One Sweet Song by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Candlewick Press, 2024.

“One sweet song for heart and soul. One sweet song to make us whole.”

Here’s a warmhearted counting tale told in lilting rhyme that mirrors the soothing storyline. A diverse neighborhood comes together through music that gradually grows and gently falls. The notes they play on various instruments help overcome loneliness, lift hearts, and connect young and old.

Why this book? Why will it matter to kids?

As Katherine Applegate reflects in her foreword to The Gift of Story by John Schu, when you introduce a child to the right book at the right moment, “you are not just molding minds, you are nurturing souls.” One Sweet Song is a lyrical counting book written during Covid and inspired by Italians across their country who sang from balconies to counter isolation during that time. It celebrates community, connection, and the joy of music. Young children will be engaged by the flow of the story, drawn to the crescendo of the text crafted impeccably by Jyoti, and best of all, they will learn without trying. A pretty impressive package!

Levels and Layers of Learning

Grade level: 1-3

Social-Emotional Learning Themes

Acceptance, compassion, concern, connection, courage, creativity, curiosity, dedication, empathy, empowerment, encouragement, fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, helpfulness, hope, inspiration, integrity, kindness, loyalty, perspective, resilience, respect, responsibility, relationship skills, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-management, self-reliance, social awareness, understanding

Content Area Connections: Music, Math, Community, Social-Emotional Learning

Using This Book in the Classroom

Hit the Ground Running Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents

Jyoti Rajan Gopal’s ’s website

How to pronounce Jyoti’s name

Video of Italians singing from their balconies during the pandemic, the inspiration for this book (See interview.)

Illustration © Sonia Sánchez

Write Away! Ideas to prompt writing

One Sweet Song highlights a variety of musical instruments. Which one are you most curious about? Why?

What kind of music would you want to add to this neighborhood song?

What is your favorite song? Why?

On one page of the book, the author writes: one sweet song fills the space, / one sweet song, a warm embrace. Have you ever felt a warm embrace from music, or dance, or another art form? Tell about your experience.

Illustration © Sonia Sánchez 

Poetry Break Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into the framework of the school day. These brief moments can signal change, smooth or frame transitions—from beginning or ending the day to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to shifting from one subject to the next. Poetry breaks can reset mood or tone, providing a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Reading a poem aloud typically takes less than a minute, yet it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.

“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” ~  Elena Aguilar

Jyoti has dedicated a page on her website to poetry resources for educators.

The following poetry books celebrate music and other arts:

• The Carnival of the Animals by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPré
• Paint Me a Poem: Poems Inspired by Masterpieces of Art by Justine Rowden
• Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving by Greg Tang, illustrated by Greg Paprocki
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Jane Cabrera
• Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems) by Linda Sue Park

And Then There’s This…
Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study

Find resources for Jyoti’s books on Teaching Books.

Related Books of Interest:

• Around Our Way on Neighbor’s Day by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
• Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora
• Hosea Plays On by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
• How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by Randy Cecil
• The Philharmonic Gets Dressed by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Marc Simont
• Playing from the Heart by Peter H. Reynolds
• Rent Party Jazz by William Miller, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
• Simple Gifts by Chris Raschka
• Windows by Julia Denos, illustrated by E. B. Goodale

Other Books by Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Meet the Author

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

Growing up, Jyoti lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, and India. She finally settled in New York where she raised two daughters with her husband (who also grew up all over the world). As a child, she adored and devoured books but did not enjoy writing. At all. As a grown up, she is a forever kindergarten teacher and mom. She still adores and devours books. But now, she likes to write! Jyoti tells stories that speak to her heart, that reflect her multiple identities, that she wishes her daughters had growing up, that she wishes her students had now. She is the author of American Desi (Little Brown), My Paati’s Saris (Kokila) and Desert Queen (Levine Querido). This year, she has three picture books out – One Sweet Song (Candlewick, January 16), Sister Day (FSG, July 16), and Love is Here with You: A Lullaby of Blessings (Candlewick, Fall). Visit Jyoti’s website to learn more.

