Picture Book Preview: 11 Musical Titles Being Released in the Fall 2022!
As the summer heat begins to wane (expect in Texas, of course) and teachers and students are headed back to school, book publishers are beginning to promote their fall catalogues. Lucky for you, I’ve spent the last few days scouring them for all the fun musical titles that could make their way into Music Library boxes. Which ones will? You’ll have to become a subscriber to be the first to know!
Dazzlin' Dolly: The Songwriting, Hit-Singing,
Guitar-Picking Dolly Parton
by Suzanne Slide
Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
Release Date: September 20, 2022
Publisher: Calkins Creek
The Story: Young Dolly always dreamed of performing in front of a real audience but when she is given the change to do so at the young age of 10, she discovers that “real” audiences can be intimidating.
Why We’re Excited About It: Umm…because it’s Dolly Parton! There have been a few children’s books written about her but that doesn’t stop us from wanting more! I think we’ll get a little more of a back-story than in previous books and I’m looking forward to exploring that.
How to Be a Rock Star
by Lisa Tolin and Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
The Story: Everyone thinks rock stars have it so easy, but do you know what you have to do to become one?! This fun guide will outline the steps, one by one, to forming your own rock band and taking your place in rock and roll hall history!
Why We’re Excited About It: I mean, everyone dreams of becoming a rock star at some point in their lives, right?! I could use all the advice they are willing to share!
Loud Mouse
By Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel
Illustrated By Jaclyn Sinquett
Release Date: September 27, 2022
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
The Story: A little mouse with a big voice has to learn not to shy away from showing the world who she really is and thankfully, her sister is by her side, encouraging her every step of the way.
Why We’re Excited About It: I have been a fan of Indian Menzel since she was in Rent. (Yes, Rent. Not Wicked. Not Frozen. Rent.) If her writing skills are half as powerful as her singing voice then we are all in for a great treat.
Mister Rogers' Gift of Music
By Donna Cangelosi and
Illustrated by Amanda Calatizis
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Publisher: Page Street Kids
The Story: As a young boy, Mister Rogers used music as a way to heal, to escape the pain of harsh childhood. As an adult, Mister Rogers showed us all how to use music as a way to heal, to cope and to escape the pain of a harsh and unforgiving world.
Why We’re Excited About It: If you haven’t yet introduced your Music Readers to the wonderful life of Mister Rogers, this book is the perfect reason to do so! The feelings of nostalgia are overwhelming just by studying the front cover. It’s such a good feeling….
She Sang for India:
How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change
By Subra Subramanium
Illustrated by Shreya Gupta
Release Date: November 8, 2022
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: This picture book biography chronicles the life of Indian singer and activist MS Subbulakshmi.
Why We’re Excited About It: MS Subbulakshmi was an activist and Carnatic singer. What’s Carnatic singing? Good question and we’re going to find out! I love finding books that teach me something new and since I am unfamiliar with MS’s story, I look forward to doing the research necessary to curate a box based on this book!
Story Orchestra: In the Hall of the Mountain King
Illustrated by Jessica Courtney Tickle
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Synopsis: Peer Gynt is an adventurous little lad who is constantly in an out of trouble, but can escape the halls of the Mountain King?
Why We’re Excited About It: I have been waiting for THREE YEARS for a book based on the Peer Gynt Suite! “In the Hall of the Mountain King” is one of the first classical pieces of music I listened to wayyyyyyyy back in 2nd grade. I absolutely adore this piece of music and I am SO excited that The Story Orchestra series picked it up. No surprises here. Subscribers WILL be receiving this book!
Strum and Drum
by Jashwar Awan
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Publisher: Tundra Books
Synopsis: Strum (a guitar player) and Drum (drummer, of course) are a pair of Christmas tree ornaments on a mission to reach the North Star and they encounter quite the cast of characters along the way!
Why We’re Excited About It: It’s like Toy Story, but for Christmas Ornaments!
The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi
By Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
with Art by Chiara Fedele
Release Date: November 1, 2022
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: Ever heard of Guido d’Arezzo? Unless you’ve study music history or theory, it’s not likely but just about everyone knows the song Do Re Mi from the Sound of Music and that song wouldn’t have been possible without my pal Guido. He was a monk whose ideas on music literacy weren’t well-received…at first.
Why We’re Excited About It: First of all, I love Julie Andrews. Second of all, I love Julie Andrews and third of all, I love Jul-I’m kidding. Aside from being the president of my own Julie Andrews Fan Club, I’m a sucker for a book that can get kids excited about learning how to read sheet music and with a background in choral music, I truly believe that solfège is the superior method for teaching young children how to read and hear music. Plus…I love Julie Andrews.
The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall
by Megan Hoyt and Illustrated by Katie Hickey
Release Date: July 5, 2022
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Synopsis: Isaac Stern is a Ukrainian emigrant who always dreamed of playing at Carnegie Hall, one of Americas most famous concert halls. When developers threaten to destroy the landmark, Isaac Stern uses his talents to convince them otherwise.
Why We’re Excited About It: This is another story I am unfamiliar with and I love that the main character is Ukrainian. It will be a great conversation starter to connect children to the challenges the people of Ukraine are currently facing.
The Lights That Dance in the Night
Written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Release Date: November 1, 2022
Publisher: Double Day Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: The Northern Lights bring a sense of magical wonder to all the characters that observe them!
Why We’re Excited About It: Seeing the Northern Lights is easily in my top five Most Wanted Things to Do list! The colors of the illustrations are beautifully subtle, just as I imagine the lights to be. I love the inclusion of indigenous characters and native animals and wildlife.
The Secret of the Plátano
by Luz Maria Mack and Illustrated Stephanie Mesa
Release Date: September 6, 2022
Publisher: Soaring Kite Books
Synopsis: Inspired by a dream the author had, The Secret of the Plátano tells the story of a young boy and his grandmother. She hears the secrets the plátanos in the music created by the the rustling of their leaves, chirping crickets and the drum beat inside of her. Can her grandson hear his own drumbeat and learn the secret too?
Why We’re Excited About It: I love a good book about music in nature and this is no exception! Earth Day 2023 box? We’ll see!
