Here are 100 books that Heavy Metal Badger fans have personally recommended if you like Heavy Metal Badger. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Beatles

Chloe Douglass Author Of Band Together

From my list on children's books that feature music heavily.

Why am I passionate about this?

Music has always been a thread that’s connected me to people and events my whole life. It’s a universal language and one that can bring you closer to people. Playing, singing, or listening to music can transport you, keep you in the moment, or change your mood. It’s a love I’ve had all my life, and it helped me meet my husband! I was lucky enough to join his band on tour in our younger days, and many of those experiences have shaped the picture books I’ve made. 

Chloe's book list on children's books that feature music heavily

Chloe Douglass Why Chloe loves this book

I would be remiss not to include this fantastic, concise, beautifully illustrated biography of my favorite band. They influenced my picture book series from color palette choices to little easter eggs.

This book begins with the lads as children, and takes us along the way through their meteoric rise, showing the hard work in Germany and then how they landed a number one in America. This makes for a great inspirational read. 

By Judy Katschke , Maike Plenzke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Beatles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about one of the greatest bands of all time—The Beatles! Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers—as well as fans of all ages!

This Little Golden Book about The Beatles—four friends from Liverpool who became the best-selling music act of all time—is an inspiring read-aloud for young children, as well as their parents and grandparents who are fans of the Fab Four. Experience Beatlemania all over again when reading about the band—from their humble beginnings to their unforgettable arrival in the U.S.…


If you love Heavy Metal Badger...

Book cover of The Yesterday Dress

The Yesterday Dress by Teena Raffa-Mulligan,

Everyone in Angelina's big family has a story to tell.

The Yesterday Dress is a story for seven to nine-year olds about family connections and how learning about the past gives us a stronger sense of where we come from, who we are and how we fit into our world.…

Book cover of Listen to the Dance Music

Chloe Douglass Author Of Band Together

From my list on children's books that feature music heavily.

Why am I passionate about this?

Music has always been a thread that’s connected me to people and events my whole life. It’s a universal language and one that can bring you closer to people. Playing, singing, or listening to music can transport you, keep you in the moment, or change your mood. It’s a love I’ve had all my life, and it helped me meet my husband! I was lucky enough to join his band on tour in our younger days, and many of those experiences have shaped the picture books I’ve made. 

Chloe's book list on children's books that feature music heavily

Chloe Douglass Why Chloe loves this book

I adore this whole series by Marion Billet. It was hard to pick just one as the classical music, the four seasons, music from around the world, and nutcracker (to name some of the more music-based ones!) are just fantastic. They make babies, toddlers and even older readers react physically to the sound of the music they’re hearing and delight in the bright bold illustrations. They’re a great way to introduce different types of music or instruments. 

The rock and roll cats in this book are a particular favorite of mine, as I used to jive regularly in London until our teacher moved away to Nashville! I gifted this book to my two-year-old niece, and even her older sisters would all join in trying out different dance moves to the music. Great fun.

By Marion Billet ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Listen to the Dance Music as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An internationally bestselling series of board books with amazing real-life sounds!

This brand new edition includes replaceable AAA batteries and an exciting 'Look and Find' game on the final page. Press the button, recognise the sounds, then point at the right picture!

What do the tango, Charleston, salsa, rock 'n' roll and hip-hop sound like? Push the buttons to find out!

Aimed at babies and toddlers, this ground-breaking series of interactive board books has a button on every spread, which plays one of five different exceptional quality sound effects. Children of every age will be captivated as they bring the…


Book cover of Sounds Good!

Chloe Douglass Author Of Band Together

From my list on children's books that feature music heavily.

Why am I passionate about this?

Music has always been a thread that’s connected me to people and events my whole life. It’s a universal language and one that can bring you closer to people. Playing, singing, or listening to music can transport you, keep you in the moment, or change your mood. It’s a love I’ve had all my life, and it helped me meet my husband! I was lucky enough to join his band on tour in our younger days, and many of those experiences have shaped the picture books I’ve made. 

Chloe's book list on children's books that feature music heavily

Chloe Douglass Why Chloe loves this book

This encyclopedia is a brilliant, deeper dive into many instruments. There’s a selection of more unconventional ones from all over the world too. It includes a range of vocal voices and even the computer as an instrument!

