Music Is in Everything

August 1, 2022
Readers are encouraged to find the music in everything in this picture-book adaptation of Marley's exuberant song. Before reading this book, take a moment to find a YouTube video of Marley and company singing "Music Is in Everything." Those who try to force this story into standard meter and rhyme will find that the text falls flat. But if readers can find the groove and hear the music in the words, the text becomes a playful read accompanied by illustrations of a multigenerational, multiethnic extended family gathering one Saturday afternoon to make music. Some bring instruments with them, while others create percussion instruments from pots, pans, jars, and, most importantly, hands. The illustration of the family's large and small clapping hands in a spectrum of skin tones sends a powerful, uplifting message about the universality of music. The words and engaging illustrations alternately send readers out into nature to find and listen to the music of the ocean, the wind, a river, and a beehive and then pull them back to the house, where the family joyously plays instruments, sings, dances, and laughs. Instructions in the backmatter show readers how to make a shaker and join in the musical fun, though no score to the song is included. Children will enjoy listening to this story and creating their own music, complete with handmade instruments. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Close your eyes, listen to the music, and experience the joy of family with this buoyant tale. (Picture book. 3-8)

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October 1, 2022

K-Gr 3-Get ready to bop your head along to this vibrantly illustrated book version of Ziggy Marley's 2020 hit song of the same name. The illustrations, filled with children and families with a wide range of skin tones, natural hairstyles, and hair wraps, accompany words that fairly flow off of the page. These familiar lyrics go on to remind readers that music truly is in everything, in nature and in how we explore our senses: trees dancing in the wind, raindrops on the ground, laughter of a friend, and the banging of pots in the kitchen. It's a wonderful read-aloud, intended to be accompanied by rice shakers, for which there are instructions. VERDICT Some songs do not make the transition to picture books; this one elevates the form. A beautiful addition to any library.-Katherine Forsman

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