Music books for children and teens
Children’s and teen books about music. Music-themed books put sound at the heart of the story, whether a child is learning an instrument, joining a choir, writing songs, or chasing their first proper gig. You will find fiction full of rehearsals, auditions, rivalry and friendship, alongside non-fiction on genres, instruments, key artists and how performances come together. The best titles show how confidence develops, how groups work together, and how feedback and rehearsal shape a final performance. They also broaden cultural knowledge through different styles and traditions. This list features books by Giles Andreae, Rose Robbins, Jackie Morris, Brita Granström, Fiona Watt, Kes Gray, David Almond, James Mayhew, Jeffrey Boakye, and Jasbinder Bilan.
Music themed books for children and teens – our recommendations
The Big-Time Boogie-Woogie Animal Band by Giles Andreae and Nick East
A dog who loves music hatches a plan to start a boogie-woogie band with a fiddle-playing fox. One by one, more animals join in, including a lion, a tiger and a penguin, each bringing a different alliterative instrument. The supergroup keeps growing page by page. Told in catchy read-aloud rhyme, this vibrant picture book champions musical instruments, encourages teamwork and invites 3–5 year old children to join in with the counting and music as the band builds and builds. It’s ideal for reading and sharing with preschool and EYFS classes.
LOUD! by Rose Robbins
A subtle and engaging picture book story about Abigail,a girl who gets easily distracted in class and assumes the role of class clown. When the music teacher takes a different approach, Abigail’s world is opened up to new opportunities and a chance to shine. A great book for children who get frustrated by the expectations of school life.
I Am Nefertiti by Annemarie Anang
Nefertiti is excited about joining a band and playing the drums. But when the music teacher decides to shorten her name, she becomes shorter and shorter, shrinking to the point where she almost disappears from view. How will her bandmates bring her back to size? A story about the importance of names, respecting each other and building confidence, the wonderful onomatopoeic language makes this a great story to read aloud to a class, and there’s a lot of potential to use this text as a starting point for music-related descriptive and imaginative writing. It will appeal to drummers everywhere.
Harmony House by Monika Singh Gangotra, illustrated by Nicci Martin
When a band of arguing musicians cannot agree on whose tunes deserve the spotlight, each one cranks up the volume! The awful racket soon sparks complaints and even the threat of eviction. Desperate to save their home, they work on a solution. The answer arrives in an unexpected twist: blending their sounds instead of battling them. What began as clashing noise turns into a shared harmony, proving that cooperation can outplay conflict. Harmony House is a wonderful illustrated picture book to read with KS1 children that will spark discussions about working together, respecting boundaries and not giving up. It is also ideal for frazzled music teachers! At the back of the book, there is a practical guide to making music at home.
The Story of Music by Mick Manning and Brita Granström
This outstanding book traces music from the earliest drums and flutes through to modern artists, moving steadily across centuries and styles. Children are introduced to composers and musicians including Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, alongside Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Clear text explains why each figure matters, while bold illustrations anchor them in their time. The large format gives breathing space for the immersive artwork and accessible text, making music history easy to follow and dip into. It’s ideal for KS2 libraries.
Sounds Good! by Ole Könnecke and Hans Könnecke
Musical instruments from around the world are introduced one by one, each with a clear illustration and a short description. Every spread includes a QR code linking to a sound recording, so children can hear the instrument as well as see it. Alongside familiar instruments, this outstanding nonfiction book includes voice and computer music. Brief notes cover sound, history and use, making it easy to explore how music is made across cultures. It’s perfect for primary school libraries and classrooms.
Carnival Queen by Donette Williams-Harry, illustrated by Amelie-Anne Calmo
Kayla’s all set to dance in the carnival – until disaster strikes and her costume is ruined. But with a little help from her friends and neighbours, the show goes on. Set to the rhythm of Caribbean music and colour, this joyful picture book celebrates community spirit, creativity and the energy of carnival. Inspired by Notting Hill, it also includes a short section on global carnival traditions, adding extra background to the fun visuals and bursts of storyline.
A Symphony of Stories by James Mayhew
A Symphony of Stories by James Mayhew introduces six classical orchestral works through stories and illustrations. The book explores Carnival of the Animals, The Four Seasons, The Firebird, and others, linking music with narrative to engage children. Mayhew’s lyrical storytelling and spectacular illustrations create a rich experience, with added notes and suggested recordings for further learning. Highly recommended.
Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl
Bea wants to learn the piano, and she’s in a rush to start playing. Can her big sister Isla and the maestro conductor cat, Gus, help her to contain and channel her enthusiasm? It’s a beautiful and heartwarming story, but that’s not all. The artwork is ethereal with a wondrous sense of space and light, homely and warm mottled colours, and delightful character expressions. A truly stunning picture book.
Licence to Rock by R. J. Timmis
Finley, Hunter, Gilleon, and Gnash balance their lives as ordinary school sharks and members of the rock band JAWSOME! The double life takes a thrilling turn as they uncover suspicious shark-nanigans and face off against evil A.B.B.A. agents. With two exciting stories packed into one book, readers are treated to non-stop adventure and gill-splitting laughs. The play on words, modern references, and extensive illustrations make it perfect for emerging readers and shark enthusiasts alike. Prepare for a fin-tastically entertaining escapade that’s sure to leave readers hooked!
Heavy Metal Badger by Duncan Beedie
Badger’s love for loud music leads him on a quest for the perfect place to play without upsetting the other animals. But it’s difficult to find the right spot in the peaceful woodland. Told through funny situations and rhyming couplets, this banging picture book for 3-6-year-olds will encourage readers to embrace their passions while respecting others’ boundaries. The hilarious illustrations and clever wordplay make this the ideal story for heavy metal parents to read to children. We loved ‘Quack Sabbath’ and ‘Gnus and Roses’!
Once Upon a Rhythm by James Carter and Valerio Vidali
Music is traced back to its earliest beginnings, from simple rhythms and sounds to the many styles heard today. Told through poetic language and bold, immersive illustrations, this cracking book for 5+ year olds shows how people have always made music as part of daily life. It encourages children to listen closely, notice rhythm in the world around them, and try making sounds of their own. The focus stays on music as something shared across cultures, time and place. Highly recommended.
The Magic Flute (Story Orchestra) by Katy Flint and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Mozart’s The Magic Flute is retold through beautifully illustrated scenes paired with sound buttons that play extracts from the opera. 2+ year olds can follow Prince Tamino, Princess Pamina and Papageno as they use magical instruments on their journey. Each vibrant spread links story and music directly. The book also includes a short biography of Mozart, notes on the opera and a glossary, offering a clear introduction to opera and classical music for young readers.
How to Build an Orchestra by Mary Auld and Elisa Paganelli
A charismatic conductor auditions each section of the orchestra, introducing instruments one by one and showing 7-9 year olds how they fit together. Produced with the London Symphony Orchestra, this fascinating illustrated book explains how musicians listen, respond and play as a group. Clear illustrations and pictograms map the layout of the symphony, while background notes explain each instrument’s role. A foreword by Sir Simon Rattle and accompanying CDs and downloads support listening alongside reading. Highly recommended.
The Animal Orchestra Plays Bach by Sam Taplin
The Animal Orchestra Plays Bach introduces younger children to classical music with five tunes from Bach’s compositions. As the animal orchestra travels, young readers hear the music and learn basic facts about Bach’s life. Each page features a sound button and colourful illustrations, encouraging children to explore and listen. This vibrant interactive board book provides a simple introduction to the composer and his music, making it suitable for early years and whole-family reading.
The Very Young Person’s Guide to Ballet Music by Tim Lihoreau and Philip Noyce
Famous ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and The Firebird are introduced through short explanations and detailed illustrated scenes. Interactive sound buttons let 5–7 year olds hear key moments from each score as they read. Fact boxes and accessible vocabulary sections explain composers, dancers and common ballet terms. Designed for children beginning music or dance lessons, this outstanding book links listening directly to story, movement and performance.
Music by Nicholas O’Neill & Susan Hayes
A staggeringly detailed large-format book that transforms into a double-sided 2.4-metre wallchart. Split into three parallel timelines, spanning from the year 500 to the present day, musical maestros, musical questions and musical mechanics are illustrated with fun and engaging cartoons and digestible factual chunks. To add an inspired extra dimension, there’s a Spotify-powered musical playlist at the back of the book. This book will make a memorable and eye-catching Christmas present for children aged 8-12.
Mrs Noah’s Garden by Jackie Morris
After the flood, Mrs Noah begins to grow a garden using seeds she carried through the journey. Working alongside her children and the animals, she plants and tends the land as life starts again. This incredible picture book story for 4-8 year olds focuses on renewal, care for nature and the idea of home after loss. Jackie Morris’s text is paired with James Mayhew’s detailed collage illustrations, which support close looking, discussion and creative response. Highly recommended.