Each instrument is given a gloriously characterful illustration of an animal playing it and is accompanied by a description and interesting facts alongside. You can even scan a QR code that links to a short video meaning you can hear the instrument too, so you can listen and learn at the same time. 

By Ole Könnecke , Hans Könnecke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sounds Good! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An interactive introduction to musical instruments with 50 original compositions to listen to―from the kazoo to the bassoon.

What does a double bass or a sitar sound like? What's the difference between bongos and congas? Which instrument has only one note? Which one takes just 30 seconds to learn?

This book engagingly presents 50 common and uncommon musical instruments with practical and curious facts that will spark interest in music of all kinds. Each instrument features a piece of music composed by an award-winning musician, accessed via QR code.

With instruments presented outside conventional categories, the book is open to…


If you love Duncan Beedie...

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

Book cover of Valentine and His Violin

Chloe Douglass Author Of Band Together

From my list on children's books that feature music heavily.

Why am I passionate about this?

Music has always been a thread that’s connected me to people and events my whole life. It’s a universal language and one that can bring you closer to people. Playing, singing, or listening to music can transport you, keep you in the moment, or change your mood. It’s a love I’ve had all my life, and it helped me meet my husband! I was lucky enough to join his band on tour in our younger days, and many of those experiences have shaped the picture books I’ve made. 

Chloe's book list on children's books that feature music heavily

Chloe Douglass Why Chloe loves this book

This has to be one of the funniest books about music. I bought it maybe ten years ago or so from the children's bookshop Kinderboekwinkel in Amsterdam. It made me laugh out loud, even though I can’t read or speak Dutch. The illustrations speak for themselves.

Valentijn is a terrible violin player, and after ruining a party for the Queen’s birthday, the townsfolk banish him. He can’t understand why as he thinks he’s great. He performs heroic deeds elsewhere using his playing to help folk, even though it’s terrible. He carries on blissfully unaware and ends up helping a knight in peril and eventually saves the town from invaders and finally performs for the King and Queen, even though everyone has their ears covered.

The illustrations are so lively and energetic, and you can hear how bad the violin must sound from all the reactions of the people and animals…

By Philip Hopman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Valentine and His Violin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A humorous cacophonous picture book by the illustrator of Tom the Tamer. Valentine believes he has a special knack with his violin and he is entirely right--just not in the way he expects.  He practices and practices, but he only succeeds in making more noise than music. Audiences at home don't appreciate him and Valentine takes his violin to seek his fortune. As it happens, there are times when Valentine’s peculiar talent can solve particularly pesky problems.

Book cover of Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers

Emily Snape Author Of Fergus the Furball

From my list on reluctant readers aged 7-11.

Why am I passionate about this?

My sons were both reluctant readers and that made me want to write books that they wouldn’t be able to resist reading! Reading should be a pleasure and this list is packed with books that are impossible to put down. They are perfect for young, reluctant readers, as they are not trying to be too serious or worthy or overwhelming with too much text. They pull you in and hook you from the start and you can’t help being moved by the characters as they grow and develop, fostering a love of books and fiction. I love comedy in books, but funny books also have to have heart, believable characters, and a great plot that keeps you reading till the very end.

Emily's book list on reluctant readers aged 7-11

Emily Snape Why Emily loves this book

This hilarious series is totally bonkers but full of sibling love and loyalty. The writing is witty and surprising, and a great fantastical read. The intrepid heroes are brother and sister, Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and we follow them as they set off on a nail-biting but very silly adventure. I love books about sibling relationships as children seem to spend SO much time bickering with their brothers and sisters and I think books can be a great way to remind them how awesome their sibling really is and how lucky they are to have a brother or sister to love them!

By John R. Dougherty , Sam Ricks (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Winner of the Great Kerfuffle
Best Book of Last Tuesday

Hey you! No, not you - the person behind you. No, not him either. Left a bit, left a bit more . . . You! Oh for goodness sake . . . never mind . . .

Dear Everyone (including you!)!

Welcome to the world of Great Kerfuffle!

It's really great. And there's usually a kerfuffle (the clue's in the name really).

