This week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme is all about books we didn’t finish, but with World Piano Day happening this week, I’m striking a different chord by spotlighting beautiful picture books about the piano, that celebrate the magic of the piano. All of these books give you a peek into how a set of eighty-eight black and white keys can unlock creativity, courage, and joy.

For me, having a resident pianist (my son) makes celebrating the piano even more magical, though we do celebrate it everyday! Here is a medley he played a few years ago (when he was starting high school I think)

So, let’s turn the page and let the music begin!

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10 Beautiful Picture Books About the Piano

The Bear and the Piano 

David Litchfield’s The Bear and the Piano is simply stunning. I am not sure what I love more in this book – art or narrative. For both are gorgeous and whimsical and sweet!

Dancing Hands

I recall reading this one a while ago and somehow never mentioned it here on my blog. Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln comes from none other than Margarita Engle with art from the talented Rafael López.

It follows child prodigy Teresa Carreño, who fled Venezuela and found solace in music, eventually performing for Abraham Lincoln.

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Pinkney with art by Brian Pinkney. It is a lively, jazz-filled picture book featuring the legendary Duke Ellington. The book beautifully bring his journey from piano-playing boy to a world-famous composer and jazz pioneer to life.

The Green Piano

The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music by Roberta Flack and Tonya Bolden with illustrations by Hayden Goodman 

In this sweet and inspiring read, music legend Roberta Flack shares the story of how a secondhand piano painted green opened the doors to her lifelong passion for music.

The Girl Who Heard the Music

I reviewed this one earlier here on my blog, and it is a must-read. The Girl Who Heard the Music: How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an Island by Marni Fogelson with Mahani Teave and art by Marta Álvarez Miguéns.

I Am Mozart, Too

Celebrating the unsung heroes is one of my favorite themes in books, and picture books are an amazing way to do so. Which is why I love I Am Mozart, Too: The Lost Genius of Maria Anna Mozart by Audrey Ades with artwork by Adelina Lirius. Featured here on my blog.

The Little Piano Girl

The Little Piano Girl: The Story of Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Legend by Ann Ingalls and Maryann Macdonald and illustrated by Giselle Potter. This is a beautifully told story of jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams, who played the piano by ear as a child and grew up to influence the world of jazz.

The Music of Life

The Music of Life: Bartolomeo Cristofori & the Invention of the Piano by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. The reason why I absolutely love picture book biographies! Discovering people and stories about people that I did not know before reading these books…

This book is a fascinating look at Bartolomeo Cristofori, the Italian instrument maker who created the very first piano. And of course, I had no idea who he was before reading this, despite the fact that my son has been playing the piano since he was in kindergarten and I should have probably read more about this instrument and its history:)

The Piano Recital

The Piano Recital by Akiko Miyakoshi is great for all those trying to conquer stage fright and gain confidence to perform. In this magical read filled with Miyakoshi’s trademark whimsy, we discover what happens as a young girl prepares for her first piano recital, battling stage fright.

Piano Starts Here

Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum by Robert Andrew Parker is a lyrical and beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to jazz pianist Art Tatum. I love the energy in this book, almost seems like the music rises out through these pages.

Piano Wants to Play

Piano Wants to Play by Colleen Kong-Savage is such a delightful and sweet read!! Told from the piano’s perspective, it captures the joy of music and the magic that happens when someone finally plays its keys.

A Little About World Piano Day

World Piano Day is celebrated on the 88th day of the year—fittingly, since a standard piano has 88 keys! This was founded by German pianist and composer Nils Frahm. And this annual event honors the beauty, history, and universal language of the piano.

Whether through listening or simply the joy of pressing a single note, the day encourages everyone to appreciate the piano. From concert halls to living rooms, from grand pianos to tiny toy keyboards, it’s a day to celebrate it! Check out the PianoDay site for events around the world to celebrate the piano and its magic.

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, which of these picture books about the piano would you read first? Or have read already? Do you play the piano? Or know someone who does? Then these books can make a wonderful gift for them, regardless of their age! And of course, do recommend your favorite picture books about the piano, and other books as well that feature this key musical instrument.