Book Nook: The Boy Who Wanted to Rock

I recently had a chance to review a fun children’s musical picture book from Broadway musical industry veteran David Weiser. The Boy Who Wanted to Rock  was inspired by Weiser’s 5-year-old son and engages young children's creativity and sense of fun, rather than stifling it with rigid learning principles.

The book is designed for kids in preschool and early elementary. It introduces basic music concepts in a fun, non-threatening way. Kids will learn fundamental concepts like rhythm and pitch, and a quick overview of keyboard and fretted instruments. The context will be easy for many kids to understand - a frustrated kid who eventually learns how to be a rock star! Because many kids at some point get frustrated when learning new things or imagine themselves as a star, it's a positive book that shows that it might take persistence, but dreams are within reach. The rhyme of the book enhances the idea of rhythm and the illustrations are bold and kid-friendly. As a music teacher, I definitely plan to keep this one on my bookshelf. 

A star-studded Broadway cast joins author David Weiser in bringing The Boy Who Wanted to Rock come to life in the audiobook version. West End star Ria Jones (Evita, Cats, Les Misérables, Sunset Boulevard UK Tour) narrates and Broadway powerhouse Justin Matthew Sargent (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Rock of Ages), along with an all-star band, leads two companion rock songs.