Harmony Woods: Penny and Freddy Search High and Low

From deep in the woods, came a strange new sound.
Penny looked up, and Freddy looked down.
Penny went one way and Freddy the other
Open the book to see what they discover!

Even before children are old enough to pick up an instrument they are experimenting with sounds: they sing high and low, loud and soft, fast and slow. Encouraging this experimentation can create a solid musical foundation from which they can grow!

Studies show that musical education can have a positive effect on brain development. Studying music improves memory, teaches patience and can boost confidence and social skills. Harmony Woods is a great introduction to musical education for children too young for formal instruction.

Reading this book to your child or students is a great way to introduce basic musical concepts in a fun and easy to understand manner! Throughout this book, musical symbols indicate when an educator or parent can use a piano or xylophone (or even their voice) to sound a high or low note as indicated by the text. This additional action will assist in making the connection between the words and the concepts. Musically inclined teachers can play the music in the book (excerpts from Pachelbel’s Canon in D) to further enhance the musical experience.

The Glossary of Terms and Teacher’s Notes at the back of the book help teachers introduce the musical terms and concepts in the story to their students.

I love visiting elementary schools to read Harmony Woods to groups of children. I bring my keyboard and play the music the characters hear through the woods to enhance the learning experience. My character puppets are a huge hit with students from kindergarten all the way to grade six! The students are encouraged to listen for music words throughout the story, which we discuss and define afterwards. We wrap up by listening to Canon in D Major, where they can hear the character’s melodies, and colour pictures of the characters from the book.

What Educators are saying about Harmony Woods:

Harmony Woods was enjoyed by this group of Campers during Storytime at great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls Canada! It is now a regular part of the Kids Club Storytime Events!