The Music Is In Me: A Picture Book About Music Class

The Music is in Me by Kathy Wells

For students in Let's Play Music and Sound Beginnings, attending class becomes a meaningful part of their world and self-awareness. The Music is in Me captures a child’s experience with music and its influence on their perception of self.

The story begins with a child reflecting on the music she’s heard since birth: her mother singing lullabies, her father singing in the shower, and the natural sounds of the world around her. The child wonders, “Is the music in me too?”

When she attends the Red Balloons semester of Let's Play Music, she discovers her own musical abilities. She plays the autoharp, helps puppets dance to classical music, and plays tone bells with a mallet. Through these experiences, she gains confidence and views herself as a musician.

In an interview, Kathy Wells shared her inspiration for the book:

LPM: Why did you write this story? Does it relate to your childhood?

Kathy: As a shy child, I struggled with confidence. My parents encouraged me to try new things, and at age six, I began piano lessons. Music became my passion, and over the years, I also played the violin, organ, and sang in choirs. I wanted to write a book that would help children connect with their own musical experiences and build confidence, as Sound Beginnings and Let's Play Music programs do for so many students.

LPM: What about the artwork?

Kathy: The illustrations were very important to me. I wanted them to reflect the experience of the book so that even pre-readers could enjoy the story. When I found Whitney Staheli, I knew she was the right fit. The artwork encourages readers to imagine themselves in music class, experiencing it as the child in the story does.

LPM: Is this your first book?

Kathy: Yes, this is my first book, and it was a joy to write. I’m grateful to Shelle Soelberg, creator of Let's Play Music, for supporting my idea and helping bring it to life. As a lifelong lover of children's literature, I believe reading together is a powerful way to bond and prepare children for success in school.

We hope this book resonates with children transitioning from Sound Beginnings to Let's Play Music or new to Let's Play Music!

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