A is for Accordion, Z is for Zither
Music has a way of finding us—of reaching places words can’t always touch.
I have friends whose babies are soothed by the same songs they listened to while pregnant. I love that. Music seeps into us early, weaving itself into memory even before we're born.
Last Friday, we saw The Be Good Tanyas play live in downtown Vancouver at the CBC Musical Nooner. The sun was high, the crowd was lively, and right in front of the stage was a group of dancing children—barefoot, hat-clad, full of joy. They jumped, chased each other, pulled the shy ones into spinning circles. Their instinct to move, to connect through rhythm, was pure magic.
It reminded me of how music gathers us, softens us, brings us back into our bodies.
In Vancouver, summer music is everywhere—in parks, on sidewalks, by the sea. It’s part of how we live outside this time of year.
Tonight, we’re taking Georgia to her first Vancouver Folk Music Festival, and the weekend is filled with celebration—including the wedding of our friends Nicky and Gabe. Two remarkable people who move through life with equal parts passion and purpose.
And Georgia, just two months old today, has already received her first musical book from them:
M is for Music (2003), written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Stacy Innerst.
This alphabet book bursts with sound—from A for Accordion to Z for Zither. With each letter comes a musical term, genre, instrument, or legendary artist. The illustrations, done in collage and rich paints, are bold and dynamic—just the thing to catch a baby's gaze.
The book also includes short notes alongside each letter, offering insight and context—perfect for parents to read aloud with rhythm and flair. It’s a celebration of music in all its forms, and a beautiful way to introduce children to the world of sound.
I’ll end this post with a memory and a recommendation… While pregnant with Georgia, we sat front row at L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres’ Tom Waits concert at The Cultch. It remains one of the most unforgettable performances I’ve ever seen—full of oddball instruments, wild energy, and raw talent. Here’s a little glimpse of what they do or simply click on the image below. Trust me, it’s worth a watch.
m.
Book: M is for Music
Words by: Kathleen Krull
Pictures by: Stacy Innerst
Published: 2003, HMH Books for Young Readers
What it’s about: A lively, rhythmic A-to-Z journey through musical instruments, genres, and history.
Themes: Music, Alphabet, Cultural Exploration
Recommended Ages: 4–8
Canada Link
U.S. Link
