music: 6 Articles

Elephant’s Music: Interview with the Author

We all need to belong, but it can be hard to find a way to fit in. In Elephant’s Music, Edward, the elephant loves music, but has no musical ability at all. This lovely picture book explores how Edward and members of his favorite band find a way for him to be part of the performance. We’ve interviewed author and illustrator, Monika Filipina, about the process of creating Elephant’s Music.  Magination Press: What inspired you to write Elephant’s Music? Monika Filipina: I usually take inspiration from my own experiences and the world around me. For this story the main character is a little bit like myself. I always wanted to have talent for music, but sadly I am terrible at singing or playing any instrument. I tried to play guitar and flute in the past, but it just did not work! I had to accept that I am tone-deaf and that I will not make it as a singer. I tried to find the crowd that likes to listen to the terrible noise, but that did not happen.  MP: Why did you choose animals instead of people as your characters? MF: I love animals. They are fun and very playful to draw, they can have imaginary colors and fantastic shapes. Drawing the animal characters will always be my absolute favorite, and I believe that it shows in the artwork, when the creator had fun making the art. For some reason when I think about a story, the first thing that comes to me is the main character is an animal - the lion, the cat, the owl, the rabbit, the elephant… It works subconsciously, it just happens in my mind. Animals are perfect for exaggerating specific features without offending anyone. This time the main character happened to be an elephant because it all started with a single drawing of an elephant who had no fingers to play violin. The funny thing is that in Poland we have a saying that “an elephant stepped on one’s ear” which is a humorous idiom for someone who sings off-key or is very unmusical, and another one “to move like an elephant in the porcelain warehouse” about someone being very clumsy. So, the elephant seemed to be the perfect character for the story! MP: Why did you choose music instead of sports, art, or some other activity? MF: It is very difficult to explain. This idea of a clumsy elephant trying to play violin came to me. Sometimes it is very hard for me to tell where the idea comes from… It just happens. I walk, or sit, or read a book, or exercise, and suddenly, I have an image in my head and it all begins. I have to stop and write it down so it doesn’t go away.  MP: Edward found a way to participate in the concerts by being the band’s biggest fan. But it wasn’t until the other band members recognized his percussion abilities and the monkeys gave Edward

Read More
Elephant’s Music: Interview with the Author 2021-04-27T11:49:59-04:00

Musical March: Stories that Celebrate Music in Our Lives

March is Music in Our Schools Month. Research shows that music can have positive effects on children’s early development. Investing in music education early helps children develop fine motor skills, as well as physical and mental health. In recognition of the important role music can play in families, communities, and for the individual, here are some terrific stories that include voices, ensembles, interesting instruments, and more.  Music is at the heart of these stories: Elephant’s Music by Monika Filipina All of the animals in the forest can play an instrument, except Edward the Elephant. He tries, and he tries, but all he can do is make a terrible noise. So instead he became happy just listening, and so much so, that he became the band’s biggest fan! After walking up late for a performance one day, Edward runs through the jungle…DUM DUM DUM DUM…and discovers that he was musical after all. He turns out to be the beat the band needed! This is a playful yet important story about individual differences and finding ways to belong. “Even a noisemaker can find a place in a band...An agreeable lesson in inclusion.” —Kirkus Reviews Band Together by Chloe Douglass Duck is a solo act. He loves the peace and solitude of his beachside home, strumming his ukulele beneath the stars. After helping stranded band players Bear, Fox, and Seagull fix their broken-down tour van, he has tons of fun playing songs and hanging out with his new friends. Maybe he could ask the Band if they want to play with him again. But why would they want to be friends with Duck? When Seagull gets sick, it looks like the concert will get canceled. Or will Duck drum up the courage and accept Bear’s invitation to join the Band? Will Duck help his new friends out? Music is the universal language “A loner duck comes into his own...Both vulnerability and self-confidence shine.”  —Kirkus Reviews Hear Band Together read aloud by Chloe Douglass. Read an interview with Chloe Douglass.  Accordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music by Micheal Genhart, PhD When both grandpas, Abuelo and Opa, visit at the same time, they can’t understand each other’s language and there is a lot of silence. The grandson’s clever thinking helps find a way for everyone to share the day together as two cultures become one family. This unique book includes a bonus fold-out and a note from the author sharing the true story of his own family. “Genhart pulls from his own childhood growing up in a bicultural family in this cheery picture book, which tells of a young boy and how the accordion brought his family together…. Music is the universal language….Great for reading aloud and featuring bright, energetic illustrations, this endearing story supports diversity and multicultural inclusion.” —Booklist Hear Accordionly read aloud by Dr. Genhart. Read an article about multicultural families and the power of music. My Singing Nana by  Pat Mora "Always amigos!" My Singing Nana is a compassionate tribute to

Read More
Musical March: Stories that Celebrate Music in Our Lives 2021-03-09T22:52:33-05:00

Band Together

Making music and making friends. What could be better? Duck loves living alone, but meets some fellow musicians and wonders if he could play music with them. He's uncomfortable though, to ask for an invitation. When the band needs help, will Duck be brave enough to step in? Hear Chloe Douglass read Band Together aloud. Read an interview with Ms. Douglass about making Band Together.

Read More
Band Together 2020-09-29T15:41:27-04:00