Books in LyricPop series

A beautiful children's picture book featuring the lyrics of Peter Tosh's global classic celebrating children of African descent.So don't care where you come from As long as you're a black man, you're an African No mind your nationality You have got the identity of an AfricanAfrican is a children's book featuring lyrics by Peter Tosh and illustrations by Jamaican artist Rachel Moss. The song "African" by Peter Tosh was originally released in 1977 on his second solo record, Equal Rights. He wrote the song during a time of civil unrest in Jamaica as a reminder to all black people that they were part of the same community. The album is considered one of the most influential reggae works of all time.A key song from the classic 1970s era of reggae Peter Tosh was one of the founding members of the iconic reggae group the Wailers"The joyful illustrations depict young and older black people of various colors, with many different hairstyles and wearing an array of clothing styles, playing, riding, dancing, and walking...The dynamic art and text work together to form a loving ode to belonging for black people of the diaspora."--Kirkus Reviews"[A] survey of Tosh's repertoire reminds us that his best works were distinctive and impactful. When the Wailers were first starting their careers at Studio One, Tosh voiced boastful classics...When the Wailers launched their own label in 1968, Tosh became the Stepping Razor, adapting a song written by the Wailers' harmony coach, Joe Higgs, and when the trio began working with visionary producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry, he recorded '400 Years,' one of the most moving explorations of the historical injustices of slavery and its lingering aftermath...His Legalize It album was far ahead of its time in demanding the decriminalization of marijuana in 1975, while Equal Rights reminded that peace will never come without justice...[He was] one of reggae's most fiery and controversial performers, whose work remains relevant."--Guardian"Tosh's first two solo records, Legalize It and Equal Rights, are not just two of the best reggae records ever, but also two of the finest records of the '70s, period. They were inventive and deeply catchy records full of songs that could be as playful as they were defiant. Peter Tosh was always outspoken, always the rebel, but it was the way he said things--that honeyed voice, those brilliant and subtly intricate compositions--that set him apart." --PopMatters

McVie's classic song about keeping one's chin up and rolling with life's punches is beautifully adapted to an uplifting children's book.Don't stop thinking about tomorrowDon't stop, it'll soon be hereIt'll be better than beforeYesterday's gone, yesterday's goneDon't Stop is a beautifully illustrated picture book based on Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac's enduring anthem to optimism and patience. The song was one of the singles on Fleetwood Mac's megahit album Rumours, which spent thirty-one weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and went on to sell over forty million copies worldwide.With lyrics by Christine McVie and illustrations by Nusha Ashjaee, this touching picture book imagines a rabbit willing her hibernating friends out of a long and dark winter and into joyous spring. Don't Stop is a great opportunity for fans of Christine McVie and Fleetwood Mac to introduce their favorite band to their young children, and for parents looking to share a bright message in song. Debuting in 1977, this song is one of the most identifiable of that decadeA classic rock radio stapleA top-five single in the US, and one of the band's most enduring hitsWritten by band keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVieSung as duet between Christine McVie and guitarist Lindsey BuckinghamAppears on the Grammy-winning album Rumours, which as of 2019 is the RIAA-certified tenth all-time best-selling album in the USIt was the theme song for Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign"Christine McVie's lyrics paired with woodland creatures is the wholesome content we want in 2020."--Paste Magazine"With her naturally smoky low alto voice and a knack for writing simple, direct, and memorable songs about the joys and pitfalls of love, Christine McVie has had a long and productive music career." --AllMusic