Come and join our intrepid heroes Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face as they set off on a highly dangerous and nail-biting adventure (or it may just be very silly and…


Book cover of Bread and Jam for Frances

Graham Annable Author Of A Tale of Two Sloths

From my list on about friendship that I know.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a cartoonist, animator, and Oscar-nominated film director who's worked and continues to work in the mediums of books, film, and video games all the darn time. When I think about great stories I've had a chance to read, the element of friendship always stands out for me. When there's a special, authentic bond between characters that you feel with every page and frame there's nothing better! You live the moments in the story and they stay with you forever. Like a true friend would.

Graham's book list on about friendship that I know

Graham Annable Why Graham loves this book

It's a book more centered on Frances and not so much on friendship but I live for the moments between Frances and her friend Albert in this story. Because Frances has foolishly committed to eating just her favorite lunch every day, bread and jam, she listens with great interest as Albert lays out his entire elaborate midday meal at school. I used to always read this story aloud to my two boys doing my best Jack Nicholson impression for Albert's voice. I don't have a specific reason for why I did it but it really felt like it added to the whole experience. 

By Russell Hoban , Lillian Hoban (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bread and Jam for Frances as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The classic funny story about a stubborn little badger with very particular tastes in food.

Frances is a fussy eater. In fact, the only thing she likes is bread and jam. She won't touch her squishy soft-boiled egg. She trades away her chicken-salad sandwich at lunch. She turns up her nose at boring veal cutlets.

Unless her parents can come up with a plan, Frances just might go on eating bread and jam forever!

Join the generations of families that have laughed along as Frances sings "Jam on biscuits, jam on bread, Jam is the thing I like most, Jam…


If you love Heavy Metal Badger...

Book cover of Dudley's Day at Home

Dudley's Day at Home by Karen Kaufman Orloff,

“What does Dudley do all day while we’re away?” Sam wonders.

Mom explains that Dudley does ordinary dog things: he eats, naps, guards the house, and plays. But in Sam’s mind, Dudley’s day at home is anything but ordinary.

Delightful digital paintings depict the human activities Sam imagines Dudley is…

Book cover of A Baby Sister for Frances

Mary Hoffman Author Of Babies, Babies Everywhere!

From my list on babies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mary Hoffman is not exactly an expert on babies but she has had three of her own and five grandbabies. The youngest is two and Mary has made colourful blankets for each one. The four-year-old still takes hers everywhere. Mary is very good at sending babies to sleep, which Mog might have appreciated, but she has never fed any of them avocado. Mary has been making up stories for babies and children for as long as she can remember, long before she had any of her own. She does this because what she liked best herself as a small child was stories and she would have loved to have any of these books read to her when she was little.

Mary's book list on babies

Mary Hoffman Why Mary loves this book

It’s a family of badgers but Frances has some very human emotions about having a baby sibling. She is not outright hostile but does pack a rucksack with snacks and runs away – as far as under the dining table. Her very understanding parents handle it in an exemplary fashion and Frances sees there are advantages to being the older sister, since babies can’t eat chocolate cake.

By Russell Hoban , Lilian Hoban (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Baby Sister for Frances as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of a reissued series about the Badger family. With a new baby in the house, Frances thinks that no one pays much attention to her any more. So she decides to run away, but not so far that she won't be able to hear how much she'll be missed - even by baby Gloria.


Book cover of Pokko and the Drum

Lisa Tolin Author Of How to Be a Rock Star

From my list on children’s books for future rock stars.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am not a rock star but I do play a mean (computer) keyboard. My debut picture book, How to Be a Rock Star, was inspired by my musical children and our endless hours jamming as a family band. I was always on the lookout for books to inspire my little rock star, and because they were hard to come by, I wrote one! These books will inspire your budding musician, or just help you embrace a spirit of creative play in any way they want to rock.

Lisa's book list on children’s books for future rock stars

Lisa Tolin Why Lisa loves this book

Pokko’s parents give her a drum and soon regret it, as you might imagine. (In my own book, Mom says, “don’t even think about a drum kit.”) But sending Pokko outside begins a beautiful symphonic journey that turns Pokko into a leader who makes sure her bandmates don’t eat each other. In the end, even her parents are swept away (literally) by the beautiful music.

