3 Books to Celebrate America
It’s the 4th of July! The day that we celebrate America’s birth and independence with family, friends, fireworks and food. Have you ever considered adding musical books to your patriotic birthday celebration? What better way to celebrate than with some great books that have a music connection! Here are 3 books for you and your kids to read in celebration this week.
Certainly, you can’t celebrate our country’s birthday without our national anthem! Follow Francis Scott Key through the perspective of a young boy who witnesses Key’s experience in the War of 1812 that spurred him to write the Star Spangled Banner. While it does take on a little bit of a fictional twist, this book is a great introduction for kids in how the Star Spangled Banner came about.
2. America the Beautiful by Wendell Minor
This is another one you’ll love sharing with your kiddos! Wendell Minor brings Katherine Lee Bates’ classic lyrics to life in this beautiful book. America the Beautiful has beautiful artwork to illustrate one of America’s most endearing patriotic songs. You won’t find a better book to enjoy America’s beautiful, spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountains’ majesty and fruited plains!
About the book
Katharine Lee Bates’s timeless and beloved poem alongside art by award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor, capturing the magnificent beauty of the United States. Celebrate America’s ideals of togetherness and marvel at classic illustrations of her natural and historical wonders: from Yosemite National Park and the Garden of the Gods, to Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Plantation. This reissued edition includes an updated introduction, information about the poet, the composer of the song, the sheet music, a map and brief information about all twenty-one American locations depicted in the book.
3. Yankee Doodle by Mary Ann Hoberman
This is a personal favorite of mine! Maybe this book isn’t the true story of Yankee Doodle, but it sure is funny! Your kids will most certainly enjoy the silly illustrations and song lyrics as your read/sing this crazy book. Yankee Doodle and his friends decide to make a new restaurant when they become hungry during their journey – Yankee Doodle’s Noodles will be the best restaurant ever!
About the book
The latest title in the Sing-Along Stories series, this merry picture book begins with the familiar first verse and chorus of “Yankee Doodle.” But that’s just the beginning of Yankee’s adventures. Before he’s done, he’s collected a whole menagerie of jolly new friends and added fresh meaning to his name of Macaroni! Complete with musical notation and an activity page.
So, there you have it! Three enjoyable books to read with your kids this 4th of July. Do you have another patriotic book you enjoy? I’d love to hear about it!
