Storytime music is such a tricky thing – I want a song that is about 1.5-2 minutes long with clear actions and a great tune that has a good pace but isn’t so fast that a group of toddlers can’t keep up. (And let’s be honest, I also need to be able to keep up. I can’t jump, clap, and stomp at the speed I used to.)

After working on ALSC Notable Recordings for a few years, I was inspired to write this post about diversifying your storytime playlist. I can fall into a pattern with a few favorite storytime artists – Jim Gill, Caspar Babypants, and Laurie Berkner I’m looking at you. It’s always good to remind ourselves what amazing artists are out there, many of whom come from often underrepresented backgrounds or communities. Looking beyond those “traditional” storytime artists can broaden your storytime repertoire, introduce your families to new artists, and make your storytimes more welcoming and engaging for all.

I’m working on a few presentations on storytime musicians, and I thought I’d share that work here too. As I settle into management, I don’t present storytimes as much as I used to. I know there are amazing presenters and songs not included in this list. Please share in the comments! I’d love to add your favorite folks too.

Diversify Your Storytime Music: Children’s Musicians

Artists names link to their website. A link to their YouTube channel is also included. Underneath their name, find some of my favorite storytime songs.

123 Andres | YouTube
Count with Me
Feelings Song
Hola, Amigo – Hello Friend
Shapes are Everywhere

Aaron Nigel Smith | YouTube
Animal Song
Everybody Loves to Dance
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Simon Says

Alina Celeste | YouTube
Clap Hands
(Many rhymes on YouTube)

Alphabet Rockers | YouTube
Alphabet Rockers ABC
Countdown Boogie Down
Go!

Anthony Broughton | YouTube

Ants On a Log | YouTube

Asheba | YouTube
Go Itsy
Twinkle Twinkle

Baila Baila | YouTube
Baila Baila
Hola
Maracas
Shake Shake

Big Don | YouTube
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Let’s Dance
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Blazer Fresh | YouTube
Banana, Banana, Meatball
Clap It Out

Brother Yusef | Spotify
Shake It

The Bruces

Cantare | Spotify

Culture Queen | YouTube
I Like the Me I See
Super Shaker Song

Desmond Dennis | YouTube
Baby Shark
BINGO Was His Name-O
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Teddy Bear
Wheels on the Bus

Divi Roxx Kids | YouTube
Ready Set Go!

Eddie Peeples | YouTube

Ella Jenkins | YouTube
Head and Shoulder
Hickory Dickory Dock
Play Your Instruments
Stop and Go
Teddy Bear
You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song
…and more!

Falu | YouTube
Happy
Teddy Bear
Visit to the Farm

Father Goose | YouTube
Wiggle Shake Shake

FYÜTCH | YouTube
Kwanzaa Slide

Gigi Gumspoon | YouTube

Ginalina | YouTube
Alligator Stew
Gonna Get a Kiss
The Life Cycle (Hop, Hop, Hop)

Jazzy Ash | YouTube
Baby Loves Beignets
Bubbles
Leap Frog
Li’l Liza Jane
The Shimmies
Teddy Bear

Jay Laga’aia | YouTube
B-I-N-G-O
Grand Old Duke of York
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Open, Shut Them
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Wheels on the Bus

Joanie Leeds | YouTube
Freeze Dance

José-Luis Orozco | YouTube
Apples and Bananas / Platanos y Manzanas
Buenos Dias / Good Morning
Clap, Stomp, Tralala
Old Macdonald / Juancho Pancho
Popcorn
Up High Down Low

The Kuumba Kids | YouTube
Hello Song
Zoom, Zoom

Kymberly Stewart | YouTube
Autumn Leaves Are Falling
I Am a Robot
Down Down Up Up
Little Hip Hop Bunnies
My Rhythm Sticks
Rock and Roll with You
Timmy the Turtle