What We Do
The Band Books brings children’s literature alive. We aim to inspire our audiences to read (more) by bringing the words and images off the page using music.
We’re made up of musicians, fathers, music educators and authors. We use the text and images of children’s book classics — as well as some new classics — as a starting point to delve deeper into the music in language, the basics of rhythm, and the joy of reading.
We work with schools and teachers to develop activities that encourage writing and then showcase those efforts in song and images in live performance.
Come for the books. Stay for the rock.
Live at the Brooklyn Public Library
August 28, 2018
Swimmy
BY LEO LIONNI
Lionni’s 1964 Caldecott-award winning tale of a courageous mussel-black fish pairs who organizes his fellow fish pairs well with an emotive brooding but ultimately uplifting original composition.
Moon Man
BY TOMI UNGERER
Tomi Ungerer’s classic 1966 tale of a curious lunar visitor comes alive with threads of French chanson, heavy metal, a waltz and, of course, a bit of David Bowie.
Where The Wild Things Are?
BY MAURICE SENDAK
We perform this crowd-pleasing classic by Maurice Sendak to a rumba with a lively dance break for the Wild Rumpus.
What’s Cooking?
BY JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
Since I wrote this book to be read aloud, we’ve turned What’s Cooking?, my second children’s book, into a raucous call-and-response.
• Purchase “What’s Cooking?” here
Live from the Dunkin’ DOnuts Lounge
November 9, 2017
CAN I EAT THAT?
BY JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
With Adi Meyerson on double bass and Dan Dzula on drums, we performed my first book as a jazz tune during a guest appearance on the Fatherly podcast on iHeart Media. Since I am the host, we were my own musical guest.
WHAT’S COOKING?
BY JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
With Adi Meyerson on double bass and Dan Dzula on drums, we performed my first book as a jazz tune during a guest appearance on the Fatherly podcast on iHeart Media. Since I am the host, we were my own musical guest.
Book Us
The Band Books are available for school assemblies, library and bookstore readiings, baller librarian conferences, birthday parties and traditional rock shows. We are certified DOE vendors in New York City. If you’re interested in having The Band Books play for you, please use the form below.