McKenna Bray believes this and this talented singer/songwriter, has penned a children’s book, Pippa to do just that. Inspired by Robert Browning’s poetry, Pippa is ideal for children ages 2 to 7 and is intended to get them interested in music while entertaining them and also teaching them about reading.
I had a chance to interview McKenna to learn more!
1. Why did you decide to write this book?
As a musician and a singer-songwriter, I caught myself in a season where I was figuring out the “why” behind why I do what I do. One night after a performance of mine, I was reading a poem by Robert Browning. This particular poem was about a girl who used her music to heal & encourage others. That poem reminded me of my own “why”. The next morning I woke up & felt led to write a children’s book based off this theme! I honestly aspire to be like Pippa. My hope is to not only share Pippa’s story, but to allow her story to encourage children to use whatever gift they have been given & “turn frowns upside down.”
2. Why is early music exposure to beneficial for children?
I believe there is so much growth that comes from a child being exposed to music. Music is such a great teacher and even promotes creativity. There is something about melody’s and lyrics that encourage memorization in their minds unlike anything else. I still remember songs my family used to play around the house and nursery rhymes my parents sang to me as a kid. I even remember making up songs with my friends and siblings and pretending we were performing on stage! Not only is music such a great teacher, but it also has a way of touching our emotions in ways that nothing else can. When your child can’t sleep, a lullaby or a nursery rhyme comforts them. When your child is happy and wants to dance, you play music. It connects us all no matter our age.
3. How can non-musical parents encourage music in their children?
As a full time musician who actually grew up with non-musical parents, they always had music available for us! When we were in the car, my parents turned on music. When we were in the house, my parents turned on music. They even bought a keyboard for us to play on & a guitar. I love to encourage parents that by just allowing music into their home can be enough. If you aren’t musical, then bring the music to them by just playing the radio, a CD, streaming music, YouTube, buy them a tambourine, ukulele, or whatever it is to make music a part of your family.
Additional information on McKenna Bray and Pippa may be obtained at www.mckennabray.com
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