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The combined talent of three geniuses — Martha Graham’s choreography, Isamu Noguchi’s art, and Aaron Copland’s music — brought the ballet “Appalachian Spring” to life in October 1944. Graceful illustrations combine with poetic, highly detailed narrative for a riveting account of this achievement. Notes and sources are included.

A comic hen wants only to make jokes but is misunderstood by the farmer and so she strikes out on her own. Before long she meets other humor-loving but underappreciated animals: a dog, a cat, and a cow. Like the familiar Bremen Town musicians, this quartet foils a group of robbers and opens their own comedy club. Bad puns and silly jokes are sure to cause groans and laughter in this silly parody.

Best friends, Ivy & Bean, both desperately want to dance ballet with the drama of “Giselle.” Instead, they must learn the basics and finally are cast as squid in the recital. How these recognizable 2nd graders manage to keep their promise not to quit makes the latest installment a worthy one.

When Mother Rabbit tells Little Rabbit he could only go to the circus once his playroom has been cleaned, he sneaks out to join the circus telling the ringmaster that he’s got the Meanest Mother on Earth. Children and adults will recognize the satisfying conclusion — and perhaps see themselves in this story.

A mutt tells reveals a “doggy allegory” and how he went from “the saddest and the baddest” to being a hip hop dog. Jazzy language swirls around and with fresh, loose art to create a sense of music in many forms. While rappers may just call it ‘freestyle,’ this zippy book is howling good fun.

It’s tough being the middle child, between an older brother and younger sister. Second grade Freddy says he sometimes feels squeezed like the peanut butter part of a sandwich but happily, he establishes himself as special nonetheless. Memorable characters and recognizable situations make this book both satisfying and appealing.

The narrator begins his neighborhood trek with an infectious rhyme, saying that some days “you just gotta wokka.” In fact, he is so infectious that others join him to say and show how they wokka-wokka, too. Lively illustrations and playful nonsense rhymes make this a joyful walk down any street.

Born into a poor Roma family, Django Reinhardt’s musical talent takes him to perform on European stages for appreciative audiences. Here, the basics of his life are presented in vibrant, expressive paintings and a poetic text. An author’s note encourages finding out more about this little known musician.

Anna May Wong grew up in San Francisco in the 1920s, working diligently in her family’s laundromat but secretly daydreaming of becoming a movie star. When she set out to realize her dream, she soon discovered the lack of opportunity in Hollywood for Asian American actors. After traveling in Europe and China, Anna May ultimately decided to portray only roles she felt presented a positive image of Asians, leading the way for the many actors who followed in her footsteps.

A Newbery Honor book that accounts the life and musical career of the great African American vocalist, Marion Anderson, in the context of the history of civil rights in the United States.

Rhymes, games, and more are presented with richly colored illustrations evoke the traditions of Puerto Rico and the universality of a child’s activities and interests. Spanish verses are woven throughout the text.

In this latest installment of the ever-popular Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie go to New Orleans on All Saint’s Day in 1915 to find a young musician named Louis Armstrong. Music, mystery, and ghosts combine for another riveting quest for the sibling adventurers.

Have you ever wondered about the creator of Mickey Mouse; the man whose name is synonymous with theme parks and family films? Meet Walt Disney in this readable (though unauthorized) biography.

Simeon loves a noblewoman from afar and seeks to find the music from deep inside him. His quest turns to despair until a series of events allow him to discover his real worth. Well told and strikingly illustrated, this modern fable resonates with readers.

Theater mice perform in a space just out of human sight in a venerable old New York theater. Alas! The leading rodent taken to Brooklyn before she performs in the final play before the theater is destroyed. Humor abounds in this satisfying tale.

Katy Duck loved to dance through each season but was especially excited about the spring recital: “A show to celebrate spring!” Though Katy is disappointed with her assignment, she blossoms as a lowly caterpillar in this recognizable and humorous tale.

Words make music and it’s sure apparent as the words and illustrations swirl and move around the pages of this lively and engaging book. Celebrate music and music-making when sharing this book aloud.

Join two children as they shake and dance and enjoy their neighborhood and get others to join in on the beat. Rhythmic language and jaunty, child-like illustrations make a trek all the way to a party.

Alexander Calder — Sandy — had a vivid imagination and a fascination with the circus; his sketches of the circus became 3-dimensional. Vivid illustrations combine with an informal text to introduce a man whose art continues to inspire and intrigue.

Have you ever wondered why there is thunder and lightning? Hear this Nigerian folktale and other tales (as well as original poems) retold and shared by a master storyteller, artist, and writer. Ashley Bryan’s distinctive style and resonant voice echo the techniques of traditional griots.

Cassie loved to dance and aspired to grow up to dance in a troupe. The only problem was her fear of performing in front of people. Even Jake, a real dance show-off, is afraid to dance in front of his father. The satisfying resolution will encourage many young dancers, performers, and readers.

John’s music began when he listened to the music in his childhood. Semi-abstract illustrations vivify sound-filled poetry, together introducing a boy who would grow up to become the great John Coltrane.

Bonnie takes ballet classes while her little sister, Sylvie, waits outside for her. That is, until Sylvie follows Bonnie in one day and wins a place in the class. The warm relationship between the girls is revealed through Bonnie’s voice. Expressive illustrations are sure to be appreciated by dancers and non-dancers alike.

Find out what the animals in the zoo do once it’s closed for the night in this lively, rhyming alphabet book. Jaunty illustrations add humor and meaning to words presented in two languages.