10+ Best Music Books for 1-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the magical world of rhythms and melodies to your toddler? Look no further! Our latest roundup of music books for 1-year-olds is designed to captivate your little one's imagination and nurture their love for music. From interactive sound books to charming stories woven around melodious themes, we've curated a selection that promises to entertain and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks for music books that are just right for your tiny music enthusiast!

Fun Music Books for 1-Year-Olds

• Baby Loves to Rock! by Wednesday Kirwan
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music
  • Synopsis: Fun and brightly illustrated, this book shows various cute baby animals rocking out to different genres of music.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to various musical styles through adorable animals, which helps keep their attention and develop a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who enjoy colorful illustrations and parents looking to introduce music and reading in a fun way.

• Welcome to Jazz by Carolyn Sloan, illustrated by Jessica Gibson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive book introduces kids to the sounds and rhythm of jazz music with push-button audio clips.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive with sound buttons that play jazz music, engaging young readers' senses and helping to increase their interest in both music and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are beginning to explore the world of music and books, especially those who enjoy interactive elements.

• Music Is... by Brandon Stosuy, illustrated by Amy Martin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music
  • Synopsis: A board book that introduces various musical concepts and genres in a simple and visually engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: The simple yet effective illustrations and concepts are perfect for young minds, making it a great tool for early development in music appreciation and reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Infants and toddlers starting to learn about music and parents who want to cultivate an early interest in musical diversity.

• Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humorous
  • Synopsis: This humorous story tells of a concert near a zoo that turns chaotic when the animals join in the music-making.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a love for music, capturing the attention of young readers and making the reading experience enjoyable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and animals, as well as parents seeking to entertain their kids while introducing them to music.

• Sing and Slide: The Wheels on the Bus by Nicola Slater
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: An interactive nursery rhyme book with sliders that play the classic song "The Wheels on the Bus."
  • Why we recommend this book: The interactive sliders and familiar tune engage young readers, making reading fun and interactive.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who enjoy singing along and interacting with their books, helping to build motor skills and musical interest.

Educational Music Books for 1-Year-Olds

• My First Classical Music Book by Genevieve Helsby, illustrated by Jason Chapman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young children to the world of classical music with colorful illustrations and simple, engaging text.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Musical knowledge, early literacy skills, and auditory recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to classical music, enhancing children's listening skills and fostering an early appreciation for this genre.
  • Perfect for: Young children and parents who want to introduce classical music in an accessible and enjoyable way.

• Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Counting
  • Synopsis: This rhythmic book introduces children to musical instruments and the concept of counting through an orchestral performance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting skills, introduction to musical instruments, and rhythm recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: Its lively illustrations and rhythmic text make learning about music and numbers fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers learning numbers and music basics, and families seeking a playful introduction to the orchestra.

• Dance, Sing, Remember by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Ora Eitan
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Cultural
  • Synopsis: This book explores Jewish music and culture through the celebration of Jewish holidays with songs and dances.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, music appreciation, and memory skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of music and cultural education, providing a rich, sensory learning experience.
  • Perfect for: Young children interested in learning about different cultures through music, and families celebrating or teaching about Jewish traditions.

• The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Follows a little girl named Isabelle and her dog, Pickle, as they discover the magical sounds of Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons" throughout the day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Musical literacy, season recognition, and sensory skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes push-button audio clips that play Vivaldi's music, beautifully integrating classical music with a charming story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive books and anyone looking to introduce classical music in a narrative, engaging format.

• Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography, Music
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring story of Melba Liston, a pioneering jazz musician and trombonist who overcame many obstacles to follow her dreams.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, inspiration, and musical appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the achievements of a female musician in jazz, teaching children about perseverance and the joy of music.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and music, particularly those who are inspired by stories of personal achievement and overcoming challenges.

Challenging Music Books for 1-Year-Olds

• Mozart's Magical Musical Adventure by Laura Gates Galvin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Follow the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on a fantastical journey through a magical musical landscape.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces classical music concepts and historical figures in a story format, which is advanced for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines a historical figure with fantasy elements, sparking imagination and an early interest in classical music.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers with an interest in music and stories that fuel the imagination.

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Friendship
  • Synopsis: A bear discovers a piano in the forest and becomes a world-famous musician, but he must decide between his career and his friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of success, friendship, and homecoming, layered with rich illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant story.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy heartfelt stories and parents who wish to discuss themes of loyalty and personal growth with their kids.

• Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr, illustrated by Ben Cort
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Based on the classic Beatles song, this book takes readers on an underwater adventure in an octopus's garden.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses the lyrics of a song as its text, introducing young readers to poetic and lyrical forms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the whimsy of the Beatles' music with vibrant illustrations, encouraging musical and imaginative exploration.
  • Perfect for: Beatles fans and young readers who delight in fantastical, musical underwater adventures.

• Can You Hear It? by William Lach
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Music, Art
  • Synopsis: Pairs classical music with famous artworks, encouraging children to listen and observe as they explore art and music together.
  • Why this book is challenging: It links visual art with music, requiring children to make connections between two different sensory experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters an appreciation for art and music, enhancing perceptual skills through an interactive listening experience.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are curious about art and music, and parents seeking to cultivate a multisensory educational environment.

• Ella Queen of Jazz by Helen Hancocks
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography, Music
  • Synopsis: Tells the story of Ella Fitzgerald and her friendship with Marilyn Monroe, highlighting their mutual support and challenges during their careers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of friendship, racism, and perseverance through the lens of historical figures, which are complex topics for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful message about overcoming barriers and the impact of friendship, all set to the backdrop of jazz music.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents interested in history, music, and stories of resilience and friendship.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing little ones to the world of books early on is a fantastic way to spark a lifelong love of reading. When it comes to 1-year-olds, music books can be especially engaging. Here are some fun exercises you can do with music books that will not only entertain your toddler but also help develop good reading habits:

• Sing Along With the Story
  • What it is: Play songs that are related to the story or use the musical elements of the book to sing along.
  • How it helps: Enhances language skills and memory by linking words with tunes.
  • Tips: Keep your tone lively and expressive to maintain your child's interest.

• Point and Name
  • What it is: Point to different objects and characters in the book and name them out loud.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and object recognition skills.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to point and try naming objects as well.

• Tap the Rhythm
  • What it is: Tap out the rhythm of the text or the associated songs with your fingers.
  • How it helps: Helps develop an understanding of rhythm and coordination.
  • Tips: Start slowly and increase the speed as your child becomes more comfortable with the rhythm.

• Show and Tell
  • What it is: After reading, show your child real-life examples of the musical instruments or sounds mentioned in the book.
  • How it helps: Strengthens connection between words and their meanings.
  • Tips: Use toy instruments if possible, or find sound clips online to play.

• Create Your Own Lyrics
  • What it is: Make up new lyrics to the tunes in the book, related to your child's daily experiences.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps personalize the reading experience.
  • Tips: Keep the lyrics simple and repetitive to make it easy for your child to remember and sing along.

Using these exercises, you can turn reading time into an interactive, joyful learning experience that your toddler will look forward to every day. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and engaging, adapting them as your child grows and their interests evolve. Happy reading and singing!