Sing
by Joe Raposo (Author) Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
"Sing! Sing a song. Sing out loud, sing out strong."
So begins a song first made popular on Sesame Street, then interpreted by singers of every style, from Gloria Estefan to the Dixie Chicks to R.E.M., as well as famous personalities such as Conan O'Brien, Katie Couric, Nathan Lane, and Liam Neeson.
Now, bestselling children's book illustrator Tom Lichtenheld has put a visual story to this timeless and universal song that celebrates perseverance, self-expression, and the power of music to help each of us find our voice.
Digital downloads of three songs are included with book purchase: Sing! Somebody Come and Play, and One of These Things. Music by Joe Raposo. Songs performed by Becca Kauffman with The Midnight Sun Ensemble.
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Publishers Weekly
The lyrics to the late Raposo's beloved song, popularized on Sesame Street in the 1970s, form the basis for this picture-book interpretation from Lichtenheld (Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site), in which a small purple bird has difficulty finding its own song. The wordless opening pages show three birds in a nest; the first two chirp musical notes and fly off, but the third can't muster a sound, its speech bubbles empty. Along comes a boy with a guitar, who strums as the lyrics to the song begin: "Sing,/ Sing a song./ Sing out loud,/ Sing out strong." As the boy plays and sings, musical notes rise up and literally buoy the bird (and its nest), lifting them aloft until the bird is able to fly and sing for itself, and rejoin its companions. It's an effective visual metaphor for the way that music can be a form of support. A CD recording of the song is included, as are English and Spanish lyrics and a note from Raposo's son, Nick. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agent: Agent: Amy Rennert, the Amy Rennert Agency. (May)
Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
K-Gr 1—A visual interpretation of the uplifting, popular song. Two small birds leave their nest one by one with a colorful warbled note, but as the last bird tries to follow, no sound is forthcoming despite a discouraged second try. "Sing, sing a song...." A boy's melody reaches the nest and startles a weak first tweet. Shaking him out of the nest, the tune soars, and the fledgling finds its voice, following musical notes to reach the other two and join their notes together..."Sing a Song!" The text alongside its Spanish translation accompanies a historical note by Raposo's son that explains his father's immigrant story and the roots of the song. Original handwritten notes, lyrics, and chords of "Canta-Sing" are included. Art in watercolor, ink, pastels, and colored pencils balances text in a simple setting and accentuates the power of the music. For young and old, the text recalls a theme of courage and self-acceptance with easy-to-follow imagery. Everyone will want to sing along.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Joe Raposo was a celebrated composer, songwriter, pianist, television writer, and lyricist best known for his work on Sesame Street. He served as musical director for Sesame Street from its inception through the late 1970s. He also wrote songs for Frank Sinatra and many television shows, such as Three's Company.
Tom Lichtenheld is the New York Times-bestselling illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. He lives in Illinois.JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
Songs
Children's songs, English
Singing
