Have you ever read your child’s favorite bedtime book so many times that you could recite it backwards in your sleep? Personally, on numerous occasions I was in the active process of falling asleep while “reading” their books before naptime (I swear, their books put me to sleep faster and more effectively than it did for them). Whether it’s a classic like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? or a silly favorite like The Runaway Pea, those well-loved books become a staple in your household. Books that your child will remember as being an integral part of their childhood for the rest of their lives.
But what if you could make those story times even more magical?
Welcome to Musical Storytime—a playful, exciting, and often silly way to turn your child’s favorite books into songs they’ll sing long after the lights go out. This simple activity encourages language development, family bonding, and a deeper love of reading—all through the power of music.
Why Turn a Story Into a Song?
Music and early literacy go hand in hand. When you combine storytelling with melody, you’re not only creating a more engaging experience—you’re also nurturing your child’s early language skills, emotional development, and creativity.
Here are some key benefits of Musical Storytime:
- Boosts memory, comprehension, and vocabulary
- Strengthens parent-child emotional connection
- Encourages active listening and focus
- Helps calm bedtime anxiety
- Promotes confidence and self-expression
And here’s the best part: You don’t need to be a musician. If you can hum a tune or tap your foot, you’ve got what it takes!
How to Turn a Book Into a Song
Here are three easy, no-pressure ways to bring your bedtime books to life through song:
1. Rhyme + Rhythm = Instant Song
Many children’s books are already full of natural rhythm and rhyme. Books like Goodnight Moon, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and anything by Dr. Seuss practically sing themselves.
Try this:
From Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
“Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?”
(Sing it to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or make up your own melody!)
Sing each page using the same tune, and just like that—you’ve created a bedtime song.
📚 Other great rhythmic books to try:
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
- Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
2. Use a Melody You Already Know
For books with shorter phrases, try setting them to familiar tunes your child already loves. This makes it easier (and less intimidating) to start.
Popular melodies to borrow:
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
- “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
- “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”
- “The Wheels on the Bus”
Example: From The Very Hungry Caterpillar
“On Monday he ate one apple,
One apple, one apple…”
(To the tune of “Frère Jacques”)
Tip: You don’t need to match every word. Focus on repeating fun or meaningful lines, and let the rhythm guide you.
3. Improvise and Make It Your Own
This is where the real magic happens. Let go of “doing it right” and just have fun making up melodies! Kids love silly sounds, repetition, and even nonsense words.
Example: From Guess How Much I Love You
“I love you to the moon and back…”
(Try singing it slowly, then faster, then whispering or in a silly voice!)
Let your child lead the remix! Ask:
“How else could we sing this?”
“What voice would a bunny use?”
Before you know it, your bedtime routine has turned into a collaborative concert.
Find Books that Double as Songs
For the baby shower I had with my first child, I requested that guests bring a book instead of a card to start building up our children’s library. And boy, am I glad that I did! We received a lot of great books that my kids still love to this day. One of them was What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. It contains the lyrics for the song with the same name famously sung by Louis Armstrong. The illustrations are lovely and perfect for young kids. I have sung this with all three of my children and they love following along with the book. If you’re looking for a book that you can also sing along to, I highly recommend checking this one out!
Another great option is You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis and illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church. Both are board books, which means that they can handle more “rough love” from your child. Either one would make a great musical storytime that everyone will love.
Make Your Own Musical Storybook!
Turn your favorite story-songs into keepsakes with our free printable songbook template—perfect for crafty afternoons or quiet weekend fun.
Here’s how to use it:
- Choose a favorite book and a few memorable lines.
- Sing them together—record the tune if you like!
- Print our template and:
- Write your lyrics
- Draw illustrations
- Give your song a title
- Add a new page each week to build a family collection!
👉 Click here to get your free Musical Storybook Template, or below to download the pdf version for printing.
Great for ages 3–8, but fun for the whole family!
Bonus Tips for Shy Singers
Not everyone feels comfortable singing out loud—but trust me, your child just wants you. Try these gentle approaches:
- Play soft instrumental lullabies while you sing
- Use a stuffed animal as your “microphone”
- Clap or tap a simple beat together
- Let your child make up silly lyrics—they’ll love being part of the fun
- Try a karaoke-style bedtime routine using your phone’s voice memo app
Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just a Song
Musical Storytime isn’t about being pitch-perfect—it’s about connection. When you sing a book together, you’re building bridges: between words and music, routine and joy, parent and child.
So the next time you reach for that well-loved book, try singing it. You might just discover your child’s new favorite lullaby, along with sweet memories that will outlast the story.
💬 Let’s Keep the Music Going!
Have you ever turned a book into a song?
Share your favorite story-songs in the comments or tag me on Instagram or Pinterest with your Musical Storytime moments!
I’d love to hear from you and feature your ideas/creations on the blog.
Until next time! May your life’s melody lead you toward peace and love.
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About the Author
Julie Perley is the author of The Melody of Life and is a board-certified music therapist, wife, and mom to three wonderful children. Her goal is to provide informative, fun, and supportive resources for any parent, educator, or caregiver of children. Read more about the author here.
The Melody of Life 
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