Sonam and the Silence by Eddie Ayres
Sonam lives in Afghanistan at a time when the Taliban have banned music. When she discovers a rubab, it becomes a private source of comfort and hope in a world shaped by fear and strict rules. This memorable picture book story for 5+ year olds shows how music helps Sonam cope with loss and uncertainty. Gorgeous illustrations use shifts in colour and detail to reflect her emotions and the contrast between silence and sound.
Ada’s Violin by Susan Hood
Ada grows up in Cateura, a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, where instruments are out of reach. When music teacher Favio Chávez starts making violins and cellos from discarded rubbish, Ada joins the Recycled Orchestra. What begins as scraps and string becomes real music, changing daily life in the community. Based on a true story, this gripping and atmospheric picture book for 5+ year olds shows how creativity and determination can turn waste into real opportunity.
The Diddle That Dummed by Kes Gray
Flinty Bo Diddle is desperate to write a tune for his fiddle, but one note refuses to behave. Everything goes “diddle” except for a stubborn “dum” that will not fall into line. Built around repetition and wordplay, this highly engaging picture book story for 4+ year olds cleverly uses sound, rhythm and performance, with Fred Blunt’s illustrations adding to the cacophony. It invites children to join in, laugh along and notice how one odd note can change everything.
The Dam by David Almond and Levi Pinfold
The Dam tells the true story of a father and daughter who play music in an abandoned valley before it is flooded by the construction of Kielder Water. Through David Almond’s narrative and Levi Pinfold’s illustrations, the book captures the power of music to preserve memories in a place soon to be lost. Inspired by a real event, this story is a work of art that prompts children to think about how we deal with change.
The Nutcracker by Lily McArdle
3–5 year olds follow Marie Stahlbaum into the world of The Nutcracker, from the Christmas party to the battle with the Mouse King. A built-in wind-up mechanism plays the Waltz of the Flowers, letting children hear Tchaikovsky’s music as the story unfolds. Illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Muller, this edition introduces both the ballet’s plot and its music in an accessible and hands-on way.
Listen to the Music by Mary Richards
4–7 year olds are taken on a whistle-stop tour through music history, using interactive sound buttons to bring key moments to life. Each spread introduces a different place, musician and style, from Mozart at the piano to Charlie Parker’s jazz. Short audio clips sit alongside clear bursts of explanation about where the music came from and why it mattered, making big musical ideas easy to grasp through listening as well as reading.
Ella Queen of Jazz by Helen Hancocks
The life of jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is told through her rise in 1950s America, where talent alone was not always enough. The story shows the barriers she faced because of racism, and how support from Marilyn Monroe helped her sing at major venues. Bold illustrations carry the narrative, with short biographical sections adding context. This expressive book for 4+ year olds introduces prejudice, friendship and the importance of allies through Ella’s real experiences in music.
The Planets by Fiona Watt
5–8 year olds are introduced to Gustav Holst’s spectacular orchestral suite through interactive sound buttons and bold illustrations. Each immersive spread focuses on a different planet, pairing a short musical extract with a simple explanation. The sturdy board book format is designed for small hands, with clear and accessible language throughout. A QR code links to further listening, offering an accessible first encounter with classical music alongside the solar system. Highly recommended.
44 Tiny Secrets by Sylvia Bishop
Betsy Bow-Linnet grows up in a family of brilliant pianists but cannot play nearly as well as they can. Then a strange letter arrives, followed by a box containing pygmy mice and an unusual promise to improve her skills. As Betsy practises, she has to juggle family expectations and the problem of keeping the mice secret. This charming story for 6–9 year olds weaves music, perseverance and family life together, introducing piano playing and classical music through Betsy’s experiences.
Around the World in 80 Musical Instruments by Nancy Dickmann
Eighty musical instruments from around the world are introduced and grouped by how they are played, from strings and wind to percussion. Each entry explains how the instrument works, where it comes from and shows its location on a world map. Accessible sections also include ideas for making simple instruments at home. Vibrant, fun illustrations and a fold-out family tree support further reading, encouraging 8+ year olds to listen closely and experiment with sound across cultures.
Ossiri and the Bala Mengro by Richard O’Neill, Katharine Quarmby and Hannah Tolson
When Ossiri builds a musical instrument from scrap materials and a willow branch, she does so despite warnings about the Bala Mengro who lives on the hillside. When she plays, her music calms the ogre and she is rewarded. Trouble follows when a stranger tries to repeat her success for money. This spellbinding picture book for 4–9 year olds draws on Romani tradition, focusing on music, respect and the cost of ignoring what truly matters.