This picture book of Dee Snider's classic song of empowerment and self-determination will strike a chord with kids everywhere.Oh we're not gonna take itNo, we ain't gonna take itOh we're not gonna take it anymoreWe're Not Gonna Take It is a playful picture book echoing 1980s hair band Twisted Sister's most popular antiestablishment anthem. As part of their triple-platinum album Stay Hungry, "We're Not Gonna Take It" spent fifteen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number twenty-one. With lyrics by Dee Snider and illustrations by Margaret McCartney, this picture book follows three toddlers on a mission to defy their parents, whether it be lunchtime, bath time, or bedtime. We're Not Gonna Take It is a story both parents and children can relate to, and a song they can enjoy together.Released in 1984, "We're Not Gonna Take It" is a signature rock anthem of the 1980sThe song was a Hot 100 top forty hit and reached the top ten on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chartThe album it appeared on, Stay Hungry, was the band's breakthrough and a US top twenty hitIts anthemic quality has propelled the song to become a US pop culture touchstoneThe song has an iconic music video"'We're Not Gonna Take It' was a watershed moment in hard rock. It delivered a defiant song that originally shook up the establishment."--Christa Titus, Billboard"'We're Not Gonna Take It' is an indelible hit, whose instantly recognizable hook practically invites the listener to shout along."--Rachel Martin and Phil Harrell, NPR

Mike Love and Brian Wilson's world-famous song, gloriously illustrated by Paul Hoppe, will bring smiles to the faces of children and parents alike.I'm pickin' up good vibrationsShe's giving me the excitations (oom bop bop)I'm pickin' up good vibrations (good vibrations, oom bop bop)She's giving me the excitations (excitations, oom bop bop)Good Vibrations is a lively picture book based on Mike Love and Brian Wilson's number one hit about absorbing positive energy from the people around them. Often praised as one of the most important compositions in rock, the Beach Boys' original version of this song was their third number one Billboard hit. With lyrics by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, and illustrations by Paul Hoppe, this picture book follows a girl and her dog as they make their way down to the beach, sharing good vibrations all along the way. Parents and children alike can share and enjoy one of rock's greatest hits through the colorful pages of Good Vibrations.Released in 1966, this is one of the defining and iconic songs of the eraThe recording involved the then-revolutionary process of tape-splicing, cutting up and editing pieces of the master tape togetherThe musicians used in the recording of the song included members of the Wrecking Crew, the legendary set of Los Angeles session studio playersBeach Boys publicist Derek Taylor described the song as a "pocket symphony" (Derek was the former press officer for the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and worked with the Byrds and the Mamas & the Papas, among others)The unusual sound featured in the song's chorus was produced by an electrothereminThe song was a transatlantic number one, reaching the top spot in both the USA and the UKThe song was the last US number one the Beach Boys achieved in the 1960sInducted into both the Grammy and Rock & Roll Halls of FameRolling Stone ranked the song at number six on its 2010 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-TimeIn 2001, the RIAA and the National Endowment for the Arts published their Songs of the Century list, with "Good Vibrations" at number 24The song is part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's permanent exhibition,500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll

An exuberant celebration of dance and play in picture book form, based on Charlotte Caffey's joyful classic made famous by the Go-Go's.See the people walking down the streetFall in line just watching all their feetThey don't know where they want to goBut they're walking in timeThey got the beat...We Got the Beat is a children's picture book based on the hit song by the 1980s new wave group the Go-Go's. Consisting of five members, the all-female band rocked the nation with their charisma and musical genius. Their hit song "We Got the Beat" spent three weeks at #2 on the Billboard 100 and became their signature song. Says the New York Times: the Go-Go's "taught a new generation the power of the girl gang."With lyrics by Go-Go's member Charlotte Caffey and illustrations by Kaitlyn Shea O'Connor, this picture book tells the story of what it is like to live life dancing to the beat, while enjoying friends, nature, and the fun that surrounds you. We Got the Beat will make both parents and children get their groove on and show off their best dance moves."Songs like 'We Got the Beat' were built with a timeless durability as solidly constructed as a Motown hit."--New York Times

Innovative illustrator Kirk Parrish brings the iconic song "Move the Crowd" to life for the first time as a children's picture book.With knowledge of self, there's nothing I can't solveAt 360 degrees I revolveThis is actual fact, it's not an act, it's been provenIndeed and I proceed to make the crowd keep movingInnovative illustrator Kirk Parrish brings the iconic song "Move the Crowd" to life for the first time as a children's picture book. The lyrics to Eric B. and Rakim's hit song provide the inspiration for this instant classic.Follow along as Parrish pairs the lyrics with colorful illustrations about a boy being absorbed into his stereo and dropped into a colorless world where the music is dull and the people uninspired. The ensuing transformation he brings to the crowd with his music is one that the whole family can enjoy together.

