I very rarely give a book five stars, but this one deserved that rating, and also deserves consideration for the Caldecott Medal. It is a great example of telling a story primarily in pictures, but ones which enhance an actual text.Another book that I recently read pointed out that songs were the poetry of our age. Thus, I had to include poetry in the shelves for this book, a gorgeous adaptation of the lyrics of Joe Raposo's song.Oddly, the liner notes for the book ignore the two hit versions of the song, by Barbra Streisand and by The Carpenters, in favor of mentioning the quirky versions done by later performers. The fact is, though, that most people who were around at the time the song came out either heard it on Sesame Street or heard the Streisand or Carpenters versions on the radio. The song was everywhere.As a song and story for children, it presents what may be the most important message of all for kids: "Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing..."Too often, people are told that they shouldn't create if they're not good enough, which of course prevents them from ever BECOMING good. Thanks to Sesame Street, a host of musicians and now the artwork of Tom Lichtenheld, the simple words of Joe Raposo have been brought to new life. While a bird struggles to fly from its nest, a guitarist beneath the branch where its nest rests strums his guitar and sings the beloved song "Sing!" The ink, watercolor, pastel and colored pencil illustrations filled with notes show the power of encouragement and believing in yourself. Fans of this uplifting song will adore the back matter that includes a note from the lyricist's son. It's almost possible to hear all the "Awww"s from readers who will surely listen to the accompanying CD as they read.
What do You think about Sing (2013)?
Works very nicely for storytime, then repeat and have parents and kids sing along with you.
—cgomezl88
What begins as a wordless book emerges into a celebration of song & finding your voice.
—Ryn
Adorable illustrations accompany the text of one of my all-time favorite songs.
—ccliffor
