Celine Dion. Billy Joel. Stevie Wonder. Joni Mitchell. This year’s Grammy awards were full of nostalgia. When I heard Tracy Chapman start to play those first iconic chords of “Fast Car,” my immediate thought was, “Where are my kids? They need to see this!”
As parents, sharing our favorite songs and rock bands with our children is something we all look forward to. And I like to think that if you teach them early enough, they won’t think we’re such squares when we turn on some 90s hip hop during their teen years (one can only hope, right?). While listening to music together goes a long way in early childhood development, a musical multi-sensory experience can be had by reading about musicians, too. Here are two board book series featuring some of our generation’s most popular performers.
The new Have You Heard Of? series, created by the editors of Silver Dolphin Books, celebrates unforgettable artists and the impact they’ve had on pop culture. Each book introduces little ones to pop stars via cute text and fun interactive elements. Kids can lift flaps and spin wheels to get Harry Styles ready for a show, style Dolly Parton’s legendary looks, and more. Most importantly, this thoughtful series focuses on talent that will inspire kids to make the world a better place just by being themselves.
Now available in a boxed set, The Story Of music series highlights the early years of rap, country, pop, and rock. From Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash, Grandmaster Flash, David Bowie, and Beyoncé, all the greats are featured in these colorful board books. Winner of the 2019 National Parenting Product Award, this series is sure to inspire toddlers to put on a concert right in their own living room. Says NAPPA Awards Director Elena Epstein, “As parents we love finding board books that not only delight our babies and toddlers, but we enjoy reading over and over again as well. …The Story of Rock and The Story of Rap, is just that—fun and clever with whimsical illustrations. The perfect gift for new parents.”