Abstract :
The authors of picture books who write especially melodic language are doing
more than simply offering up work that is pleasing to the ear. They are accessing more of the
whole child. In this article five picture books will be discussed for their musical attributes: Now
One Foot, Now the Other, by Tomie dePaola, The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss, Knuffle Bunny,
by Mo Willems, Mirandy and Brother Wind, by Patricia C. McKissack, and Click Clack Moo,
by Doreen Cronin. Drawing on the observations of scientists, educators, and composers, I will
discuss what an extraordinary aid a picture book with musical sounding language can be in the
nurturing and development of the young child’s intellect, emotional life, and social skills.
