How storytelling and music can strike the right chord together in your classroom.
If you’re thinking about adding harmonica to your elementary music curriculum, don’t overlook one of your best teaching tools: picture books.
When I started using harmonicas in my classroom, it wasn’t long before I realized something: all that breathing—blow, draw, repeat—can leave students a little winded, especially in the early lessons. I needed natural stopping points to rest, refocus, and still keep the musical momentum going. That’s when I started pulling out books.
Not just any books, though. I looked for stories that connected to our harmonica journey—books with characters who played the harmonica, found their voice through music, or had something valuable to say about sound and culture. It turned out that these stories did more than just fill a break—they added depth, connection, and a whole lot of meaning.
(This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I love!)
📖 The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
A moving story of a young boy who longs to play music like his uncle. This one connects powerfully with students who may be seeing themselves in the classroom narrative for the first time. The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert, pub. Holiday House, 2000. ISBN: 0-8234-1353-5.
📖 The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England
A humorous take on blues music and storytelling. Great for a lighthearted moment that still centers the harmonica. The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England, pub. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1998. ISBN: 0-689-81074-1.
📖 The Harmonica by Tony Johnston
This haunting and beautiful picture book tells the story of a boy in a Nazi prison camp who finds hope through music. It’s a powerful way to show students how music can provide comfort in hard times. The Harmonica by Tony Johnston, pub. Charlesbridge, 2004. ISBN: 1-57091-547-4.
📖 Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner
Set in an Alaskan Inuit community, this lesser-known title adds cultural diversity to your unit. Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner, pub. Walker and Co., 1988. ISBN: 0-8027-7460-1.
📖 Lentil by Robert McCloskey
A classroom classic! Kids love the story of Lentil and how his harmonica saves the day. A great early read to hook your students. Lentil by Robert McCloskey, pub. Puffin Books, 1940. ISBN: 0-14-050287-4.
Some books become even more fun when paired with harmonica sounds or mini play-alongs:
Why pair books with your harmonica unit?
- They provide breathing breaks with purpose. Students need time to reset. A compelling story gives them rest and re-engagement.
- They create cultural and emotional connections. Books like The Music in Derrick’s Heart and The Harmonica bring context and heart to the instrument.
- They open the door for cross-curricular learning. You’re not just teaching music—you’re linking to literacy, culture, and history.
My go-to harmonica-themed books
Stories about playing harmonica
📖 The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
A moving story of a young boy who longs to play music like his uncle. This one connects powerfully with students who may be seeing themselves in the classroom narrative for the first time. The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert, pub. Holiday House, 2000. ISBN: 0-8234-1353-5.
📖 The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England
A humorous take on blues music and storytelling. Great for a lighthearted moment that still centers the harmonica. The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England, pub. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1998. ISBN: 0-689-81074-1.
📖 The Harmonica by Tony Johnston
This haunting and beautiful picture book tells the story of a boy in a Nazi prison camp who finds hope through music. It’s a powerful way to show students how music can provide comfort in hard times. The Harmonica by Tony Johnston, pub. Charlesbridge, 2004. ISBN: 1-57091-547-4.
📖 Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner
Set in an Alaskan Inuit community, this lesser-known title adds cultural diversity to your unit. Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner, pub. Walker and Co., 1988. ISBN: 0-8027-7460-1.
📖 Lentil by Robert McCloskey
A classroom classic! Kids love the story of Lentil and how his harmonica saves the day. A great early read to hook your students. Lentil by Robert McCloskey, pub. Puffin Books, 1940. ISBN: 0-14-050287-4.
📖 Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats,
Sam finds the source of the music in his apartment building...and a new friend! Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats, pub. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1971. ISBN: 0-689-71059-3
Sing-along Song Lyrics Books
Some books become even more fun when paired with harmonica sounds or mini play-alongs:
Fiddle-I-Fee Refrain: “fiddle-i-fee” (5-5-4-4/blow-blow-draw-blow) Cat Goes Fiddle-I-Fee by Paul Galdone, pub. Clarion Books, 1985. ISBN: 0-89919-705-1
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands Refrain: (6-6-5-6-6-5-4-4/blow-blow-blow-blow-blow-draw-draw-blow) He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson, pub. Dial Books, 2005. ISBN: 0-8037-2850-6
Hokey Pokey Refrain: “That’s what it’s all about” (4-4-4-4-5-5, blow, blow, blow, draw, blow, draw) Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long, pub. Holiday House, 2019. ISBN 0-82344150-4
Old MacDonald Refrain: “e-i-e-i-o” (5-5-4-4-3/blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Old MacDonald Had a Farm illus. By Jane Cabrera, pub. Holiday House, 2020. ISBN 0-82344478-3. Old MacDonald in the City by Suzanne Williams, illus.-Thor Wickstrom, pub. Golden Books, 2002. ISBN 0-307-10685-3. Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steven Goetz, illus. Eda Kaban, pub. Chronicle Books, 2016. ISBN 9-78145213260-0
Ten in the Bed Refrain: “roll over, roll over” (6-5-4-6-5-4/blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow) Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale, pub. Discovery toys, 1988. ISBN 0-939979-10-1 Ten Monsters in a Bed by Rozanne Lanczak Williams, illus. Kathleen Dunne, pub. Creative Teaching Press,1995. ISBN 0-916119-90-4
Today is Monday Refrain: “Wish the same to you” (5-5-4-4-3/ blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Today is Monday by Eric Carle, pub. Philomel Books, 1993. ISBN 0-399-21966-8
