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Strings, birds, community & more: a panel discussion . .

6/25/2026

A Panel Discussion Between Christy Mihaly, Jen Fier Jasinski & Tonnye Fletcher about Their String Instrument Picture Books

We each had our own episode, but now we are coming together to talk about the commonalities and differences in our three string-related books, all of which came out in Spring 2026. This conversation is so rich and full of great topics, like putting your passion on the page, having a great illustrator, the importance of author visits in schools, and so much more! It's great for teachers, librarians and families as well as string players, music teachers, and aspiring writers, or ones who are new in their career! Check it out and leave a comment and let us know what you think! BTW, this post doesn't have all the resources, but go back to each episode for resources, tips, prompts and more for each of our books!

2 Comments

Music plants hope

5/6/2026

10 Comments

We Flipped the Script! -or-
Tonnye Becomes a Guest on her own Show!

Join us for the turned tables, the flipped script! I invited a couple of dear PBJamz friends and supporters to come and interview ME for PBJamz! It was so special sitting on the other side of the questions -- and of course Rekha and Steena came up with some amazing questions! We had a blast sitting down and sharing all things "Music Plants Hope". We might have shed a tear or two and we definitely shared some belly laughs! Come along for the conversation! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! (As you can tell from this picture! :-D)

And, PS, if you missed it, go back and check out Steena's episode for Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers. Rekha has been a guest multiple times. You can search the archives and find them all. Her most recent episode was That Swingin' Sound.

Music Plants Hope

Music Plants Hope is a lyrical retelling of the concert for plants in Barcelona during the Pandemic. Eugenio Ampudia had an idea -- he filled the Liceu Theater with 2,292 plants and had the UceLi String Quartet to play a piece by Puccini (Crisantemi or Chrysanthemums) to the audience made up only of plants. The prologue and epilogue give the facts of the story, while the main text and glorious illustrations by Natalia Bruno explore the idea of the interaction of the plants and the music through flowing lyrical text and enchanting, colorful, fantastical images of nature.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This is the version of the concert that started it all. The one I watched over and over as I was writing Music Plants Hope. I found it beautiful and fascinating -- and inspiring. You can watch it and decide for yourself. I believe it to be a testament to our human need for art as well as a way of thumbing our nose at the pandemic as if to say, "You cannot stop art and music. We'll play to an audience of plants or reach out via computer or whatever we have to do, but we will keep making music and art, because we are human and it is like breathing. It is innate and important and indomitable.

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board with all sorts of things that relate to the book: information about plants, worksheets and crafts about the parts of plants, experiments with plants and music, Puccini, Crisantemi, string quartets, string instruments, the Liceu Theater, Eugenio Ampudia, Barcelona and more.

YouTube playlist with the interview and other interviews, various versions of Crisantemi, the concert for plants, music for plants, research about music and plants, parts of a plant, music activities for kids, string quartet info, information about Puccini, Eugenio Ampudia, and more!

Virtual tour of Liceu Theater
Liceu Website

Puccini Museum, Lucca, Italy website

Guest Links and Giveaway

The book image is linked to the Goodreads page where you can read reviews, find links to purchase and more. The headshot is linked to my website's home page where you can explore tabs for the book and resources, media kit, social links, and more!

This is where I usually remind you of all the ways to support authors, and it's all true. I would definitely be very grateful if you could:

request MUSIC PLANTS HOPE at your local library or bookstore.
If you've read and enjoyed MUSIC PLANTS HOPE, I would very much appreciate positive reviews on Barnes & Noble and/or Goodreads and/or Amazon (after 5.26.26)
Follow me on socials (You can find them on my Contact page), as well as Amazon and Goodreads.
Purchase, if you're so inclined. Or, check it out from your local library
Share the book with others who will enjoy it!

Thank you so much for any and all support. Links to pre-order (or order after 5/26/26) are on the Music Plants Hope page.

I'm happy to offer a winner's choice for my giveaway!

Simply leave a comment below by 11:59 PM ET on Wed., May 20 and I'll enter you in the drawing for your choice of prizes.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of PBJamz!

