First Music
MY FAVORITES
BUY THIS BOOK
Age Range
5 - 7
Genre
folktale
Copyright Year
2023-04-15
Page Count
32
Publisher
August House
Grade Level
Pre-K - 2nd
ISBN
9780874838862
Lexile
AD510
Themes
music
cultural heritage
inclusion
nature

The First Music

Written by Dylan Pritchett and Illustrated by Erin Banks

Discover the magic of sound in The First Music, a whimsical African folktale where a group of jungle animals realizes their individual noises are actually beautiful music. This heartwarming story follows the animals as they join together in a rhythmic "jam session," teaching children that everyone has a unique song inside them. With vibrant oil paintings and lyrical prose, this award-winning book is perfect for reading aloud and encouraging young readers to find their own creative voice.

Support Materials

Explore RIF's Lesson Planning Resources Collection, including read aloud templates, vocabulary materials, thematic activities, and student-facing graphic organizers to enhance your daily instruction. You can also create your own word search, criss cross or memory match puzzle using our puzzle maker tool.

Can’t find the resource you’re looking for?
REQUEST A RESOURCE
Age Range
5 - 7
Genre
folktale
Copyright Year
2023-04-15
Page Count
32
Publisher
August House
Grade Level
Pre-K - 2nd
ISBN
9780874838862
Lexile
AD510
Themes
music
cultural heritage
inclusion
nature
Additional Book Resources
15142

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

Written by Dawn Casey and Illustrated by Anne Wilson
In this anthology of folktales, readers will learn about how different cultures live in harmony with...
K - 6th
Big quiet house

A Big Quiet House

Written by Heather Forest and Illustrated by Susan Greenstein
This funny and rhythmic story teaches kids that a change in perspective can make any home feel perfect. It is an ideal read-aloud book for teaching gratitude and the value of a happy, bustling household.
K - 3rd

The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant

Written by Nocola Williams and Illustrated by Henry Ezeokeke

A very hungry, sleep-eating elephant has been caught invading the village cabbage field, threatening...

K - 5th
Surf War!

Surf War!: A Folktale from the Marshall Islands

Written by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Geraldo Valerio
A tiny sandpiper and a giant whale start a funny but serious battle over who owns the beach. When they call in all their animal cousins to help, the birds and sea creatures soon realize that their fight is hurting the ocean they both share.
Pre-K - 3rd
Conejito

Conejito: A Folktale from Panama

Written by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Geraldo Valerio
Conejito: A Folktale from Panama is a lively children's picture book that follows a small but clever rabbit on his school holiday adventure to visit his Auntie Monica. Along the way, the brave Conejito must use his quick wit to escape hungry predators like Mr. Fox, Mr. Tiger, and Mr. Lion.
Pre-K - 3rd
The Drum

The Drum: A Folktale from India

Written by Rob Cleveland and Illustrated by Tom Wrenn
Discover the magic of kindness in The Drum, a heartwarming Indian folktale about a poor boy who dreams of owning his own musical instrument. After his mother brings home a "magical" stick, the boy embarks on a journey where his selfless choices lead to unexpected rewards.
Pre-K - 3rd
The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday

The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday

Written by Donald Davis and Illustrated by Jennifer Mazzucco
Follow three clever pigs as they try to outsmart a tricky red fox in the beautiful mountains. This award-winning book is perfect for children who love folktales and stories about being brave.
Pre-K - 3rd

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At...

K - 4th

Dem Bones

Written and Illustrated by Bob Barner

Sing along with a colorful skeleton band in this exuberant rendition of a traditional most-loved...

Pre-K - 2nd
Anansi and the Tug O' War

Anansí and the Tug O' War

Written by Bobby Norfolk and Sherry Norfolk and Illustrated by Baird Hoffmire
In Anansí and the Tug O' War, the clever spider Anansí uses his quick wits to teach the giant Elephant and the massive Whale a lesson about respect. By challenging them both to a tug-of-war, he tricks the two large animals into pulling against each other while he watches the fun.
Pre-K - 3rd
Anansi and Turtle Go to Dinner

Anansí and Turtle Go to Dinner

Written by Bobby Norfolk and Sherry Norfolk and Illustrated by Baird Hoffmire
In Anansí and Turtle Go to Dinner, the clever but selfish spider Anansí tries to trick his friend Turtle to avoid sharing a delicious meal. However, Turtle soon comes up with a smart plan of his own to teach the trickster a funny lesson about being a good host.
Pre-K - 3rd

El Chupacabras

Written by Adam Rubin

A long time ago, a girl named Carla lived on a goat farm with her father, Hector. One night, a goat...

Pre-K - 3rd