World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is an annual celebration that takes place on June 21st. This special day is dedicated to the power and joy of music, bringing people together across the globe to appreciate and enjoy the universal language of melodies and rhythms.
There is no better way to celebrate World Music Day with your children than reading children’s books with them. One of our absolute favorites is I, VIVALDI, written by Janice Shefelman and illustrated by Tom Shefelman. This beautifully illustrated picture book, inspired by the life of the legendary composer Antonio Vivaldi, takes readers on a journey as Vivaldi himself narrates his remarkable story.
Another great book that we recommend reading is Yellow Dog Blues, written by the acclaimed creator Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated the talented Chris Raschka. This wonderful picture book takes you on a lyrical road trip through the Mississippi Delta, exploring the landmarks that shaped one of America’s most beloved musical traditions.
If you seek to ignite your children’s creativity and inspire them to think outside the box, we highly recommend reading Building an Orchestra of Hope, written by Carmen Oliver and Illustrated by Luisa Uribe. This remarkable book is based on a true story about how Favio Chavez, a music teacher taught children to make music from trash.
I, Vivaldi
Written by Janice Shefelman
Illustrated by Tom Shefelman
Ages 7-11
In this picture book inspired by the life of Antonio Vivaldi, the composer himself narrates how a creative, determined boy grew up to create masterpieces like “The Four Seasons.”
Despite his mother’s vow for him to become a priest, young Vivaldi is only interested in music. He soon grows from a feisty, violin-obsessed boy into a stubborn young man who puts his musical training ahead of his studies for priesthood. Beautiful, ornate artwork portrays the spirit and splendor of Vivaldi’s hometown of Venice. A historical note, musical score, and glossary will help readers more fully appreciate the composer’s Baroque context and his enduring genius.
Yellow Dog Blues
Written by Alice Faye Duncan
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Releases: 9/27/2022
One morning Bo Willie finds the doghouse empty and the gate wide open! Farmer Fred says Yellow Dog hit Highway 61 and started running. Aunt Jessie picks up Bo Willie in her pink Cadillac, and together they look for his missing puppy love. Their search leads them from juke joints to tamale stands to streets ringing with the music of B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Where, where did that Yellow Dog go?
Acclaimed creators Alice Faye Duncan and Chris Raschka present a boogie-woogie journey along the Mississippi Blues Trail. With swinging free verse and stunning hand-stitched art, Yellow Dog Blues is a soulful fable about what happens when the blues grabs you and holds on tight.
Building an Orchestra of Hope
How Favio Chavez Taught Children to Make Music from Trash
Written by Carmen Oliver
Illustrated by Luisa Uribe
In Cateura, Paraguay, a town built on a landfill, music teacher Favio Chavez longed to help the families living and working amid the hills of trash. How could he help them find hope for the future? Favio started giving music lessons to Cateura’s children, but soon he encountered a serious problem. He had more students than instruments!
But Favio had a strange and wonderful idea: what if this recyclers’ town had its own recycled orchestra? Favio and Colá, a brilliant local carpenter, began to experiment with transforming garbage into wonder. Old glue canisters became violins; paint cans became violas; drainpipes became flutes and saxophones. With repurposed instruments in their hands, the children of Cateura could fill their community—and the world—with the sounds of a better tomorrow.