Listen by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Discover how renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie used determination and resilience in childhood to learn new ways to listen and play music with a hearing aid. This beautifully illustrated, inspiring and motivating picture book teaches all of us to follow our dreams no matter what.
Music by Eva Wong Nava and Eleonora Marton
This brightly illustrated flapped paperback introduces 5-7 year olds to jazz and hip hop and much more through a range of engaging activities. Covering 10 key movements, it will encourage readers to explore different sounds and rhythms and try out their own musical ideas. With interactive elements, Music is a lively and hands-on learning experience that’s ideal for KS1 bookshelves.
100 Things to Know about Music by Jerome Martin
Music is explored through short bursts of facts, covering everything from how rhythm affects the body to what happens in the brain when we listen. A diverse selection of topics ranges from African drumming and musical storytelling to the science behind sound and wellbeing. Information is broken into bite-sized sections with illustrations and clear language, making it easy for primary-aged students to dip in, browse and share. It’s a lively, accessible read for curious readers aged eight and up.
Can You Feel the Noise? by Stewart Foster
Sophie’s life takes a turn when she begins to lose her hearing. Hospital visits, learning to lip-read and changes at school become part of daily life, while music feels frustratingly out of reach. But she gradually reconnects through rhythm and drumming, finding new ways to take part with her band and friends. This powerful and emotive story for 8+ year olds unflinchingly follows Sophie’s adjustment to hearing loss, showing its impact on identity, relationships and confidence. An inspirational read.
The Accidental Rock Star by Tom McLaughlin
When Ollie gets his recorder and keyboard out and starts jamming with Hector, an unlikely hit single results and the duo are catapulted to stardom. But fame isn’t quite what they expected. A funny and engaging book – part of a series – which will appeal to reluctant readers in KS2. Great fun for 10 year olds.
The Piano at the Station by Helen Rutter
Lacey finds school hard and often feels on the outside, until music lessons give her a newfound sense of focus. When her teacher leaves, she keeps playing on a public piano at the local station, practising in snatched moments between trains. Music becomes a steady and reassuring presence in her life as she deals with family difficulties and day-to-day life. This memorable and empathetic story for 9–11 year olds shows how finding something you care about can create belonging and a quiet foundation of confidence.
The Song from Somewhere Else by A. F. Harrold
Frank is being bullied at school when he starts spending time with Nick, a quiet classmate who keeps to himself. But while at Nick’s house, Frank hears strange music and begins to sense that something is not quite right. As their friendship deepens, Frank is drawn into a secret that carries real consequences. The story brings together bullying, loyalty and responsibility, with immersive black-and-white illustrations by Levi Pinfold woven beautifully into the structure of this outstanding book for 9+ year olds.
Raising the Roof: A Dazzling History of Classical Music and its Colourful Characters by Jack Pepper, illustrated by Michele Bruttomesso
Raising the Roof is a clever and captivating interactive book that explores classical music through colourful characters and a catchy playlist to listen along to. This original format invites 9-11 year olds to explore classical music and key composers, both past and present, from Mozart to Hans Zimmer. Covering key musical concepts, it includes an accompanying playlist with over 40 pieces spanning 1,000 years. With vibrant illustrations by Michele Bruttomesso, Raising the Roof blends history with contemporary relevance in a format that’s perfect for KS2 libraries.
The Song Walker by Zillah Bethell
A compelling journey unfolds as two 13-year-old girls – one who has woken up with amnesia and the other on a quest – cross the Australian Outback. They develop a friendship, despite underlying secrets. Ideal for middle-grade readers seeking adventure and cultural exploration, this tale intricately weaves Australian history and Aboriginal beliefs into its narrative.
Kofi and the Brand New Vibe by Jeffrey Boakye
Kofi and his friends are buzzing after their pirate station, Clipper FM, turns them into local stars. But the arrival of a flashy new rapper, Snipa, stirs tension and drags Kofi towards trouble he isn’t sure he can dodge. With ambition pushing one way and friendship pulling another, the pressure builds fast in this punchy page-turner. Kofi and the Brand New Vibe is the third in Jeffrey Boakye’s highly accessible contemporary, music-tinged series for 9–11 year olds.
Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan
Set between Hyderabad and Victorian London, this breataking historical novel follows Naeli as she chases the faint trail of her missing father – armed only with a violin and a name. From crowded Indian streets to gaslit alleys, she unpicks family secrets and wrestles with questions of identity and belonging. Laced with music and mystery, this character-driven story whisks the reader across cultures and continents at breakneck speed. It’s a powerful, moving and memorable novel for 8+ year olds. Highly recommended.
