Sing, Read, Connect: 8 Song-Based Picture Books
Are you searching for a way to deepen engagement and foster connection in your music therapy sessions? One powerful (and often underused) tool is the use of picture books based on popular songs.
These books take well-loved songs by artists like Bill Withers, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan and transform them into beautifully illustrated stories. They open the door to musical exploration, art and mindfulness extensions, and multisensory learning.
Whether you’re working with young or older children, these song-based books make room for singing, emotional expression, movement, and joy.
Why Song-Based Picture Books Work in Music Therapy
Song-based picture books engage multiple senses, offer opportunities for active and passive music making, provide structure and predictability, and stimulate cognition through popular songs with well-known lyrics.
Multisensory engagement
By providing a combination of visuals, auditory input, along with opportunities for movement, these books create a valuable sensory experience. This is especially beneficial to clients who respond well to structured, layered input.
Predictability = Safety
Many of these books are based on well-known and loved songs, which makes them engaging and safe. Clients who struggle with expressive language or new tasks often show increased engagement when they recognize a melody like “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley or “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. The repetitive lyrics and page turning creates a predictable, rhythmic routine that promotes engagement and participation.
Literacy & Language Development
For young children, these books support print awareness, vocabulary acquisition, and early literacy skills. For older kids, they offer cognitive stimulation and opportunities for lyric analysis and songwriting. In both cases, pairing music with text stimulates language pathways and promotes meaningful dialogue.
Emotional and Creative Expression
The illustrations bring the lyrics to life and create a space for emotional expression, open discussion, and artistic extensions. A client may identify with a character, image in the books, or draw their own version of the song’s lyrics.
Suggested Song-Based Picture Books to Use in Music Therapy Sessions
To help you get started, here’s a curated list of song-based picture books (and correlating playlist) that work beautifully across age groups and clinical settings. Whether you're facilitating a sing-along, guiding a songwriting activity, or supporting emotional expression, these books offer rich opportunities for connection and creativity.
Lyrics by Bob Dylan, Illustrations by Paul Rogers
Themes: Family Connection, Well-Wishes
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Art Extension, Lyric Rewriting
Lyrics by Ringo Starr, Illustrations by Ben Cort
Themes: Playfulness, Creativity, Imagination
Possible Applications: Sensory Exploration, Movement, Instrument Exploration
Lyrics by George Davis Weiss & Bob Thiele, Illustrations by Ashley Bryan
Themes: Joy, Gratitude
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Mindfulness, Practicing Gratitude, Positive Coping
Lyrics by Bill Withers, Illustrations by Rachel Moss
Themes: Friendship, Growing Up, Community
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Movement, Reflecting on Relationships, Positive Coping
Every Little Thing: Based on the Song ‘Three Little Birds’
Lyrics by Bob Marley, Adapted by Cedella Marley, Illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Themes: Friendship, Hope, Love
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Positive Coping, Movement, Instrument Exploration
Lyrics by Cat Stevens, Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Themes: Hope, Peace, Unity, Overcoming Adversity
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Lyric Analysis, Art Extension, Instrument Exploration, Coping Skills
Lyrics by John Denver, Adapted & Illustrated by Christopher Canyon
Themes: Nature/Countryside, Home
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Instrument Exploration
Lyrics by John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Illustrations by Marc Rosenthal
Themes: Love, Community, Relationships
Possible Applications: Sing-along, Lyric Analysis, Art Extension
(For a printable version of this list click here.)
Each of these books invites a layered experience that’s more than just reading or singing. By using familiar melodies alongside thoughtful visuals, you can create sessions that are both accessible and deeply meaningful.
If you’re ready to expand your toolkit, consider adding a few of these books to your rotation. They might just become some of your most-used and most-loved resources in session.
Creative Ideas for Your Sessions
Want to make the most of these song-based picture books? Here are some fun, effective, and engaging ways to incorporate them into your music therapy sessions—whether you're in-person or virtual. (Save or share this visual for easy inspiration!)
These small moments of connection—through singing, art, movement, and story—can have a big impact. Try one or two ideas this week and see how your clients respond. What’s your favorite song-based book to use? Let us know in the comments!