
Are you using diverse music in storytime? There is a ton of conversation in the library world about the need to make sure your collections, displays, reader’s advisory, and programming books show diversity. Rudine Sims Bishop is often quoted, citing her wonderful Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors essay. That work is very important, and books are at the core of library services. But, we also highlight other forms of media in our programming, storytimes, and events. Think about your hired presenters and performers (virtual in 2020 and in-person in 2019). How many were diverse? Who are you supporting with your library’s limited funds? What about your storytime music playlist? How often do you share music by a diverse artist?
Since my time on the ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings committee, I’ve been thinking a lot about children’s music, especially the music we use in storytime. Most of the artists I use are white. Jim Gill and Laurie Berkner are great, but there are some really fantastic diverse artists out there. You just need to put in the time to look for them.
And it does take time. The music world is hard to break into at any level. Getting an agent isn’t easy or cheap, and the children’s music world is competitive. An artist might be able to self publish or perform locally, but that creates a very limited audience for a time consuming and costly pursuit. In some ways, the pandemic has opened up more opportunities for smaller presenters and performers to perform, virtually, on a national scale. But, the pandemic has also made it harder for those same smaller performers to survive. Money is tight everywhere, and many libraries who could never afford to bring a big name performer in person, might be able to afford them virtually. Libraries want to attract a large virtual audience, and that is easier with a name that caregivers will recognize. Caregivers recognize children’s musicians that they hear a lot–which they may mostly hear in storytime. So we are back to the beginning again: what musicians are you highlighting in storytime?
I am picky about my storytime music. I present for all ages now, but mostly babies and toddlers. I want music selections that are:
- Short. Preferably 1-2 minutes, though I’m flexible with this (I can always stop the song myself where I need to).
- Clear actions that are preferably repeated in a straightforward way. And actions that are appropriate for the age range. We can always adapt words and motions, but it is hard to spin a squirming one-year-old sitting on your lap.
- Good pace. For me, I don’t want something too slow, but it also needs to be at a speed that is feasible for a toddler or preschooler to follow.
Your storytime music preferences might be very different. Some of my coworkers only use songs that have a rhythm that is way too slow for me, while others really want to theme their music to their storytime topic.
One more note: look at artists that you haven’t heard of. It’s great that you are highlighting Ella Jenkins and other artists that have been around for a few decades–but there are many new, modern artists creating amazing music right now that would appreciate your support.
I’ve been rambling on for months in other blog posts on how I have been working on a spreadsheet with diverse artists and diverse storytime music. That isn’t ready yet, but I want to start to highlight diverse musicians regularly in preparation for that longer post. Many of these names may be familiar if you follow my weekly storytime outlines.
Diverse Children’s Musicians: A Starting List
Some of these artists are my personal favorites while others are ones I plan to explore over the next few months. Who am I missing? Let me know in the comments!
- 123 Andres | YouTube | Spotify
- Aaron Nigel Smith | YouTube | Spotify
- Alina Celeste | YouTube | Spotify
- Alphabet Rockers | YouTube | Spotify
- Anthony Broughton | YouTube | Spotify
- Ants On a Log | YouTube | Spotify
- Asheba | YouTube | Spotify
- Baila Baila | YouTube | Spotify
- Big Don | YouTube | Spotify
- Blazer Fresh | YouTube | Spotify
- Brother Yusef | Spotify
- Cantare | Spotify
- Class of 3000 | YouTube | Spotify
- Culture Queen | YouTube | Spotify
- Desmond Dennis | YouTube | Spotify
- Eddie Peeples | YouTube | Spotify
- Ella Jenkins | YouTube | Spotify
- Falu | YouTube | Spotify
- Father Goose | YouTube | Spotify
- FYÜTCH | YouTube | Spotify
- Gigi Gumspoon | YouTube | Spotify
- The Kuumba Kids | YouTube | Spotify
- Jay Laga’aia | YouTube | Spotify
- Jazzy Ash | YouTube | Spotify
- José-Luis Orozco | YouTube | Spotify
- Kymberly Stewart | YouTube | Spotify
- Lavender Blues | YouTube | Spotify
- Little Miss Ann | YouTube | Spotify
- The Lucky Band/Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band | YouTube | Spotify
- Mister G | YouTube | Spotify
- Nathalia | YouTube | Spotify
- Putamayo Kids | Spotify
- Queer Kid Stuff | YouTube | Spotify
- Rissi Palmer | YouTube | Spotify
- SaulPaul | YouTube | Spotify
- SNOOKNUK | YouTube | Spotify
- Sonia de Los Santos | YouTube | Spotify
- Uncle Devin | YouTube | Spotify
- Uncle Jumbo | YouTube | Spotify
Also, not a specific music group, but check out the Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix by Ants on a Log and Friends.
Diverse Storytime Music: Favorite Songs
Again, I haven’t listened to every song by every artist listed above (yet–that is the plan by the end of the year), but if you are looking for some diverse storytime music to add to your storytime playlist *right now*, I’ve highlighted some of my current favorites below!
Jazzy Ash
Teddy Bear (preschool or school age)
Baby Loves Beignets (great with shakers)
Leap Frog (great with shakers – wish this didn’t gender with boys and girls)
Kymberly Stewart
I Am a Robot (toddlers, preschoolers)
Timmy the Turtle (Tiny Tim rhyme)
Down Down Up Up (all ages–could be a fun work out for caregivers with babies)
Nathalia
Animal Bop (toddlers, preschoolers)
Alina Celeste
Clap Hands (wish this wasn’t strictly mama and papa repeatedly, but the beat and actions are great)
Little Miss Ann
Shake & Sing (with shakers)
Aaron Nigel Smith
Everybody Loves to Dance (featuring Ziggy Marley) (all ages)
Itsy Bitsy Spider (featuring Zion Nigel Smith) (all ages)
Culture Queen
Super Shaker Song (with shakers! or scarves!) (all ages)
Blazer Fresh
Banana Banana Meatball (preschool or school age)
Jay Laga’aia
Wheels on the Bus (all ages)
Uncle Jumbo
Clap Clap Stomp Stomp (all ages)