10 Comments

Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals by Christy mihaly

4/23/2026

5 Comments

Of Music, Activism, Illustration and More!

Join Christy and me as we chat strings, writing, the life and times of Pablo Casals, symbolism, how illustrators complete a picture book message and more! Such a rich conversation. Pull up a chair and a cuppa and join the convo! Leave a comment by 11:59 PM ET on Wed., May 6 to be entered to win your own copy of MUSIC AND SILENCE. Of course, we are happy to hear your comments any time!

Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals

This is a beautiful book full of gorgeous art, significant text, intricate language, symbolism and so much more. Mihaly shares with us a chunk of Casal's heart, coupled with beautiful words to explain and share the story, to remind us that our voice (and sometimes our silence) matters. To remind us that sometimes we need to take a stand, and to remind us that hope is ever present.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Whew! This piece brought tears to my eyes. Hearing his passion as he cried out for peace is so moving. And the piece entitled "The Birds" is the perfect accompaniment to this glorious book. I will put additional pieces in the YouTube playlist, so feel free to grab a different one if this is not what you need for your setting, but wow!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with songs, interviews, reviews and more related to MUSIC AND SILENCE
Pinterest board with coloring pages, activities for teaching peace, facts and info about Catalonia, Pablo Casals and more!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Please remember there are great ways to support authors (and many of them don't cost a dime!):

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books (*AMAZON, B&N, GOODREADS)
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

Christy is offering a copy of her beautiful book as a giveaway for this episode. To be eligible, simply leave a comment below no later than 11:59 PM Wednesday, May 6

I will choose a winner shortly after that and mail out a copy of MUSIC AND SILENCE to the winner.

5 Comments

MY VIOLIN by Jen fier jasinski

4/5/2026

10 Comments

A Musical Chat full of follow-ups, the power of ensemble playing, and more!

This is Jen's second visit on PBJamz, and let me invite you into the conversation! We chat about music, violins, and so much more! It's always a lovely, lively chat when I'm with Jen. This follow-up book to MY PIANO is a gem, as is this conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

MY VIOLIN

A beautiful follow-up to MY PIANO, this book follows a young player from his grandfather's luthier shop to playing with an ensemble and passing around the melody. With rhyming text, Jasinski details the parts of a violin, how it works, the power of practice and the joys of making musical art with an ensemble! Rhythmic and perfect for read-alouds, this book is perfect for every child who ever considered playing the violin, who loves music, who wants to be part of a group or who is fascinated with sound!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A beautiful cover of "How Far I'll Go" from Moana by a young violinist. Perfect for inspiring young musicians or if you prefer, you can have students work with steady beat or give them scarves or ribbons to play along with the music. As always, if this jam isn't working for you, your family or your students, check out the YouTube playlist below for lots more choices!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board full of coloring pages, violin worksheets, practice exercises, information about violins, creating a melody and more!

YouTube playlist with lots of violin playing, lessons, practice exercises, play-alongs and more!

Gnome Road Publishing link where additional educator resources will be located.

Guest Links and Giveaway

Jen is graciously offering a copy of the book + some swag for this episode!!

To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, April 22. I'll draw a winner and put you in touch to collect your prize!

10 Comments

Rock'n'roll baby by David mcMullin

3/20/2026

8 Comments

Rock On! With David, Baby, and Me!

Grab a front row seat and join Baby, David, and me as we chat about his brand new board book! Full of rock music vocabulary and based on everyone's favorite lullaby, this conversation is full of reminders that the path may be long and twisty, with surprises along the way. It also reminds us that flexibility is key. It's a fun chat -- full of arts and heart.

ROCK 'N' ROLL BABY by David McMullin

The rockinest, rolliest take on Rock-a-Bye Baby you've ever seen! Bright, beautiful, and bold illustrations, lots of rock and roll subgenres and musical vocabulary, and loads of fun! You and your littles will thoroughly enjoy this superfun musical boardbook that is full of rock'n'roll heart!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Music Travel ids is one of my very favorite music groups. Such a sweet, laid-back sound. This is a lovely version of Rock-a-Bye Baby -- and it has additional verses, which is cool. This may not be quite as "rockin'" as some of the other songs in the playlist, but it's definitely my favorite! If you're more interested in rock genres or other connections to the book, definitely check out the YouTube playlist! There are plethoras of versions of Rock-a-Bye Baby, lots of videos about rock music and subgenres of rock, and some other books that would make great companions. I also added some play-along and karaoke versions too. Lots of options there!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of rock genre fun, various versions of Rock-a-Bye Baby, play-alongs, sing-alongs, and other books that would make great companions!

