Parents and music teachers know that songs about animals are a great way to introduce music to children. In turn, songs are a great way to introduce creatures and their quirks to kids who love music. We’ve rounded up the best picture books for children who love animals, music or both. Discover how creepy crawlers and feathered friends inspire classical composers or singalong to classic tunes about animals. Follow furry friends on their adventures or learn how nature’s best musicians create symphonies of their own.
Little Creatures
Introduce children to insects, arachnids, and amphibians, such as spiders, wasps, butterflies, frogs, and snakes through the works of Beethoven, Ravel, Prokofiev, and other composers. An original and exciting way for younger listeners to discover classical music, this book pairs five centuries of music history with stunning and evocative illustrations of these fascinating little creatures.
The children’s classic “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” for which singer-songwriter Alan Mills is best known, introduces us to a quirky old lady who swallows a heap of animals —from a dog, cat, bird, and spider, to that infamous little fly— only to meet an untimely demise. A potpourri of singalong alphabet, counting, and rhyming songs with contagious and danceable rhythms follows this timeless tale.
Travel across the seven continents to discover how nature’s best musicians use their voices or bodies to create a symphony. Gibbons love to break into song at sunrise, while humpback whales prefer to perform the same tune for an entire day. Wolves enjoy choir singing before setting off to hunt, and Chinese torrent frogs carry a tune without ever producing two identical notes.
Once upon a magical time, a young rabbit named Weeskits hurried home to Kisoos—a town known as the Earth's belly button—to deliver some thrilling news. Salamoo Cook, the Grand Chief of all rabbits in the world, was on his way to announce a mysterious contest. Grand Chief Salamoo Is Coming to Town! is a laugh-out-loud riot of a tale about a fluffle of rabbits.
Travel through time following a charming little mouse called Minim, who loves cheese and music. One day, he witnesses the arrival of a dapper, young Mozart and his family as they set foot on a dock one late, cold night. That’s My Piano, Sir! is the first story in the six-part series Little Stories of Great Composers, which follows Minim as he encounters Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Paganini, Schubert, and Haydn.
Rediscover your favourite folk songs with this endearingly offbeat rendering of six classics, including “Little Bingo,” and “Pop Goes the Weasel.” Nostalgic and whimsical illustrations bring each song to life with an ensemble of quirky characters, from a pink-haired roller-skater girl to a mischievous, paddywhacking weasel.
Bertie and his buddies never get bored with each other… except for the time when it rained for four straight weeks! That’s when they decided to repair an old boat and head for dryer lands: a sunny place atop the Blue Mountain. The journey to the faraway destination won’t be easy, but with a little help from newly made animal friends, they make it to the summit, which happens to be the best place in the whole world for a picnic!
After their last adventure full of surprises, a sudden torrential rainfall forces Bertie’s gang and their wagon-boat load of animal friends to take shelter atop Blue Mountain. When they emerge, they encounter an extraordinary girl named Alice, who can grow big or small at the snap of her fingers. Together, they spend a magical night singing and dancing under the moon and shooting stars.
Meet a heartbroken pooch who sings the blues, a tomcat with a soft spot for sour cream, and a rambunctious little kitty who snores and growls. In this delightful collection of singalong songs, a playful and cuddly cast of animal characters brightens even the rainiest days.
Every Saturday night at the Fais Dodo Thibaudeau, a suave young possum with a Zorro-like moustache takes the stage with his dobro to lead the band. Rockin’ the Bayou Down in Louisiana! is the first story in the We’re a Possum Family Band series, which follows Mama and Papa Poss on their travels across North America to the birthplaces of Cajun, jazz, country, rock’n’roll, blues, and traditional Quebecois music.
A little duck from the Prairies dreams of making it in New York City and bringing his ducky dance to the Broadway stage. His lonesome journey seems bound for failure until he meets a truck driver named Big Better. She points him in the right direction and gives him that little nudge he needs to tackle the Big Apple. Cheer this little guy on in this narrative of courage, self-esteem, friendship, and encouragement.
Throughout history, birds have caught the imagination of composers and inspired their creativity. This selection of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others introduces children to classical music through the discovery of the melodious similarities between notes produced by instruments such as the flute, the organ, and the harpsichord and birds’ songs. As a professional violinist and teacher, Diane Worthey notes in a review, “Nature is a perfect place to begin when introducing young people to classical music.”
