Why Do We Sing?

Married musicians Tsui and Breves share a commercial-leaning survey of the connective potential of music in this picture book debut. As rhyming text lists ways music can express and share emotions, two adult caretakers, a child, and their cat travel the world observing different musical styles in art that relies heavily on symbolic images to suggest musical genres. On one page, a mustachioed gondolier sings from their boat, while other images depict a robed choir, a barrel-chested yodeler in lederhosen, and mariachis in traditional costume. Amplifying the text’s joyful tenor, Tsui’s illustrations feature smiling characters with a range of skin tones alongside glowing musical notes. Concluding with a call to action (“What will YOU sing?”), this sampling of visually suggested styles leans inspirational rather than informative. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)