The Story of Music

The Story of Music
A history of music for children

A friendly and inspiring introduction to music history, telling the stories of the world's greatest musicians from Bach to Beyonce.

The Story of Music begins with the early drums and flutes of our ancestors, which date back to the last ice age, through to the modern day. Mick Manning and Brita Granström take your on a tour of their personally selected music library which showcases the work of some of the world's most famous artists and few a less well-known ones. The musicians featured include Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry; Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Blondie, Grandmaster Flash, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce as well as Bjork and Kraftwerk.

The friendly text and illustrations help children to appreciate the music, highlighting interesting biographical details and picking out key details to spot. The book's large format means the music artwork is reproduced on a wonderfully impactful scale. This really is a book to give and treasure.

The creative team of Mick Manning and Brita Granström are well-known for their ground breaking children's information books. Their many awards range the TES Information Book Award for What's Under the Bed? and the English Association Non-fiction award for Charlie's War Illustrated.

Author: Mick Manning and Brita Granström

Mick Manning: Mick studied illustration at the Royal College of Art in London. He is also an exhibiting artist and printmaker.

Brita Granström: Brita was born near Eskilstuna in Sweden and studied at Konstfack in Stockholm. Although her Nordic roots remain self-evident in work made on location; both indoors and outdoors, and in all weathers, she has lived and painted in the UK since 1994. Her paintings are in private and public collections around the world and she has appeared on television and radio. She is represented by Thompsons Galleries and her work is also exhibited at other select galleries across the UK.

Book Details:

Format: Hardback
Print length: 88 pages
Dimensions: 24.6 x 1.2 x 30 cm
Reading age: 7-9 years old
Publication date: 22 Oct. 2020
ISBN: 1445163667

Read alongside these topics:

Music

How does The Story of Music by Mick Manning help teach KS1 music?

The Story of Music by Mick Manning is an engaging resource for teaching Key Stage 1 (KS1) music, offering a blend of historical context, biographical insights, and visual appeal that captivates young learners. Here’s how the book supports music education at this level:

Engaging Introduction to Music History

Comprehensive Coverage: The book traces the evolution of music from ancient times to the present, introducing children to various genres and notable musicians across different eras. This historical perspective helps students understand the cultural significance of music and its development over time.
Diverse Musical Styles: By featuring a wide range of musical styles—from folk and classical to pop and hip-hop—the book encourages children to explore different sounds and rhythms, fostering an appreciation for musical diversity.

Illustrative and Interactive Learning

Vivid Illustrations: The large format and colorful illustrations enhance visual learning, making complex ideas more accessible. This visual engagement is crucial for KS1 students, who often benefit from imagery that complements textual information.
Biographical Highlights: Interesting stories about musicians like Bach, Beethoven, and Beyoncé not only inform but also inspire children by connecting them to real-life figures in music. These narratives can spark discussions about creativity and expression in music.

Promoting Active Participation

Encouraging Listening Skills: The book emphasizes the importance of listening to different types of music, which is essential for developing auditory skills. This aligns with educational practices that advocate for hands-on experiences in learning music.
Interactive Elements: The text includes prompts that encourage children to think critically about what they hear, such as identifying instruments or discussing their favourite songs. This interactive approach promotes engagement and deeper understanding.

Supporting Curriculum Goals

Alignment with Educational Standards: The content is designed to meet KS1 curriculum requirements by addressing key areas such as rhythm, melody, and musical structure. It provides teachers with a structured way to introduce these concepts in a fun and relatable manner.

In summary, The Story of Music by Mick Manning serves as an effective educational tool for KS1 music education by combining historical context, engaging illustrations, and interactive learning opportunities that cater to young children's developmental needs.