By Matthew Forsythe ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Pokko and the Drum as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019
A Today Show Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Book for Youth Editors' Choice 2019
A Boston Globe-Horn Picture Book Honor Book 2020
An NPR Favorite Book of 2019
A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book
A Quill & Quire 2019 Book for Young People of the Year
"Extraordinary." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Inspirational." -Booklist (starred review)
"Laugh-out-loud funny." -Shelf Awareness (starred review)
"Will tickle kids and adults alike." -Kirkus Reviews
"An instant classic." -Quill & Quire (starred review)

From E.B. White Read Aloud honor artist Matthew Forsythe comes a picture book about a…


Book cover of Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung: The Work of a Legendary Critic: Rock'n'roll as Literature and Literature as Rock 'n'roll

Daniel de Visé Author Of King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King

From my list on music books to build a record collection.

Why am I passionate about this?

Music has obsessed me since I got my first record player, around age five, and learned how to play the stack of used Beatles records that seeded my collection. I could probably pick a favorite music book from every decade of my life, and this list isn’t far off.

Daniel's book list on music books to build a record collection

Daniel de Visé Why Daniel loves this book

Lester Bangs ranks as one of the great music writers and as a high priest of gonzo, the new-journalism approach that posited the writer as the dominant character in rambling, straight-from-the-typewriter pop-cultural manifestos published in Rolling Stone and Creem and their ilk. I think Lester rivals Hunter Thompson and Joan Didion as the most potent and enduring voice of that era. He’s one of my favorite writers. I don’t think he wrote anything but record reviews.

By Lester Bangs ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Until his death aged thirty-three in 1982, Lester Bangs wrote wired, rock 'n' roll pieces on Iggy Pop, The Clash, John Lennon, Kraftwerk, Lou Reed. As a rock critic, he had an eagle-eye for distinguishing the pre-packaged imitation from the real thing; written in a conversational, wisecracking, erotically charged style, his hallucinatory hagiographies and excoriating take-downs reveal an iconoclast unafraid to tell it like it is. To his journalism he brought the talent of a great a renegade Beat poet, and his essays, reviews and scattered notes convey the electric thrill of a music junky indulging the habit of a…


If you love Duncan Beedie...

Book cover of Real Princesses Change the World

Real Princesses Change the World by Carrie A. Pearson,

Real Princesses Change the World is an inspirational and diverse picture book that highlights 11 contemporary real-life princesses and four heirs apparent from around the world.

Have you heard of a STEM-aligned real-life princess who is an engineer and product developer? Or a princess who is a computer expert? An…

Book cover of Petty: The Biography

Mark Beal Author Of ZEO: Introducing Gen Z – The New Generation Of Leaders

From my list on inspiring creativity, transformation, and innovation.

Why am I passionate about this?

For more than 30 years I have been immersed in creative public relations and marketing from campaign development and activation to effectively engaging the primary consumer audiences. Me and my teams developed campaigns around such major sports and entertainment properties as the Olympic Games, Super Bowl, and The Rolling Stones. No matter your industry, inspiration for creativity, transformation, and innovation can come from many sources including the compelling storytelling featured in the books that I recommend.  

Mark's book list on inspiring creativity, transformation, and innovation

Mark Beal Why Mark loves this book

Tom Petty is one of my favorite songwriters, musicians, and singers of all-time.

While I had the opportunity to see him in concert many times starting in the early 1980s, I never knew how he got there. This book shares Petty’s inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Gainesville, Florida to becoming a rock & roll hall of fame.

His voice and looks may not have been immediately embraced by everyone when he first started, but his story of perseverance is inspiring as is his creative songwriting and storytelling.   

By Warren Zanes ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Petty as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The New York Times Bestseller

*One of Rolling Stone's 10 Best Music Books of 2015*

An exhilarating and intimate account of the life of music legend Tom Petty, by an accomplished writer and musician who toured with Petty.

No one other than Warren Zanes, rocker and writer and friend, could author a book about Tom Petty that is as honest and evocative of Petty's music and the remarkable rock and roll history he and his band helped to write.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, with more than a little hillbilly in his blood, Tom Petty was a Southern shit kicker, a…


Book cover of The Beatles
Book cover of Listen to the Dance Music
Book cover of Sounds Good!

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