So You Want Your Kids to Be Cool: Books That Rock
Your kids will only listen to the music you like for so long, so before they gain control of the playlist and/or your entire house, pair a favorite record with one of these music-loving picture books. They’re quieter than getting a drum set.
Punk Farm by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- While the farmer sleeps, the barnyard turns it up to 11. Less E-I-E-I-O, more screaming “1, 2, 3, 4!”
We’re Not Gonna Take It song lyrics by Dee Snyder, illustrated by Margaret McCartney
- Part of a whole series of lyric-based books, toddlers find a way to rebel and find their own fun. And what other picture book do you know with vocabulary like “trite and jaded”?
Snoozefest by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
- The book that answers the question of every tired adult: what if there was a music festival for sleeping?
- Based on the true story of a girl who wanted to play the drums in 1920s Cuba, a great story about doing what you love even when it goes against expectations. Can’t get cooler than that.
- The most punk rock thing? Accepting yourself no matter what. From the drummer of the alt-rock band Belly.
What is Hip-Hop? by Eric Morse, art by Anny Yi
- A history appropriately told in rhyme covers major players and movements with fun clay artwork. Plus there’s also a Punk edition by the same team!
Rock ‘N’ Roll Soul by Susan Verde, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
- This one might have your child banging on pots, banisters, and plastic bowls more than usual, but it’s a great reminder that music lives inside us all.
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