The first in a delightful series of children’s books from FableNotes, Here Come the High Notes is an imaginative story that introduces the treble clef and its notes from Middle C through Treble G (12 notes).
Author Marin Marka is an occupational therapist and music teacher who has a passion for reaching children of all ages with the fun and joy of music-making. I am pretty picky when it comes to books related to both children and music, so I wasn’t sure what I would think when Marin contacted me about reviewing her first book. The moment I was introduced to her collection of fuzzy-looking note characters, though, I was hooked! Both the story and the accompanying illustrations are adorable.
I loved the systematic introduction of each of the letter names from Middle C up through Treble C and almost cheered when I got to the end of the book with no mention of the mnemonic devices that are so often employed when teaching children note names (I usually have to work for months to help incoming students discard this crutch so that they can instantaneously identify note names and read music more fluently!).
I can see children wanting to read this book over and over again, unconsciously learning the note names purely by means of repetition. Come to think of it, I’d even be happy reading the book over and over again! This would be a perfect complement to any preschool music class, and it will have a welcome home on my studio bookshelves.
Marin is still trying to get this creative project off the ground, so if you’d like to help support her work and get your own copy of the book, check out her Kickstarter campaign. There is a companion workbook that introduces a variety of musical terms and guides students through the process of writing their own notes on the treble staff.
Now for the exciting news – Marin has generously agreed to giveaway one free copy of her hardcover book and accompanying workbook to a Music Matters Blog reader! Just leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing. A winner will be chosen using a random number generator at noon (CST) on Friday, April 12, 2019. You’ll love this book!
Georgeanne Yehling @ Southern Fried Soprano says
What a cute book! I hope this project reaches its goal; it looks like kiddos will love it. 🙂
Sharla Wiegand says
Looks like a neat book!
Marie Morris says
Sounds like a great book!
Linda says
Looks like they could learn notes from this book. Nice big pictures.
Paulette says
Loving the art work, and the concept!
Lisa McCluer says
It looks like such an adorable book, with a great approach to music reading!
Andrea says
Wow, I am beginning to set up a “mum and bubs” music group and would love to be able to include this fabulous storybook! It looks fantastic!!
Natasha says
Too cute! And what a great idea! I can imagine lots of fun ways to invite these little guys into lessons. 🙂
Beth Bailey says
This sounds great for kids to learn in a fun way!
Alice Corbett says
Looks very appealing and effective!
Lavinia Livingston says
This is such a creative approach to introducing and teaching young children. It woud be a very special educational addition to my teaching tools.
Kathy Beemer says
Ahhhdorable little characters. Love it!
Carol Hellard says
My young students would love this.I would be honored to review it.
Lynda M says
Great creative resource for teaching and learning!
Hannah says
This looks amazing! I have been trying to build up a little library for my waiting area. This would be a great addition. ?
Diana says
Cute! Looks like she is doing a bass clef one too which would be great!
Denise Martino says
Wow, what a nice book!
CRoberts says
I teach elementary music as well as piano lessons, and would love to use this book!
Katie Horncastle says
This book looks absolutely awesome!! I really hopes it gets off the ground
Stacy says
My 9 year old daughter read the preview of the book and loved it! What memorable characters!
Lavinia Livingston says
This is not just a visually engaging book, it is well written to achieve the academic goals of teaching note reading to the very young student. Definitely engaging.
Brenda says
Looks like a cute book!!! Fingers crossed!!??
Karen says
Looks fun!
Karen says
Looks like a great way to learn the notes and fun and imaginative
Linsey says
This looks like such a fun, cute, and engaging book for children of all ages! I would LOVE to have this book to help with my younger students!
Kayleigh says
This would be great to use in the elementary music classroom.
Christina Regan says
I would loooove to use this book in my lessons introducing more reading! Looks amazing! ?
Autumn says
I am a music teacher. This book looks adorable and I hope it reaches its goal. I think a lot of kids would love this.