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Entertaining Sing-Along Storybooks

Posted about 1 year ago by Cindy V

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

Story by Eric Litwin; Art by James Dean

Pete the Cat has a sunny outlook on life. He loves his shoes and just wants to sing about them no matter what he steps in. The folksy illustrations are great but it’s the song that makes Pete the Cat a storytime staple.

Explore the Pete the Cat website where you'll find books, games, videos and activities.

Watch the story (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes):

"Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" is just one of the great books on the 101 Picture Book Challenge list.

What is the 101 Picture Book Challenge?

101 Picture Book Challenge - Toledo Lucas County Public Library

The 101 Picture Book Challenge is for anyone at any age. Librarians hand picked the titles on the list which includes classics, new titles and everything in between.

To get started, register online. You can track your progress online or if you prefer a paper log booklet, pick one up at your neighborhood Library. The books are organized into categories but you can read the books in any order and at your own pace. When you read all 101 titles, you earn a free picture book (while supplies last).

This is the latest in a series of blog posts exploring some of the things we love about these books.

Picture Books Designed to Inspire Dancing and Singing

I love incorporating singing in storytime and there are a bunch of fun books with original songs. Here are a few good ones to make you tap your toes and sing at the top of your voice.

Bathroom Boogie by Clare Foges

Bathroom Boogie written by Clare Foges ; illustrated by Al Murphy

Swing on down and get all groovy, come and join the bathroom boogie! Starring: Mouthwash! Power shower! The toothbrushes! Loofah! Shampoo! With guest appearances from wash cloth & bubble bath!

Watch the story (Bathroom Boogie):

Kitchen Disco by Clare Foges

Kitchen disco / written by Clare Foges ; illustrated by Al Murphy

A zany rhyming picture book featuring an assortment of partying fruits finds breakdancing lemons, twirling tangerines, excited apples, a banana DJ and other be-bopping members of the fruit bowl organizing a fun disco in a late-night kitchen.

Watch the story (Kitchen Disco):

I Got 2 Dogs by John Lithgow

I got two dogs / by John Lithgow ; illustrated by Robert Neubecker

Despite being different in size, shape, and personality, lovable pooches Fanny and Blue are equally adored by their doting owner who has always accepted them for being just as they are!

Watch the story (I Got Two Dogs):

Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin

Groovy Joe is a fun-loving dog with a tub full of ice cream, which he shares with his unexpected dinosaur guests.

Watch the story (Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs):

The Nuts: Sing and Dance in your Polka-Dot Pants by Eric Litwin

Hazel Nut wants to sing and dance, but Mama, Papa, and Wally Nut are too busy, so Hazel calls in a special family member to get everyone moving.

Watch the story (The Nuts: Polka-Dot Pants Dance):

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

In this lively alphabet rhyme, the letters of the alphabet race up the cocunut tree.

Watch the story (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom):

My Friend Robot! by Sunny Scribens

My friend robot / written by Sunny Scribens ; illustrated by Hui Skipp ; sung by Norma Jean Wright

Children and their robot friend build a treehouse in a rhyme that fits the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down." Includes facts about simple machines, jobs robots do, an activity, and musical notation.

Watch the story (My Friend Robot!):

Kids Go! by They Might be Giants

Kids go! / They Might Be Giants ; illustrations by Pascal Campion

A Grammy-nominated band provides an illustrated four-color sing-along book chock full entertaining, original song lyrics, accompanied by a companion DVD with the songs themselves and engaging animation.

Watch the story (Kids Go!):