Pinterest Board with lots of ideas for rock'n'roll birthdays, classrooms, activities and more, more, more!

Perfect Pairings (Other PBJamz episodes that would partner well with this one. Great as a unit study or if you're looking for additional resources)
ROCK STARS DON'T NAP

Guest Links and Giveaway

David is graciously offering a Winner's Choice prize for this episode!! If you win, you can choose a copy of the book, a virtual visit with David, or a picture book critique.

To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, April 1. I'll draw a winner and put you in touch to collect your prize!

8 Comments

WHY THE TURTLE WALKS SO SLOWLY

3/5/2026

3 Comments

The Long and Winding Chat . . .

It might be a bit longer than the typical PBJamz interview, but it winds its way around so many topics and is very interesting and entertaining! Sandra is a delightful conversationalist and I think that you will enjoy this chat. I know I did. Come learn about her inspiration, the journey and much, much more!

WHY THE TURTLE WALKS SO SLOWLY by Sandra Martin Denis

A tale of rhythm, running, a drum, a secret, and a big ole dose of pride! An old tale, well-told in a new way with charming illustrations.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A super-fun (and sometimes fast) rhythm play-along for rhythm sticks by Cuban artist Celia Cruz! This would be great for grades 1 and up. Kinders could probably do it with some extra practice, too. So fun! If this is not your jam, check out the YouTube playlist for more Cuban music, virtual field trips and more!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of Cuba dances, facts, music, play-alongs and more!

Pinterest board with crafts, info about Cuba, coloring sheets, unit studies and more!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Please remember there are great ways to support authors (and many of them don't cost a dime!):

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

Sandra is offering a giveaway of a picture book critique to one lucky winner! To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by 11:59 PM ET on March 18, 2026.

3 Comments

TOCAMOS!

2/18/2026

6 Comments

An Artsy Conversation with Cynthia Weill

Ingenuity, creativity, adventure, art, literature and more are waiting if you dip into this conversation with Cynthia and me. What appears to be a simple book is anything but that. It is full of so many complexities. It was amazing to talk with Cynthia about the concept, process, and publishing journey of this book, which is part of a series focused on Mexican folk art and simple concepts in a bilingual format. What a lovely conversation! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

TOCAMOS! by Cynthia Weill

This picture book is what's known as a concept book. It introduces some musical instruments common in Mexico in both English and Spanish. While the text is certainly simple, the book is far from simplistic, with the multiple layers of the bilingual format -- each phrase is written in English, then Spanish, the musical instrument content, the beautiful wooden sculpture work by a Oaxacan artisan, which was then placed and photographed for the book, a variety of birds depicted in the sculptures, and then a little nod to girl power at the end. Simple? In some ways. Simplistic? No way! A beautiful tribute to the wooden sculptors of Oaxaca while also providing some excellent content in a musical theme. So many layers. So cool!

A Little Peek into the Creative Process

These are Cynthia's photos of just SOME of the process the artisans went through for every single character. What care and attention to detail! They are amazing!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This fun little jam introduces a number of instruments in Spanish and is a great correlative video to the book. It extends the book's instruction as it includes a few more instruments. It's great for home or the classroom.

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with interviews with Cynthia, Mexican ambient music, songs about musical instruments, rhythm practice, body percussion, and more!
Pinterest board with worksheets, study units about Mexico, songs, dances, crafts, and more!

Cynthia's website has lots of information about the process and more!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Cynthia's picture is linked to her website where you'll find her socials, bio, books, educational resources and more!

The book image is linked to the Goodreads page, where you'll find links to purchase, reviews, etc.

