ReFoReMo Day 23: Tracey M. Cox Listens to the Music

3/24/2015

by Tracey M. Cox

Rocking with the rhythm is something we think of with songs. Stories based on songs can carry the ebb and flow with their text. This helps pull the reader further into a story. A story can use a phrase or the beat of a song to guide the story. Here are some books that get my toes tapping.

Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane and Jane Manning
Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins
Over In the Forest by Marianne Berkes and Jill Dubin
One Love by Cedella Marley and Vanessa Newton
Five Little Ducks by Anthony Lewis

Tracey M. Cox is involved in the kidlit community through SCBWI, KidLit.TV, blogging, and Books Love & Taters Book Festival. Her soon-to-be-published book, The Children at the Playground (Xist Publishing, May 2015), is based on The Wheels on the Bus.

121 Comments

Kaye Baillie

3/22/2015 07:05:49 pm

Looking forward to finding these, Tracey.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:22:46 am

Kaye, Thanks. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Heidi Yates

3/22/2015 07:11:00 pm

Thank you for the recommendations Tracey! I look forward to reading these books. :)

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:23:38 am

Heidi,
You're welcome. Have fun reading.

Rebecca Colby

3/22/2015 07:44:28 pm

I love "Mama Built a Little Nest", and I'm sure I'll enjoy the other recommendations. Thanks for those, Tracey! It's wonder when books are suggested that I've not heard of before.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:25:25 am

Rebecca,
I love that too. I feel as if I'm on a treasure hunt, finding new gems. Enjoy!

Wendy Engelmann

3/22/2015 08:08:27 pm

I love The Wheels on the Bus. So I am sure your book will sing. Thank you for posting five new books for me to read. I hope my library has them

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:26:37 am

Wendy,
Thank you! I've been using the inner-loan A LOT at my library.

Yvonne Mes link

3/22/2015 08:43:29 pm

Great suggestions. A PB that came out recently in Australia is 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini'. My little boys now love singing along!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:28:39 am

Yvonne,
Oh my goodness! Is it based on the song? I remember a song here in the states. My mom had it on a 45 record. (I'm showing my age here. LOL)

Yvonne Mes link

3/23/2015 11:03:02 am

Yes, the song. It is an oldie. The illustrations are cute, a little embarrassed hippo at the beach wearing her little bikini for the first time :-)

Maria Laso

3/22/2015 08:48:03 pm

La la la!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:29:26 am

Naria,
Sing it! 😊

MaDonna Maurer link

3/22/2015 08:52:08 pm

This is a great idea, in fact as I was reading your suggestions a writing idea came to my head. Now to just find the right song/mentor text to go along with it. Will be looking up "Over in the Forest" as it was the one that made the lightbulb come one. ;)

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:32:10 am

MaDonna,,
EXCELLENT!!!
Over In the Forest is layered too. It introduces baby animals, what their footprints look like, along with facts in the back of the book. Plus there are other hidden animals to find.

Maria Marshall

3/22/2015 10:18:28 pm

Tracy, Thank you! Five books I never read. I can't wait to go find them!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:32:45 am

Maria,
I hope you enjoy them.

Lisa Connors link

3/22/2015 11:01:54 pm

More treats for our minds! Thanks!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:33:31 am

Lisa,
Enjoy!

Elaine Hillson

3/22/2015 11:03:31 pm

I'm looking forward to finding these. Thanks Tracey.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 12:34:17 am

Elaine,
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Angela Hawkins link

3/22/2015 11:44:50 pm

Woo Hoo! A fellow Xist Publishing author! This is great Tracey! I've only recently begun to play around with music in my writing. Can't wait to read these titles!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:26:38 am

Angela,
YAY! *waves* Hope you like them. Is your book published?

Julie Burchstead

3/23/2015 12:00:56 am

As a former first grade teacher, I love books that are songs. One of my very favorite genres. There are some here I have not seen. Fun idea to twist the lyrics a bit and make them your own.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:27:21 am

Julie,
Thanks. I'm glad you like my idea.

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/23/2015 12:06:52 am

Wow, Tracey. Thank you! I love rhythm. Now I have new titles with which I am unfamiliar. Off to the library this morning!

Tra\

3/23/2015 01:28:02 am

Marianne,
Happy hunting. I love bopping my head to the beat.

Joyce Tucker link

3/23/2015 12:13:39 am

Just read One Love recently...loved it! Looking forward to reading the rest. Thanks 😀

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:29:08 am

Joyce,
I loved One Love! I'm a Bob Marley fan too. So I was looking forward to it. I love the theme of making the world a better place to live. They did a great job on it.

