9 Toe-Tapping Picture Books Inspired by Popular Song Lyrics
by Devon A. Corneal
Song lyrics arenât just for the radio anymore. These poems set to music also happen to inspire wonderful childrenâs books â books that bring messages of hope and enthusiasm and love to kids of all ages. And if you happen to hum along as you read, even better! Weâve gathered some of our favorite song-based books for your family to enjoy together. Whether youâre a fan of country, reggae, â80s rock, or Christmas carols, weâve got a book youâll love.
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Singing in the Rain
Buy from:Thereâs nothing like a Broadway show tune to get you humming, especially when itâs the iconic âSinging in the Rain.â Share this swinging read, then break out your galoshes and umbrellas and head outside for a song and dance, no matter the weather!
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Elvis Presleyâs Love Me Tender
Buy from:Love songs arenât just for grown-ups, especially when theyâre transformed into picture books! Elvis Presleyâs âLove Me Tenderâ has inspired a new book that celebrates the love between children and the adults who take care of them. Get ready to read and sing this lullaby to the children in your life.
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Imagine
Buy from:This book couples the haunting lyrics of John Lennonâs âImagineâ with gorgeous illustrations by Jean Jullien to encourage kids and adults to envision a more peaceful, harmonious world. Itâs a timeless message that we can all hear more often.
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Coat of Many Colors
Buy from:Dolly Parton adds some country melodies to childrenâs literature with this story of a young girl whose mother sews her a homemade coat for winter. Based on events in Partonâs own life, this book reminds us that what truly matters isnât what we wear on the outside, but who we are on the inside.
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What a Wonderful World
Buy from:If you need the perfect lullaby for your littlest ones, pick up this sturdy board book and share the lyrics of âWhat a Wonderful Worldâ just before bedtime. It will fill your head with the melodious sound of Louis Armstrongâs voice and their heads with sweet dreams.
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Happy!
Buy from:In 2014, you couldnât turn on the radio without hearing Pharrell Williamsâs âHappy!â Besides reaching the top of the charts, it was also included in the soundtrack to âDespicable Me 2.â Your kids definitely know this catchy song, and now they can read the lyrics and appreciate the electrically vibrant pictures of happy children from around the world.
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Take Us Out to the Ball Game (Sesame Street)
Buy from:Head to the baseball stadium with some of your favorite friends from Sesame Street! When a game is delayed due to rain, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and other beloved characters improvise new verses to âTake Me Out to the Ball Gameâ to entertain the crowd.
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Every Little Thing
Buy from:Based on the lyrics to âThree Little Birdsâ by Bob Marley, this colorful and inspiring picture book follows the story of one optimistic and determined little boy who learns that everything will be okay, no matter what challenges we face.
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Footloose
Buy from:âFootlooseâ is one of those songs that never seems to go out of style, even though the 1980s, mullets, and maroon tuxedos are, thankfully, far behind us. Get your kids up and dancing just like Kevin Bacon with Kenny Logginsâs story inspired by his #1 hit from 1984.
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All I Want for Christmas Is You
In our family, itâs never too early to start singing Christmas songs. So weâll be reading All I Want for Christmas Is You all year round. If you prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving, we understand â just make sure not to miss Mariah Careyâs quintessential holiday song, now in book form.
Do you have a favorite book inspired by song lyrics? Share it with us in the comments section below!