4 books I have loved recently

The First Notes, by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, art by Chiara Fedele

I used to think DO, RE, MI etc was something that Rogers and Hammerstein made up for the songs in The Sound of Music. But when I signed my daughter up for her now beloved music class, I learned that these words are actually part of a centuries-old teaching technique called solfege. This technique is a way to help children internalize the relationships notes have with each other and includes hand signs for each tone. Kids who learn solfege have an extra edge in learning music. In The First Notes we learn the true story of the catholic monk who invented solfege. He also invented the first method of writing music down, which led to how we write music today. Before that, songs could only be learned by listening to someone else sing them. The story is fascinating to me and the pictures are beautiful.

Plus, how can anyone not love a picture book by Julie Andrews? 

Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

I discovered this book through a Read Aloud Revival family book club. I absolutely love the RAR family bookclubs! They truly immerse you in the book by suggesting music, foods, drawing activities, and science activities that compliment the book. My kids weren't interested in this book, but I didn't care! I did the whole book club by myself. Trumpet of the Swan is such an original book, written by the same author as Charlotte's Web. When reading this book you'll see some things you don't see in real life, like a swan who plays the trumpet. These events surprise the characters, but they eventually shrug their shoulders and accept them as possible. This makes me chuckle. I also enjoyed the humor of one character's self-important monologues. Finally, now that I know about solfege, I was excited to see a reference to it in this book as well! The book taught me that without the valves, trumpets can only play SO, DO, and MI. That's why "taps" or the bugle song played at veteran funerals, uses only the notes SO, DO, and ME. But add the valves and the whole scale becomes available!

Connoisseur Kids by Jennifer L. Scott

I have written about this delightful etiquette and lifestyle book before, and I'm still working my way through it. Every morning I take advantage of the time when my kids are eating breakfast and I can read them things they normally wouldn't sit through.  I read a few pages from this. It has really helped my six year old to have better life habits like being organized, tidy, and appreciating the beauty and nutrition of fruits and vegetables. Here the author explains how each color of food helps your body in a different way. I refer to this chart often and my daughter appears more interested in these foods when she learns how they can help her. 

Sato The Rabbit by Yuki Ainoya

This book encapsulates the magic and wonder of childhood My kids loved it and so did I. Just look at this gorgeous page where the rabbit ties the rain up with a ribbon. I can't wait to read the other two books in this trilogy.

Have you read any of theses books? What books have you loved recently?