Maestro Evarista is a conductor in search of an orchestra. With a heavy cart full of instruments, the little lizard sets out to find musicians. One by one, she comes across an assortment of animals who lighten her load as they pick their parts in what becomes a ten-member menagerie.
As a dog named La Grande Fifi strolls through the streets of Paris, she bumps into a wide assortment of friends, including her Bichon Frisé band members who play for her at the club Le Bow Wow. In this charming story featuring funny illustrations by Fil & Julie, La Grande Fifi proves that home is where the heart is, whether you’ve got one or five, four or two.
Hang out with an eccentric little farm cat named Chicken Joe and his gang of hen house friends. This story and title track explore how names don’t always fit the character: Chicken Joe happens to be a cat, Miss Kitty a dog, and King Kong a parakeet. Mosey through charming watercolour illustrations while listening to 11 folksy tunes on the accompanying CD, performed by the internationally renowned duo Trout Fishing in America. For more, check out the follow-up, Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important.
Download these printable worksheets from the musical picture books A Feast Beneath the Moon, A Picnic in the Sun and Grand Chief Salamoo Cook Is Coming to Town. Animal activities include writing exercises, counting lessons, drawing prompts, and more! Find the free activity sheets here.
Playlist: Songs About Animals for Kids
Sing along with these animal songs for children. From “Pop Goes the Weasel” to “I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” and more recent tunes about owls, cats, cows, and more, there's a song here for everyone.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay informed about our new releases and events and for a chance to win our subscriber giveaway. To order books for your library or bookstore, please contact Hornblower Books/University of Toronto Press (Canada, United States) and MMS/BookSource (United Kingdom). For additional information, email info@thesecretmountain.com.
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15 Fun Musical Picture Books for Children Who Love Animals
Parents and music teachers know that songs about animals are a great way to introduce music to children. In turn, songs are a great way to introduce creatures and their quirks to kids who love music. We’ve rounded up the best picture books for children who love animals, music or both. Discover how creepy crawlers and feathered friends inspire classical composers or singalong to classic tunes about animals. Follow furry friends on their adventures or learn how nature’s best musicians create symphonies of their own.
Little Creatures
Introduce children to insects, arachnids, and amphibians, such as spiders, wasps, butterflies, frogs, and snakes through the works of Beethoven, Ravel, Prokofiev, and other composers. An original and exciting way for younger listeners to discover classical music, this book pairs five centuries of music history with stunning and evocative illustrations of these fascinating little creatures.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
The children’s classic “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” for which singer-songwriter Alan Mills is best known, introduces us to a quirky old lady who swallows a heap of animals —from a dog, cat, bird, and spider, to that infamous little fly— only to meet an untimely demise. A potpourri of singalong alphabet, counting, and rhyming songs with contagious and danceable rhythms follows this timeless tale.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Animal Musicians
Travel across the seven continents to discover how nature’s best musicians use their voices or bodies to create a symphony. Gibbons love to break into song at sunrise, while humpback whales prefer to perform the same tune for an entire day. Wolves enjoy choir singing before setting off to hunt, and Chinese torrent frogs carry a tune without ever producing two identical notes.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Grand Chief Salamoo Cook Is Coming to Town!
Once upon a magical time, a young rabbit named Weeskits hurried home to Kisoos—a town known as the Earth's belly button—to deliver some thrilling news. Salamoo Cook, the Grand Chief of all rabbits in the world, was on his way to announce a mysterious contest. Grand Chief Salamoo Is Coming to Town! is a laugh-out-loud riot of a tale about a fluffle of rabbits.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
That’s My Piano, Sir!
