Put Your Records On

K-Gr 3–This picture book is inspired by the author’s hit 2006 song of the same title, but rather than simply transferring the lyrics to the page, Bailey Rae crafts a warm, intergenerational story that captures how music evokes emotion and memory. On a busy Sunday, Bea heads to Great-Aunt Portia’s house for company, to help with chores and do something she’s never done before: explore music. As her great-aunt shares her favorite records, Bea journeys through the beauty and passion found in the perfect song at the perfect moment. The book includes an author’s note with a playlist of songs from Portia’s music room, which invites readers to build on the experience and join Bea in feeling the resonance of each record, a welcome assist for those who may become distracted from the larger blocks of text. O’Mara’s mixed-media illustrations portray sunshine and joy with subtle references to the story’s inspiration that are sure to tickle adult music fans. While some spreads are visually crowded, there is something eye-catching on every page.