There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly Refrain: "Perhaps She’ll Die" (6-6-7-7/blow, draw, draw, blow) There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly by Lucille Colandro, pub. Cartwheel Books, 2014. ISBN 0-5457866605
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands Refrain: (6-6-5-6-6-5-4-4/blow-blow-blow-blow-blow-draw-draw-blow) He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson, pub. Dial Books, 2005. ISBN: 0-8037-2850-6
Hokey Pokey Refrain: “That’s what it’s all about” (4-4-4-4-5-5, blow, blow, blow, draw, blow, draw) Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long, pub. Holiday House, 2019. ISBN 0-82344150-4
Old MacDonald Refrain: “e-i-e-i-o” (5-5-4-4-3/blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Old MacDonald Had a Farm illus. By Jane Cabrera, pub. Holiday House, 2020. ISBN 0-82344478-3. Old MacDonald in the City by Suzanne Williams, illus.-Thor Wickstrom, pub. Golden Books, 2002. ISBN 0-307-10685-3. Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steven Goetz, illus. Eda Kaban, pub. Chronicle Books, 2016. ISBN 9-78145213260-0
Ten in the Bed Refrain: “roll over, roll over” (6-5-4-6-5-4/blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow) Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale, pub. Discovery toys, 1988. ISBN 0-939979-10-1 Ten Monsters in a Bed by Rozanne Lanczak Williams, illus. Kathleen Dunne, pub. Creative Teaching Press,1995. ISBN 0-916119-90-4
Today is Monday Refrain: “Wish the same to you” (5-5-4-4-3/ blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Today is Monday by Eric Carle, pub. Philomel Books, 1993. ISBN 0-399-21966-8
The Animal Boogie Refrain: "What's that creature shaking here and there" (6-6-6-5-5-4-4/blow, draw, blow, draw, blow, draw, blow) This song is NOT written in the key of C, so you would not be able to play along wth the included recording with a C harmonica,. The entire song only uses do-re-me-fa-so-la, however, so you could transpose down to the key of C and sing without the accompaniment. The Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter, pub. Barefoot Books, 2000. ISBN: 1-902283-67-3.
Harmonica Sound Effects
Use glissando effects on the harmonica (slide L–R while blowing) to match words like up, down, or unexpected events in the story.
Mortimer by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 1983. ISBN: 1-55037-038-1
Up, Up, Down by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 2001. ISBN: 1-55037-778-5
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott, pub. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN: 0-7636-2041-8
Fortunately by Remy Charlip, pub. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1964. ISBN: 0-689-71788-0
Harmonica Sound Effects with Storybooks
Adding harmonica sound effects to picture books is a fun way to deepen listening skills and bring stories to life. Try using glissandos or pitch slides for books with up/down action, or create rhythmic background “chugga-chuggas” and train whistles for transportation tales. These little touches help students connect sound with story in creative, engaging ways.
Harmonica Sound Effects
Use glissando effects on the harmonica (slide L–R while blowing) to match words like up, down, or unexpected events in the story.
Mortimer by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 1983. ISBN: 1-55037-038-1
Up, Up, Down by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 2001. ISBN: 1-55037-778-5
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott, pub. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN: 0-7636-2041-8
Fortunately by Remy Charlip, pub. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1964. ISBN: 0-689-71788-0
Train Sound Effects & Rhythms 
Teach harmonica “chugga-chugga” background rhythms (try holes 1-2-3) or high/low train whistle sounds (try holes 6–7–8) to match train-themed stories.
Shortcut by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1992. ISBN: 0-688-09642-6
Freight Train by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1978. ISBN: 0-688-06537-6
The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary Edition by Watty Piper, illus. Dan Santat (Illustrator), Dolly Parton (Introduction) pub. Grosset & Dunlap, 1954. ISBN: 0-59309439-5
Down by the Station by Jennifer Riggs Vetter, illus. Frank Remkiewicz, pub. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006. ISBN: 0-15-205619-3
The Train Rolls On by Jodi Adams, illus. Christina Wald, pub. Jodi Adams, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-7347305-0-0
I’m also putting together a full resource with harmonica tab charts for 10 familiar classroom songs—perfect for teachers who want a jumpstart on using this tiny but powerful instrument. Join my list using the form at the bottom of this page to be the first to know when it launches!
Final thought: Harmonicas and books may seem like an odd couple at first—but in the music room, they work together beautifully. One gives kids a voice, the other tells them a story.
Teach harmonica “chugga-chugga” background rhythms (try holes 1-2-3) or high/low train whistle sounds (try holes 6–7–8) to match train-themed stories.
Shortcut by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1992. ISBN: 0-688-09642-6
Freight Train by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1978. ISBN: 0-688-06537-6
The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary Edition by Watty Piper, illus. Dan Santat (Illustrator), Dolly Parton (Introduction) pub. Grosset & Dunlap, 1954. ISBN: 0-59309439-5
Down by the Station by Jennifer Riggs Vetter, illus. Frank Remkiewicz, pub. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006. ISBN: 0-15-205619-3
The Train Rolls On by Jodi Adams, illus. Christina Wald, pub. Jodi Adams, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-7347305-0-0
Want to see how it all fits together?
I share these strategies (and more) in my session, “Hooked on Harmonicas: Easy Wins for Student Motivation.” 👉 Click here to watch the video and download the free handout.
I’m also putting together a full resource with harmonica tab charts for 10 familiar classroom songs—perfect for teachers who want a jumpstart on using this tiny but powerful instrument. Join my list using the form at the bottom of this page to be the first to know when it launches!
New to harmonica in the classroom?
If you’re wondering why and how this little instrument fits into elementary music, start here with this post on the basics, benefits, and tips for getting started—even if you’ve never played before.I would love to hear your experience with teaching harmonica in your elementary music classroom!
Musically yours,
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