Beth Gallagher

3/23/2015 12:26:57 am

I just love a book with a good rhythmic beat! Thanks for the suggestions, Tracey!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:29:45 am

Beth,
Me too. It can help carry the whole book. Hope these get your toes tapping.

Deborah Allmand

3/23/2015 12:30:59 am

Tracey, I love your suggestions. Can't wait to read them. For me rhythmic writing is the hardest to achieve. I look forward to dissecting them to see how those writers did it. Thanks again for the post.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:33:09 am

Deborah,
Thanks. I love how each of them approached the story line so differently.
One Love takes one phrase and intermingles it through out.
Over in the Forest is layered with animals, footprints, facts, and discovery.
Mama Built a Little Nest is filled with interesting facts.
Ten Little & Five Little Ducks have their own quirkiness.
It goes to show you how everyone sees things in a different light.

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/23/2015 12:32:45 am

I guess my question would be if you consider the legal rights to use songs? Some may be in public domain, but some melodies (and famous four-notes) are copyrighted. Even if you are using the rhythm of a song, wouldn't that be crossing the line? (I assume that's why I typically only see books with nursery-rhymes etc. or else the song writers--or families--publish related pbs.)

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 01:37:59 am

Juliann,
You asked a great question. You do have to be careful with copyrights. The first thing I did was look to make sure it was in public domain. Public domain and royalty-free are very different. Royalty-free usually has a free to purchase 'rights' to use. While public domain is free and clear of any rights.
Like you said, most that are done are nursery rhymes or older songs. Wheels on the Bus Mary had a Little Lamb, and others are free and clear. While a particular song variation might not be, because that particular artist has rights to that version.
Hope that helps. :)

Jennifer Judd link

3/23/2015 01:41:36 am

Great titles, Tracey! I am adding them to the list--always looking for good rhymers with catchy rhythms.\Congrats on your book! Can't wait to check it out in May!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 02:14:16 am

Jennifer,
Thanks! Not all are rhymers either!!! But all have a rhythm. :)

Taurean J. Watkins link

3/23/2015 01:55:06 am

I LOVE picture books that explore music, whether in the literal sense, the language, or both! In terms of exploring the subject of music, I'd recommend-

"The Blues of Flats Brown"
by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrated by Nina Laden

Reviewed this on "Talking Animal Addicts" recently. This is rhythmic/lyrical writing at its best.

This book also celebrates it's 15th anniversary this year. This book works on many levels, and has that enviable charm that can appeal to little kids at story time, but also older kids as it touches on topical issues to discuss such as animal abuse and the healing power of music, without being preachy or heavy-handed.

"Violet's Music"
by Angela Johnson
Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

In terms of rhythm in the prose there's-

"Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam"
by Tracey Codorey
Illustrated by Steven Lenton

The page spreads make it feel like your reading a short film. The nonstandard rhyme scheme enchants without being laborious.

"The Snatchabook"
by Helen Docherty
Illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Striking illustrations, invented wordplay, and impeccable rhyme. One of the best <b>(and most original)</b> homages to Seuss I've ever read. This is an author-illustrator team to watch!

"The Highway Rat"
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Axel Scheffer

"Bad Dog"
by Nina Laden
This is sadly out of print, but it's WORTH tracking down, or checking with your library network. The rhyme and rythm accomplished here are a perfect match with the angular and quirky illustrations. If/When this gets reissued they should seriously consider doing an audio version, with the right narrator it'd be amazing!

While the rats I know are good (for the most part) there's something to be said for their often typecast role as the baddie, and this book revels in that long-standing tradition.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 02:15:15 am

Taurean,
Thank you for your suggestions. Going to add to my list of TBR!!!

Pat Miller

3/23/2015 01:59:38 am

Groovy--thanks for reminding us of what fun rhythm adds to a story!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 02:15:58 am

Pat,
I love singing. So anytime I can add that to a story I love it!

Linda Schueler link

3/23/2015 02:20:11 am

What a great idea! I'll look for these books and similar ones.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 03:10:23 am

Linda,
Glad you like my idea. Happy hunting!

maria gianferrari link

3/23/2015 02:31:50 am

Thanks, Tracey! I loved Mama Built a Little Nest, great rhythm and Steve Jenkins's collages, as always, are amazing. Looking forward to checking out the others, and your book as well.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 03:11:32 am

Maria,
I agree. I loved looking at the pictures in this one as much as the text. :) Win-win!