Cynthia has generously offered a giveaway for a free copy of TOCAMOS! To enter, simply leave a comment below no later than Wednesday, March 4 at 11:59 PM ET. You will automatically be entered by commenting and the winner will be contacted via email after the drawing.

Please remember there are great ways to support authors (and many of them don't cost a dime!):

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

6 Comments

AS YOU ARE: A HOPE FOR BLACK SONS

2/4/2026

8 Comments

The Art of a Heartfelt Story

Join Kimberly and me as we chat about working with illustrators and editors, watching a vision come to life, pouring our hearts and souls into our work, musical connections, specificity and how it leads to universality and much much more. It's a packed conversation! I hope you enjoy hearing Kimberly's journey for this beautiful book.

AS YOU ARE: A HOPE FOR BLACK SONS

With beautiful lyrical text that is part song, part poem, part prayer, part love letter, part entreaty and part affirmation, Kimberly has done a lovely job of putting her love, concern, worry, belief and encouragement for her own son onto the page and generously shared it so that other mothers, other sons and other parents and children can benefit from her kind and heartfelt message.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As a musician, Kimberly often writes and performs songs that go along with her books (as you heard in the interview). This one is no exception. Click on the picture to take you directly to the place on her website where you can preview and download the song. With her strong and beautiful soprano voice, Kimberly adds another layer and gives moms a chance to share Kimberly's musical take on this message through song.

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board full of affirmations, parenting tips, and more.
YouTube playlist with music and more fun related to this beautiful book!
Be sure to visit the link above (or go to Kimberly's website) to access the song.

Guest Links and Giveaway

Kimberly's picture is linked to her website where you'll find her socials, songs, books, educational resources and more!

The book image is linked to the Goodreads page, where you'll find links to purchase, reviews, etc.

Kimberly has generously offered a winner's choice giveaway + book swag! If you are the winner of the giveaway for this episode, you can choose from:

A copy of the book
A virtual school visit
A picture book critique

To enter, simply leave a comment below no later than Wednesday, February 18 at 11:59 PM ET. You will automatically be entered by commenting and winner will be contacted via email after the drawing.

Please remember there are great ways to support authors (and many of them don't cost a dime!):

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

8 Comments

BOBBY'S FLIPPIN' FREESTYLE w/annette murray

1/21/2026

2 Comments

A Colorful Convo with Annette

Flip, fly, pop, lock and groove with Annette Murray and me as we chat about her book highlighting hip hop dance -- BOBBY'S FLIPPIN' FREESTYLE. With an SEL layer about stage fright/performing anxiety, this book will reach varied audiences. Join the conversation as Annette and I talk publishing, layers, SEL (social emotional learning), educational perspectives, and more! Annette is a delight and I think you will enjoy the chat.

BOBBY'S FLIPPIN' FREESTYLE

Bobby is a super talented six-year-old who loves to hip hop dance. He learns to hip hop as a toddler and is training to enter a rec center showcase in his neighborhood. Bobby dreams of stomping, strutting, and swaying with no errors but he panics in front of a crowd. He heart races, he stumbles and forgets his moves.

When the Flippin' Freestyle kicks off, neighbors of all ages 4-18 line up to showcase moves that impress the judges and the audience. Bobby's uncle reminds him how to stay calm. Breath slowly. Count in. Count out. Let your heart settle in. Picture yourself being the best you can be.

The DJ starts spinning the vinyl, the crowd starts cheering, and Bobby starts dancing. He swirls, releves, and moves his body like a snake on the floor. It's okay until his pink sneaker lace drags behind, tripping him and bringing other dancers down.

Will Bobby's mishap make him lose his confidence and the competition? Or, will he bounce back and keep dancing? Find out if Bobby's a winner inside, Bobby's Flippin' Freestyle.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Do you wanna get in on the action and learn some moves. This video is a great place to start -- for you, your kids, your students . . . jump in and get the hip hop vibe going! Enjoy flippin' and freestyling after getting some basics right here. This is appropriate for home or school! Get your groove on and boogie -- hip hop style!

NEW FORMAT!!! CHECK IT OUT!

