This month’s blog post is written by Charmaine Atrooshi, Acting Supervising Librarian at the Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

The Hazeldean Children’s team believes in the importance of early literacy programming, and advocates for the importance of the five tenets of early literacy practice: talking, singing, reading, writing, playing (Every Child Ready to Read, 2022).

In this post we will focus on the singing aspect of reading (as we love to sing!) and we will share some of our favorite singable stories!

Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns n’ Roses and illustrator Jennifer Zivoin

Can you believe it has been 30 years plus since the song Sweet Child O’ Mine was released? This book portrays a young girl and her father as they enjoy nature, sing, and spend time together. A lovely story perfect for singing along and sharing the classics with a younger generation.

Singing in the Rain by Arthur Freed

The only thing more fun than singing in the rain is...jumping in puddles in the rain! Sing-along to this classic adaptation celebrating rain clouds and song!

Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley and Bob Marley

Three little birds are accompanying this little boy on his adventure, and singing a sweet song, “Don't worry/ about a thing,/ 'cause every little thing/ is gonna be all right." A wonderful story with beautiful illustrations that will have the readers humming along and searching for the original song to listen to.

(Sitting’ On) the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding, Steve Cropper and Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor

A beautifully illustrated story featuring a cat, sitting on the dock of the bay, fishing, passing time, and making friends. Bright beautiful illustrations are sure to please the young, and familiar lyrics of Redding’s—the young at heart!

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofeld-Morrison

Join along with as this young girl discovers the rhythm of her neighborhood—from hearing the rhythm, catching the rhythm and looking at the rhythm, this picture book is sure to have you tapping, humming, and singing aloud.

We’re Not Gonna Take It by Dee Snider and illustrated by Margaret McCartney

Does anyone remember the Twisted Sister song of the same name? Well, this time it is the toddlers in this story who are taking a stand against bathtime, lunchtime and bedtime! A reimagined take on the classic song of empowerment, a fun read for adults and children alike.

All these great books are available to borrow from the Ottawa Public Library! For more books to sing along check out our Sing a Story list in BiblioCommons. Really love one of the titles and want to find something similar? Check out NoveList K-8 for read-alikes, recommendations, and more!

We also have a vast array of children’s e-books and audiobooks to borrow available through Overdrive. And don’t forget Tumblebooks—with read alongs for all ages including picture books as well as chapter books, and even songs!

For more information on early literacy and your child, please check out the Ottawa Public Library website for programs, blogs, and book lists! Examples include:

Preparing Your Child to Read (Staff Blog by Robin_library)

Children’s Programs

Reading and Parent’s Program (RAPP) Packs

Don’t have a library card yet? No problem, you can register online!