Juliana Lee link

3/23/2015 02:33:30 am

Texts like these help the youngest 'read' by themselves. And I know one who's going to love Little Goblins Ten!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 03:12:05 am

Juliana,
That one was fun with all the monsters!

Lori Dubbin

3/23/2015 03:01:27 am

Children quickly remember the words in stories when there's rhyme, rhythm, and song. Like Juliana says, soon they are "reading by themselves." Your mentor texts look like wonderful toe tappers. Can't wait to check them out.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:53:23 am

Lori,
It helps us adults remember them too. ;)
Hope your toes get to tapping.

Caroline Twomey link

3/23/2015 03:02:34 am

My son loves books with a great rhythm/beat! I'm looking forward to sharing these with him-thanks for the great suggestions Tracy! Best of luck with your new release too ")

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:54:29 am

Caroline,
Thank you!!! Hoping mine will match these on the toe tapping.

Janie Reinart

3/23/2015 03:05:20 am

Tracey best wishes for your upcoming book! Looking forward to checking out the titles you posted😄

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:54:54 am

Janie,
Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Rachel Hamby link

3/23/2015 03:17:36 am

Thanks, Tracey! Great advice and list.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:57:01 am

Rachel,
Enjoy!

Erin Nowak link

3/23/2015 03:28:58 am

Thanks for these awesome suggestions ! Can't wait to read them. My kiddos love the book Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, illustrated by Michael Hays. I like how it's classified as a "storysong" on the cover too. The one good thing about my kids listening to children's radio, is that it has been really inspiring for my writing and illustrating. Thanks again!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:58:09 am

Erin,
That is awesome. Thanks for another suggestion too.
I have another book that was inspired by a song. One line expanded into a whole story line. :)
Love when that happens.

AJ Irving link

3/23/2015 03:34:56 am

Great list, Tracey! Thank you!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:58:30 am

AJ,
You're welcome. Hope you have fun reading.

Cassie Bentley

3/23/2015 03:58:14 am

Thanks for all the suggestions. They are all new to me. I love rhythm in narrative but haven't trued it yet. Thanks to Taurean Watkins also for the additional suggestions.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 04:59:40 am

Cassie,
I have a few mss where I have done this. It's fun to create a new spin on something you know is familiar. Tricky too, but I'm up for challenges. :)

Kristi Veitenheimer

3/23/2015 04:00:19 am

Thanks for the list! They look like cute books!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 05:00:38 am

Kristi,
They are adorbs!
Book hug!

Sue Heavenrich

3/23/2015 04:23:09 am

Great titles. I checked out "Mama built a Little Nest" SO many times that I finally ordered a copy for myself. I love "Over in the Forest" - she has a new one about Mountains (which I just got)... I've never read the goblin book, so am looking forward to that!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 05:09:06 am

Sue,
Glad you liked those too AND to have given you some new ideas.

Suzy Leopold

3/23/2015 04:26:54 am

I'm rockin' to the rhythm with you, Tracey! Do you hear my toes a tappin'?

I must add four of the titles to my readin' list as I have only read Mama Built a Little Nest.

I look forward to your upcoming book, Children at the Playground.
~Sue

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 05:09:47 am

Sue,
I hear ya tap-tap-tapping!!!
Have fun reading and THANK YOU!

Leslie Goodman link

3/23/2015 04:36:24 am

I'm looking forward to good toe-tapping reading. Thanks for these fun suggestions.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 05:10:12 am

Leslie,
Hope you enjoy!

Gabrielle Snyder

3/23/2015 04:58:13 am

Thanks for the suggestions, Tracey! These are all new to me.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 05:10:40 am

Gabrielle,
I'm finding new treasures too!

Lauri Meyers link

3/23/2015 05:45:32 am

My toes are tapping now too.

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 06:46:16 am

Lauri,

YAY!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/23/2015 05:51:27 am

Haven't read any of these. Will change this immediately. To the library! Thanks!

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 06:46:51 am

Jilanne,
It's always a good day when you go to the library!

Rene`Diane Aube

3/23/2015 05:54:49 am

Thank you, Tracey :) I'm looking forward to reading these as mentor texts since I have a project to complete, someday, that also dances to a popular tune. Right now, the record's stuck. ;)

Tracey M. Cox

3/23/2015 06:47:27 am

Rene,
HA! I know how that is. Mine gets stuck at times too.

Nicole Popel link

3/23/2015 06:03:49 am

ReFoReMo Day 23: Tracey M. Cox Listens to the Music

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