My son loves music, and he loves books. I’m always excited, therefore, when I can find books about music for the pre-school age group. A modern (1995) classic, Caldecott winner Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, by Lloyd Moss is a gem. One by one, the book introduces various instruments, as each lends its sound to the music. The illustrations, rhyme, and meter swoop and soar, just like the music they describe, without ever becoming trite like so many rhyming kids’ books.
In Mole Music, lonely Mole teaches himself the violin and dreams of someday playing for people. Unbeknownst to him, those who live above his tunnels hear his music as it vibrates up through the roots of a tree. His music calms those who listen, even causing armies on horseback to stop and embrace each other. A gentle, soothing story about the power of music and dedication.