Musical Tales & Tunes

A project of the Children's Kindness Network, this also introduces the instruments of the orchestra.

Dino-songs by Marty Haugen.

Sing-along pirate chanteys.

by Sandra Boynton, starring B.B. King.

by Mark Rubin, illus. Alan Daniel narrated on DVD by Peter Ustinov.  A superb intro to classical music and the orchestra and its instruments.

The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood, illus. by Sally Wern Compo and documentary DVD.

7 Scholastic Stories combine dinosaur storytelling,  animation, music, songs and sound effects! 

Jeanne M. Lee.  Cambodia, communicating without speech or hearing.  

Hear Berlioz the Bear by Jan Brett and visit The Boys Choir of Harlem and street musicians with LeVar Burton.

Jan Brett's charming story of a bear who gets stuck in the mud on the way to his concert is read on the DVD and then we visit The Boy's Choir of harlem with LaVar Burton.

Barn Dance! by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault is the book to read. LeVar Burton visits a Tennessee hoedown, bluegrass music, and clogging lesson at an authentic barn dance.

Hear the story by Jan Brett. Then go behind the scenes with The Boys Choir of Harlem and visit street musicians in New York.

A little lamb outwits a hungry coyote in this Mexican-American folk tale retold by Verna Aardema. Then explore the Latino culture with LeVar Burton in a visit with the musical group Los Lobos for a fun-filled Mexican fiesta.

The book by Jeanette Winter is the story of Peg Leg Pete and his work with the Underground Railroad. The video celebrates the road to freedom, and teaches about the history, heroes, stories and music of African-Americans.

In the story by Jonathan London, a cat creates a sound all his own and sees how the rhyme and rhythms affect his audience.

In the book by Tomi dePaola a young Indian boy follows his vision quest for a special gift he can give to his people. He discovers the Pueblo Indian peoples' use of natural materials in their pottery, painting and dance. 

Thacher Hurd's great story about Miles the Possum who gets a new sax. No more loud music at home!  So he forms Swamp Band and gets a gig with the alligators.

John Steptoe's Caldecott Honor book retells Cinderella story and introduces the tale as well as history, culture of Zimbabwe.

The fairy tale of the miller's daughter who gets help spinning straw into gold.  LaVar Burton visits the Renaissance festival where daily life is re-enacted and traveling performers.

In the book by Jeanne Lee, a young Cambodian girl, who cannot hear or speak, is invited to become a dancer in the king's court. She finds a way to communicate through the beauty of movement and dance.