How to Sing a Song Perfect Picture Book Friday

This lyrical picture book offers a beautiful tribute to song and the act of singing.  

text copyright, Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston, 2024, illustrations copyright, Melissa Sweet, 2024, Quill Tree Books, 2024

Like notes in a chord of music, the layers of this book resonate, reading after reading. Beginning with a call for quiet, the authors draw attention to the music happening all around--the melody of nature, the rhythm inside the human body, the chorus found in community. Woven throughout the text are phrases from songs that readers may recognize--encouragements to sing what is familiar and create what is unique and personal. Likewise, hidden within the illustrations are nods to music--sheet music, blank staff paper,  and various musical notes.

The vibrant illustrations bring music to life, representing both the structure and freedom of song. The poetic language dances on the tongue when read aloud, inspiring readers to discover the melody inside and the power of music to inspire, encourage, and unify.

Title:  HOW TO SING A SONG

Authors:  Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston

Illustrator:  Melissa Sweet

Publisher:  Quill Tree Books, 2024

Ages:  4-8

​Themes:  Music, Creativity, Lyricism, Community

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Go outside and listen to the music all around (birds singing, horns honking, wind blowing). Make a word web of all the sounds that were heard. Learners may draw a picture of what they heard, as well.
• Pair with the other books in this series--How to Read a Book and How to Write a Poem. 
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite style of music?" "If you could create a song, what kind of song would it be? What would it be about?" "How does singing make you feel? Why?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!