In the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido
Emmy has just moved to California and is trying to find her feet at a new school. Music has always been part of her life, but joining the computer science club opens up something unexpected. As she learns to code, she starts to see clear links between programming and music. Told in verse, this mesmerising book for 9–12 year olds intertwines Java coding language with musical thinking, following Emmy’s friendships, school life and growing confidence as she settles in.
Rock Band: Music and Misfits by Leah Osakwe
Galaxy wants to take the spotlight in her school talent show – but somehow ends up fronting a rock band with Sabrina, the new girl who doesn’t exactly do teamwork. With her younger sister on drums and tensions running high, Galaxy has to juggle ambition, compromise and the chaos of rehearsals. It’s a sharp, funny start to a new, edgy and contemporary series that will appeal to students in KS3. Highly recommended.
Song of the Far Isles by Nicholas Bowling
This beautifully written, lyrical and atmospheric middle-grade chapter book sees Oran, a girl who lives on an island where music ties together lives and people in the present and the past. When an evil Duchess threatens to silence their traditions, Oran begins a quest to find a magical instrument to save her island’s way of life. With rich language and hints of Phillip Pullman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Song of the Far Isles will make a spellbinding class reader for year 6.
Rise Up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music by Andrea Warner and Louise Reimer
This empowering and inspirational book takes a deep dive into musical expression as a force for protest. Chapters on gender equality, the anti-war movement, liberty and climate justice show us that artists such as Tracy Chapman, Lizzo and Bod Dylan really can change the world and effect positive change for disability rights, civil rights, gender equality, world peace and more. A valuable resource for KS3 libraries. Highly recommended.
The Last Thing You’ll Hear by Jan Dunning
Jan Dunning presents this stylish thriller about sisters Wren and Lark, whose rivalry intensifies when they meet music producer Adam and DJ Spinner. Who will Wren decide to believe and how will it affect her sister Lark’s safety? 14+ year olds will be engrossed in themes of sibling rivalry, toxic relationships, and obsessive fandom. Perfect to elicit discusion about the impact of toxic masculinity, ambition and influence, we think The Last Thing You’ll Hear will be a hit with KS4 readers.
Solo by Grainne O’Brien
Daisy’s life revolves around music – until heartbreak and family struggles throw her off key. Drifting from her twin brothers and reeling from a breakup, she loses her creative spark. Then comes Flora, a new friend who helps her find harmony again. But with her father’s illness weighing heavy, Daisy has to face what’s ahead. Told in absorbing verse with a rhythm that mirrors her journey, Solo is a sparkling story of friendship, loss, and finding your way back to yourself. Highly recommended for KS4.
Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett and Ziggy Hanaor
Fifteen-year-old Nel is used to fading into the background, especially with her twin brother Ludo soaking up the spotlight. But when she ends up stepping into his place in a local band, music gives her a way to push back, speak up, and figure out who she really is. With writing by Ziggy Hanaor and illustrations by Sarah Lippett, this highly relatable coming-of-age story from Cicada Books blends sibling drama, identity and angst with genuine heart. Exploring contemporary social media, ambitions, dreams, and the importance of music as a soundtrack to life, Everything Amplified is a powerful graphic novel that teens will seek out. Every KS4 school library should stock it. Highly recommended.
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Music resources for teachers
- The Oak National Academy music units provide sequenced KS1 and KS2 planning with lesson resources you can download and adapt.
- The DfE Model Music Curriculum (KS1 to KS3) sets out a clear progression model with suggested repertoire, listening, singing, composing and performing expectations.
- Music Mark’s resources library curates classroom materials, research and CPD links from across the UK music education sector.
- The ISM Trust resource hub includes practical guidance on curriculum design, assessment and progression, written for classroom and instrumental teachers.
- Sing Up free resources offer ready-to-use songs and activities for assemblies, class singing and musicianship, with a clear primary-school focus.
- Charanga’s free teacher resources include classroom songs and activities that work well for non-specialists and quick lesson starters.
- Classroom 200 is a free listening library for ages up to 14, organised to support focused listening, discussion and classroom musicianship.
- Musical Futures free resources provide posters, chord cards and practical classroom tools for hands-on music-making from KS2 into KS4.
- Royal Albert Hall – Schools and Teachers lists school concerts, workshops and resources that link live performance to classroom learning.
- Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Concerts for Schools offers school-priced concerts and supporting materials, useful for listening work and concert preparation.
BISAC JUV031040, YAF047030, JNF036000, YAN037000 | Thema YFB, YNC, YNCB
