Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

I incorporate books into my music therapy sessions almost on a daily basis.  Adding a visual component to any activity, intervention or song always helps grab and keep attention, and there are so many goals and objectives that can be addressed with an appropriate book.  I started my collection during my internship, and now have an entire bin full of them.

The book Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin is one that I picked up a couple of years ago, but have just recently rediscovered amongst my library.  It's funny how you can forget the great resources you have at your very own disposal!  A Caldecott Honor book, this one is currently at the top of my list for several reasons:

• The pictures are bright, beautiful, and detailed.  Talk about attention grabbers!
• It's all about orchestral instruments and the sounds they make, which means lots of fun words.
• It provides an opportunity for counting.  On each page, a new instrument is introduced, and all of the other instruments are pictured, as well.
• The words were meant to be sung.  It just so happens that the entire book fits perfectly to the tune "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush".

I'm planning to make audio clips of each instrument to play as they are introduced throughout the book, just to give my students an idea of how they really sound.  It never hurts to throw in a little music appreciation along with the other goals that we're addressing.

What children's books are on your shelf?  I'm always looking for new ones to add to my collection, so any and all suggestions are much appreciated!  You can see some more of my favorites here (just click on "Children's Books" in the top-left category box).