This week’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday over at ThatArtsyReaderGirl is setting. Pick a setting, and pick ten books in that setting. Mine is not a physical setting but they are all nonfiction picture books for music lovers, so set in the world of music!! Plus, it is Nonfiction November so wanted to ensure I make a mention of it sometime this month though I did review/feature many nonfiction books this month and this year as well.

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Nonfiction Picture Books For Music Lovers

Mozart

Mozart (Little People, BIG DREAMS). Another beautifully done book by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara of the LPBD series! Read about Mozart’s genius here. (4 – 7 years, and up)

The Girl Who Heard the Music

The Girl Who Heard the Music by Marni Fogelson with Mahani Teave and art by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. Stunningly illustrated picture book tells the story of pianist and activist Mahani Teave and her mission to save her native (is)land and it is a story I had not heard before though we are all familiar with the islands in the story – Easter Island. (4 – 8 years, and up)

ROAR-chestra

ROAR-chestra! by Robert Heidbreder and illustrated by Duýan Petricic. This is a fun sort-of-dictionary-via-art-using wild animals to explain musical terms for young readers. Cute and delightful  (3 – 7 years, and up)

The Story of the Saxophone

The Story of the Saxophone by Lesa Cline-Ransome with art by James E. Ransome. I first heard about this week on NPR during an interview with the author. And as soon as I knew this author-illustrator duo had a new book, I had to look for it. As with their other books, this one is a must-read that takes you on a journey to the starts of the saxophone, and what a cool story it is, as cool as this instrument itself.  (6 – 9 years, and up)

Rise Up With a Song

Rise Up with a Song by Diane Worthey and illustrated by Helena Pérez García. A much-needed biography of Ethel Smyth, composer and suffragette, who deserves more recognition. Inspiring story of a multi-talented brave woman  (6 – 9 years, and up)

Debbie’s Song

Debbie’s Song by  Ellen Leventhal with art by Natalia Grebtsova. Debbie Friedman’s determination, bravery, passion for music, and her talents all shine through the pages of this book with Ellen Leventhal’s aptly melodic and lyrical narrative and Grebtsova’s emotive pastel illustrations. (4 – 8 years, and up)

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia with illustrations by  Elisa Chavarri. I did not realize there were so many Little Golden Book biographies too until I saw this one in the Cybils nominated books for this year (I am a round 2 judge). This book is sure to be a great gift and a hit at that with all the Swifties (young and old!!) (4+ years)

The First Notes

The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton with illustrations by Chiara Fedele. This is the fascinating story of how the musical notes came to be! I had no idea, or rather, had not given much thought to that part of it but now that I have read this book, am totally ready to learn more. (5+ years)

The Stories of Musical Instruments

The Stories of Musical Instruments by Stepanka Sekaninova and illustrated by Jakub Cenkl. So many familiar and cool instruments presented in this book in a friendly and informative manner. I love the tone of the text throughout, the layout that helps you read through all the details, and the detailed drawings of the instruments themselves. A great gift for all music lovers. (6 – 9 years, and up)

I am Mozart, Too

I am Mozart, Too: The Lost Genius of Maria Anna Mozart by Audrey Ades with art by Adelina Lirius. The fascinating story of Mozart’s sister who was also a talented musician and composer on her own. Adelina Lirius’s flowing vibrant artwork complement Ades’ straightforward and sweet narrative that provides marvelous insights into Maria Anna as well as the life of women in general at the time. (4 – 8 years, and up)

Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss Above the Treeline and Netgalley for the digital copies of some of the books above (I am Mozart, Too; Mozart; The Girl Who Heard the Music; First Notes; Stories of Musical Instruments; Rise Up With a Song)

Related Reads and More

• More musical picture books based on true stories
  • Ada’s Violin. My review here.
  • Alias Anna. My review here.
  • The Dance of the Violin. My review here.
  • Making Their Voices Heard. My review here.
  • Queen of Tejano Music: Selena. My review here.
  • RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. My review here.
• 13 Great Enjoyable Songs Perfect For Book Lovers
• Having read the story of the saxophone (and also since my son plays/ed the trumpet, my daughter the flute, and my husband the violin), I was inspired to look for saxophones online, and this is one of them that caught my eye – the LyxJam Alto Saxophone kit that comes with additional reeds (10 of them), a case, strap and gloves, plus more. Everything a beginner might need, and all a professional can have an extra of as well! It comes in different color options to meet your aesthetic needs while the sound promises to be all that is wonderful about a saxophone!
  • Note: as you can see from above, I am the only musically challenged person in my family. However, I am an enthusiastic bathroom singer, and always need music playing when doing my mundane everyday chores. Music does make cleaning so much more fun and done!

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books mentioned? Which of them appeals most to you? They all make great gifts for the little music lover you know!! Which is your favorite music genre and/or instrument? Do you play any instrument/sing? If you are planning to, do check out the LyxPro store for the musical instrument you wish to learn!