Miss Debby's Bookshelf: Best-Loved Children's Books

Charlotte Jewish News May 2021

In my experience, children of all ages respond positively to music. According to the Brain and Creativity Institute (University of South California, 2016), musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, especially in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.

It is no surprise, then, that one of my favorite forms of children’s literature is the one that marries the written word to imaginative illustrations with music.

Simms Taback, son of Jewish immigrants and Caldecott-winning illustrator, wrote and illustrated 50 children’s books, including the PJ Library classic “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.” My favorite Simms Taback book is the musical “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” which is widely considered a tour de force in innovative book illustration and design. Taback’s bold illustrations paired with the die-cut holes in the pages, allowing the reader to see inside the old lady’s stomach, make this book a winner for every child who wants to sing along. Recommended for ages 1-5.

The song “Puff the Magic Dragon” is one of the most beloved children’s songs of all time. Peter Yarrow, son of Jewish immigrants and as part of the renowned musical trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, turned this timeless tale of Jackie Paper and his beloved dragon into a beautiful children’s book. The richly hued paintings bring a dreamlike quality to the mythical land of Honalee. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Author Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrator Nadine Bernard Westcott have created many books based on early childhood songs. My favorite is “The Lady with the Alligator Purse.” This team has also created a treasure trove of children’s books based on music, including “Eensy Weensy Spider,” “Miss Mary Mack,” “Bill Grogan’s Goat,” and “Skip to My Lou,” to name just a few. All have delightful illustrations, and many include verses that you may not already know. Recommended for preschoolers.

For older readers, I highly recommend “Abiyoyo,” an adaptation of an African folk tale by musician and storyteller extraordinaire Pete Seeger. This is the story of a mythical giant named Abiyoyo who suddenly reappears. All the people in the village are terrified except for one little boy. The imaginative illustrations by Michael Hays bring this story of fantasy and magic to life. I applaud the message of diversity and acceptance in this story, and I enthusiastically encourage readers to listen to the original Pete Seeger performance of this “Reading Rainbow” classic, available on YouTube. Recommended for ages 4-9.

What are some of your favorite songs? Many of the songs you grew up with are now available as children’s picture books. From pieces by Bob Marley to Pharrell Williams to Bob Dylan to the Beatles, many popular songs have been transformed into colorful, inviting children’s literature. I am particularly impressed with “Imagine” based on the iconic song by John Lennon. The book version of this song follows a little pigeon as it journeys to spread a message of tolerance around the world. “Imagine” was published in partnership with human rights organization Amnesty International.

Whatever your taste, share your love of music through literature with your children! Keep singing and keep reading together.