Travel through time following a charming little mouse called Minim, who loves cheese and music. One day, he witnesses the arrival of a dapper, young Mozart and his family as they set foot on a dock one late, cold night. That’s My Piano, Sir! is the first story in the six-part series Little Stories of Great Composers, which follows Minim as he encounters Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Paganini, Schubert, and Haydn.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Sing Out! Six Classic Folk Songs for Tomorrow
Rediscover your favourite folk songs with this endearingly offbeat rendering of six classics, including “Little Bingo,” and “Pop Goes the Weasel.” Nostalgic and whimsical illustrations bring each song to life with an ensemble of quirky characters, from a pink-haired roller-skater girl to a mischievous, paddywhacking weasel.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
A Picnic in the Sun
Bertie and his buddies never get bored with each other… except for the time when it rained for four straight weeks! That’s when they decided to repair an old boat and head for dryer lands: a sunny place atop the Blue Mountain. The journey to the faraway destination won’t be easy, but with a little help from newly made animal friends, they make it to the summit, which happens to be the best place in the whole world for a picnic!
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
A Feast Beneath the Moon
After their last adventure full of surprises, a sudden torrential rainfall forces Bertie’s gang and their wagon-boat load of animal friends to take shelter atop Blue Mountain. When they emerge, they encounter an extraordinary girl named Alice, who can grow big or small at the snap of her fingers. Together, they spend a magical night singing and dancing under the moon and shooting stars.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
Meet a heartbroken pooch who sings the blues, a tomcat with a soft spot for sour cream, and a rambunctious little kitty who snores and growls. In this delightful collection of singalong songs, a playful and cuddly cast of animal characters brightens even the rainiest days.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Rockin’ the Bayou Down in Louisiana!
Every Saturday night at the Fais Dodo Thibaudeau, a suave young possum with a Zorro-like moustache takes the stage with his dobro to lead the band. Rockin’ the Bayou Down in Louisiana! is the first story in the We’re a Possum Family Band series, which follows Mama and Papa Poss on their travels across North America to the birthplaces of Cajun, jazz, country, rock’n’roll, blues, and traditional Quebecois music.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Amazon
A Duck in New York City
A little duck from the Prairies dreams of making it in New York City and bringing his ducky dance to the Broadway stage. His lonesome journey seems bound for failure until he meets a truck driver named Big Better. She points him in the right direction and gives him that little nudge he needs to tackle the Big Apple. Cheer this little guy on in this narrative of courage, self-esteem, friendship, and encouragement.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Listen to the Birds
Throughout history, birds have caught the imagination of composers and inspired their creativity. This selection of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others introduces children to classical music through the discovery of the melodious similarities between notes produced by instruments such as the flute, the organ, and the harpsichord and birds’ songs. As a professional violinist and teacher, Diane Worthey notes in a review, “Nature is a perfect place to begin when introducing young people to classical music.”
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Maestro Evarista’s Orchestra
Maestro Evarista is a conductor in search of an orchestra. With a heavy cart full of instruments, the little lizard sets out to find musicians. One by one, she comes across an assortment of animals who lighten her load as they pick their parts in what becomes a ten-member menagerie.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
A Poodle in Paris
As a dog named La Grande Fifi strolls through the streets of Paris, she bumps into a wide assortment of friends, including her Bichon Frisé band members who play for her at the club Le Bow Wow. In this charming story featuring funny illustrations by Fil & Julie, La Grande Fifi proves that home is where the heart is, whether you’ve got one or five, four or two.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
My Name Is Chicken Joe
Hang out with an eccentric little farm cat named Chicken Joe and his gang of hen house friends. This story and title track explore how names don’t always fit the character: Chicken Joe happens to be a cat, Miss Kitty a dog, and King Kong a parakeet. Mosey through charming watercolour illustrations while listening to 11 folksy tunes on the accompanying CD, performed by the internationally renowned duo Trout Fishing in America. For more, check out the follow-up, Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important.
Shop Local (Canada) | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | Amazon
Free Animal Worksheet and Activities for Kids
Download these printable worksheets from the musical picture books A Feast Beneath the Moon, A Picnic in the Sun and Grand Chief Salamoo Cook Is Coming to Town. Animal activities include writing exercises, counting lessons, drawing prompts, and more! Find the free activity sheets here.
Playlist: Songs About Animals for Kids
Sing along with these animal songs for children. From “Pop Goes the Weasel” to “I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” and more recent tunes about owls, cats, cows, and more, there's a song here for everyone.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay informed about our new releases and events and for a chance to win our subscriber giveaway. To order books for your library or bookstore, please contact Hornblower Books/University of Toronto Press (Canada, United States) and MMS/BookSource (United Kingdom). For additional information, email info@thesecretmountain.com.