In order to streamline and make PBJamz more user-friendly for its various audiences, I've created visuals which are linked to content applicable for each audience. Simply click the image for content you'd like to view. Each image is a separate link to its own document, so you can simply visit the ones you want to read. Let me know if you like the new format.

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with hip hop dances, rhythm play-alongs, and more!
Pinterest board with dance moves, vocab, word searches, and more!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Author image is linked to Annette's website; You will find all her books there as well as her socials and her blog. Book image is linked to the Goodreads page where you will find all the purchase options, reviews, and more!

If you would like to own your own copy of BOBBY'S FLIPPIN' FREESTYLE, leave a comment below to be entered in the PBJamz giveaway by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.[EXTENDED to Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026] I'll randomly choose a winner after the entry period. Good luck!

Please remember there are great ways to support authors:

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

2 Comments

Pirouette books w/Sarah Breitenother

1/7/2026

2 Comments

Around the World and Through the Years in Music

Join Sarah and me as we talk little French books, music genres, bonding experiences, sound bytes, publishing challenges and more. An interesting conversation about how we can recreate things from our childhood, how music bonds, how we can trust kids with more sophisticated music than just music made for kids.

Pirouette Kids Books

Inspired by the little musical board books she grew up with in Paris, Sarah Breitenother was inspired to replicate those here in the US after moving here and having children of her own. The result of that dream are these sweet little board books with sound bytes that give kids just a little taste of various genres of music. These little books are small enough to tuck in a purse or diaper bag, durable for little hands and full of music that will create bonding experiences for kids and their significant adults. Get one or get them all! They make great baby shower gifts and young birthdays. Give the gift of a book and music all wrapped up in one little gem of a boardbook.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Rather than a YouTube video for this episode, I'm linking you directly to the page where you can listen to all the tunes in the Pirouette Kids book series. Follow the link and listen to all the songs in each of the four books.

NEW FORMAT!!! CHECK IT OUT!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Parent Hub from Pirouette
Pinterest Board full of Resources
YouTube playlist with related resources

Guest Links and Giveaway

Click the images below to access links. Author's image for website Book image for access to books.

If you would like to own your own copy of one of these sweet little sound byte board books, leave a comment below to be entered in the PBJamz giveaway by 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2026. I'll randomly choose a winner after the entry period. You can choose your favorite book to receive if you win!

Please remember there are great ways to support authors:

Request their books from the library
Buy their book(s) -- for yourself or as a gift
Leave reviews for their books
Follow them on socials
Share their books with others who will enjoy them

2 Comments

<<Previous

Spotlightingpicture books (PB)withmusical hooks (Jamz)

PBJamz!

A Panel Discussion Between Christy Mihaly, Jen Fier Jasinski & Tonnye Fletcher about Their String Instrument Picture Books

We Flipped the Script! -or-Tonnye Becomes a Guest on her own Show!

Music Plants Hope

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Of Music, Activism, Illustration and More!

Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

A Musical Chat full of follow-ups, the power of ensemble playing, and more!

MY VIOLIN

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Rock On! With David, Baby, and Me!

ROCK 'N' ROLL BABY by David McMullin

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

The Long and Winding Chat . . .

WHY THE TURTLE WALKS SO SLOWLY by Sandra Martin Denis

​​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

An Artsy Conversation with Cynthia Weill

TOCAMOS! by Cynthia Weill

A Little Peek into the Creative Process

​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

The Art of a Heartfelt Story

AS YOU ARE: A HOPE FOR BLACK SONS

​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

A Colorful Convo with Annette

BOBBY'S FLIPPIN' FREESTYLE

​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind) ​

​NEW FORMAT!!! CHECK IT OUT!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

Around the World and Through the Years in Music

Pirouette Kids Books

​A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

NEW FORMAT!!! CHECK IT OUT!

Teachers' Jam

Writers' Jam

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Guest Links and Giveaway

PBJamz

Praise for PBJamz. . . ​

Archives

Categories

Spotlighting
picture books (PB)
with
musical hooks (Jamz)

We Flipped the Script! -or-
Tonnye Becomes a Guest on her own Show!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

NEW FORMAT!!! CHECK IT OUT!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Praise for PBJamz. . .