About six months ago, I wrote a song for the book One Day In the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree. It's a charming story about a little boy who gets swallowed by a snake and how he cleverly escapes. It was such a hit with my students, that I decided to contact the author, Daniel Bernstrom. I told him how much my students LOVED his story and that it inspired me to write a song. I sent it to him and asked if it would be ok to share with other teachers. To my delight, he responded! He said he loved the song and was happy that his book inspired me and my students. He thanked me for "making his story come alive" and encouraged me to share it with others. Then, he challenged me to write a song for his new book, Gator, Gator, Gator!, about a young girl who goes on an adventure searching for a giant alligator. I bought the book, picked up my guitar, and it didn't take long before I heard the melody that matched Daniel's words. I sent him a short video of me playing and singing a verse and chorus to see what he thought, and he immediately wrote back giving me the thumbs up! He spoke about the music theory in his books with "syncopated rhythms" and "changing metrical feet within metrical lines," which explained why his books so easily translate into song. Once it was finished, I read the story to my students and played them the new song I wrote. I told them about my experience communicating with the author and they were thrilled. They loved the new story and song, Gator, Gator, Gator!, and I hope you do too!
I encourage you to buy both of Daniel Bernstrom's books to add to your library. I promise your students are going to LOVE them! To listen to the song I wrote for One Day In the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree (Click HERE). To purchase Daniel's books, click the button below.
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