IBC Awards 2025 longlist revealed!

Stories about music

Perfect for young readers who love tuneful tales, this inclusive music-themed list of picture books will definitely strike a chord.

4+years

One Sweet Song

Author: Jyoti Rajan GopalIllustrator: Sonia Sánchez

A musical moment works its magic, bringing hearts together in a joyful symphony of unity.

Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Own Voice

One Sweet Song Cover

3+years

Ossiri and the Bala Mengro

Authors: Richard O'Neill and Katharine QuarmbyIllustrator: Hannah Tolson

An entertaining and cautionary Romani folk tale celebrating resourcefulness, recycling, the power of music and following your dreams.

Own Voice
Under-represented voice
Female lead

3+years

The Rapping Princess

Author: Hannah LeeIllustrator: Allen Fatimaharan

Shiloh is a princess and has everything a princess could possibly want… except a singing voice.

Own Voice
Black representation
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

3+years

I Am Nefertiti

Author: Annemarie AnangIllustrator: Natelle Quek

When the music teacher annoyingly calls her Nef, something odd happens to drummer Nefertiti. Will she recall Dad’s words and stand tall?

Own Voice
Black representation
South Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Disabled representation

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