Finding the Music in Everything: A Review of Music Is in Everything
As a mom, I often find myself in the chaotic whirl of bedtime stories, snuggled under blankets with tiny feet kicking the air in excitement. Just the other night, while we were rushing to wind down, my youngest, a curious little three-year-old, asked me, “Mama, what is music?” Well, my heart skipped a beat because I instantly thought of Music Is in Everything by Ziggy Marley. Introducing this book into our bedtime routine turned out to be the perfect answer to her question, along with a gentle reminder for us all to find joy in our everyday sounds.
Music Is in Everything takes inspiration from Ziggy Marley’s vibrant song that celebrates the beautiful music embedded in our world—from the ocean waves crashing against the shore to the sound of laughter in our cozy kitchen. The story illustrates a family exploring these sounds, encouraging young readers to listen for the melody in even the most ordinary moments. My kids were captivated right from the start, nodding along as I read lines that made them giggle and think about where "their music" might come from.
The illustrations by Ag Jatkowska are simply breathtaking, bursting with color and life. My kids loved pointing out the characters clapping their hands in a dazzling array of skin tones, which opened the door for sweet discussions about differences and similarities that make our world beautiful. The colorful depictions of everyday activities turned our living room into a concert hall, eliciting everything from giggles to imaginative conversations. One of our favorite pages shows children discovering music in different places—my son was particularly amused by the sound of a cat purring, prompting loud imitation from both kids as they tried to "sing" like their furry friend!
As I read, I noticed my youngest trying to clap her hands to various beats, literally bouncing with excitement every time we turned the page. There’s a delightful line where they encourage you to “close your eyes and listen,” which really made us pause and enjoy the ambient sounds around us: the ticking clock, the creaking house, and even our dog shuffling nearby! We ended up spending time just talking about the sounds we loved, turning what could have been a simple bedtime routine into a magical experience full of laughter and creativity.
I wholeheartedly recommend Music Is in Everything for children ages 2-6 or anyone with a genuine curiosity about the world around them. It’s a beautiful resource for parents looking to spark creativity and build connections through music with their little ones. With its captivating illustrations, heartfelt message, and engaging rhythm, this book has surely found its place on our nightstand for many readings to come.
In a world that often feels a bit too busy, this delightful story is a sweet reminder that there’s music all around us, waiting to be discovered—and as we learned, sometimes the simplest sounds bring the loudest joy. So if you’re looking to embrace a little chaos with warmth and laughter, definitely pick this book up; it’s a new family favorite that resonates deeply in our hearts. ❤️🎶✨