Award-winning songwriter Lori McKenna's iconic song--as popularized by Tim McGraw--is the perfect basis for a picture book that celebrates family and togetherness.Hold the door, say please, say thank youDon't steal, don't cheat, and don't lieI know you got mountains to climb butAlways stay humble and kindHumble and Kind is a picture book based on Lori McKenna's song, popularized by Tim McGraw. McKenna later recorded the song on her ninth studio album, The Bird and the Rifle.Lovingly illustrated by Katherine Blackmore, this gentle picture book tells the story of a family who is striving to remain humble and kind. We follow the family through their daily lives as they find different ways to lend a hand to each other and to their broader community. Full of touching scenes of familial relationships, Humble and Kind will teach adults and children alike the power of family while introducing them to this beautiful song."[McKenna] digs deeply into topics that could devolve into cliché in less capable hands."--NPR"What could easily have been platitudes turn out to be bits of hard-won wisdom...When she gets around to that chorus, to that loving reminder to rise above your basest fears and to 'always stay humble and kind,' it's a startlingly powerful moment."--Pitchfork

Otis Redding and Steve Cropper's timeless ode to never-ending days is given fresh new life in this heartwarming picture book.Sittin' in the mornin' sunI'll be sittin' when the evening comesWatching the ships roll inThen I'll watch 'em roll away again, yeah(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay is a charming picture book set to one of the King of Soul's™ greatest hits. The song was one of the last Redding recorded, and ranked number four on Billboard's year-end Hot 100 chart, going on to win two GRAMMYs and be certified triple-platinum.With lyrics by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper and illustrations by Kaitlyn Shea O'Connor, this picture book imagines a lonesome cat fishing off a dock and hoping the fish will bite soon. (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay is the perfect picture book for parents wanting to share a classic song with their children, allowing both to find joy in it along the way."What [Otis Redding's] voice conveyed to listeners was an immediate, almost unparalleled connection; he could wring inconceivable intensity and complexity out of a minimal phrase and returned, most often, to the basic, raw power of love."--New York TimesThe Otis Redding Foundation: Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth. He provided scholarships and summer music programs which continued until his untimely death on December 10, 1967. Today, the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. To learn more, visit: otisreddingfoundation.org.

Otis Redding's classic song "Respect"--as popularized by Aretha Franklin--becomes an empowering picture book exploring the concept of mutual respect through the eyes of a young girl.R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to meR-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care, TCBOh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)A little respectRespect is a children's picture book based on lyrics written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin's iconic rendition of the song later peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1967. Redding's lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.With lyrics by Otis Redding and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this irresistible book shows a young girl, her brother, and her parents conjuring as many positive futures for each other as they can dream. Packed with playful vignettes as they imagine a life full of possibility, Respect provides families an opportunity to explore themes of mutual respect--while revisiting one of the greatest songs ever written.The Otis Redding Foundation. Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth. He provided scholarships and summer music programs which continued until his untimely death on December 10, 1967. Today, the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. To learn more, visit: otisreddingfoundation.org.

Lee Hazlewood's tough-talkin' hit song (popularized by Nancy Sinatra) is adapted into a playful children's book about the inner life of a jealous cat.These boots are made for walkingAnd that's just what they'll doOne of these days these bootsAre gonna walk all over youThese Boots Are Made for Walkin' is an adorable story of friendship and family set against the backdrop of Lee Hazlewood's iconic song. While there have been numerous recordings over the past several decades, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" was originally recorded by Nancy Sinatra and released in early 1966 to instant success. A #1 Billboard hit in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia that was nominated for three GRAMMYs, Hazlewood's song continues to be embraced to this day.With lyrics by Lee Hazlewood and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this captivating picture book tells the story of a boy and his extremely attached and very jealous cat who must adapt to the introduction of a new family member--a puppy. The funny story line and delightful images are sure to have the entire family curled up and laughing together, pets included!"'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' is one of the most famous pop songs of all time."--New York Times"The hit written by Lee Hazelwood took pop to places it had only previously fantasized about...This oddball song was a tough-talkin', heavy-stridin', even fetishistic assertion of grrrl power..."--Financial Times