pioneering trombone player, composer, and arranger; for ages 6 and up.

How Are Music and Literacy Connected?

Music and reading both help us celebrate our shared humanity. This KQED article provides an excellent overview of the connections between music and literacy, which include the development of the brain with respect to auditory processing, attention, and memory, and the important role of rhythm.

Support Our Local Business Partners This Holiday Season and Beyond!

We are so grateful for long-running partnerships with these fabulous local businesses in making BookTree available to the general public. They keep our neighborhoods vibrant and offer great options for holiday shopping and valuable services!

San Francisco: Chloe's Closet (Bernal and Inner Sunset), Fiddlesticks (Hayes Valley), Pet Camp (Presidio Heights), Small Frys (Noe Valley), Sprout SF (Cow Hollow), Sylvan Learning (West Portal). Marin: A Child's Delight (Corte Madera), Rims & Goggles (Mill Valley), Toy Crazy (Marin Country Mart). North Peninsula: Pacifica Athletic Center, Paper Caper (Burlingame). South Peninsula: Cheeky Monkey Toys (Menlo Park and Los Altos), Sprout SF (Palo Alto).

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