Backstory: Q & A with Jyoti Rajan Gopal

I met Jyoti via email when I reached out to her after reading a review copy of One Sweet Song. Our interactions from the start have been warm and enjoyable. Jyoti’s writing journey is inspiring, especially for those who teach and also have stories they yearn to share with children. Jyoti’s sincerity, grace, and spirit came through clearly in all her communications with me as we developed this post, and it is my hope that we will meet in person one day. For now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to her here at Children’s Book Corner.

Judy Bradbury: Tell us about this project. One Sweet Song is a rhyming counting book, but so much more than that. How did you come to the idea for this book?

Jyoti Rajan Gopal: Thank you, Judy, for inviting me to your blog, I am so honored!

I wrote One Sweet Song when the pandemic was just beginning its sweep across the globe. We were already in quarantine here in the United States, schools had shut down, flights had stopped, Manhattan was a ghost town, and it was such an isolating and scary time. When the videos from Italy started circulating on social media, of people singing and playing for each other from their balconies, it was poignant and wonderful and heartwarming. In this time of loss and isolation, communities were offering love and connection through music. I knew I wanted to recreate that feeling in a picture book, and that’s how One Sweet Song came to be.

JB: On the last page of the story, you write, One sweet song/For heart and soul/ One sweet song/to make us whole. In your dedication you write, To music and its wondrous power to heal and bring us together. Tell us more about your sentiment that music has the power to strengthen and unify.

JRG: Music has always been an emotional experience and a whole-body experience for me. The two are deeply intertwined – not only am I immersed in the sounds, the visuals, the textures I am hearing but I am usually moving my body, tapping the beat with fingers and hands and feeling all the feels – I cannot sit still when I am listening to music, no matter what kind of music I’m listening to (this is why I cannot write and listen to music at the same time, it’s too distracting).  So, at a personal level, I know the power music holds for me whether in relaxing, energizing, elevating, inspiring or connecting.

And then of course, research has shown that humans are wired for music, that there is even a part of our brain that is dedicated to processing music, because music plays such an important function in our lives. Research has also shown that music has the power to decrease stress levels, improve feelings of well-being and help with healing. And even more, a shared musical experience can help synchronize bodies and brains, creating a social closeness and connectedness that is very powerful. Anyone who has been at a concert of any kind or sung with a group of people or created music together knows this. When you are creating a beautiful experience together, how can you not feel linked?

JB: Tell us about one hurdle you experienced in the creation of One Sweet Song or provide a memorable (or humorous!) anecdote related to the writing of the book.

JRG: After I wrote the first draft, I was so excited by what I had created that I called up a good friend and made her listen while I read it aloud to her!

JB: What is one unexpected joy that came out of the creation of One Sweet Song?

JRG: I am loving seeing bloggers (educators, parents, picture book reviewers, and even some kid reviewers!)  share their love for this book on social media – that was totally unexpected, and it has just filled me with such joy!

JB: What would surprise readers to learn about you or about the writing of One Sweet Song?

JRG: I never knew I could write in rhyme until I wrote my first picture book, American Desi.

One Sweet Song is my fourth picture book, but I knew before I started writing that it needed to be in rhyme.

JB: Who do you perceive your target audience to be and why?

JRG: I wrote One Sweet Song for the little ones–but it’s also written for music lovers of all ages. I do believe that picture books are for everyone, so I’m hoping that the musicality of the rhyme, the theme of the story and the beautiful illustrations by Sonia Sánchez invite readers of all ages to dive in.

JB: What do you hope young listeners and readers will take away from One Sweet Song?

JRG: I hope they see how making music together can be such a beautiful experience, a way to connect with others. And that music can be created in so many ways, with voice, with homemade instruments, with instruments from around the world. I hope they are inspired to create music together!

JB: What need(s) does this story satisfy?

JRG: Aren’t we all looking for connection and community? That is what this book celebrates!

JB: As an educator who works with young children, how do you see One Sweet Song connecting to curriculum or being used in schools or other learning settings?

JRG: The math connection of course: counting to ten and back again, ordinal, and cardinal numbers, sequencing, addition, subtraction…

I see opportunities to incorporate movement in math, to make music in creative ways, to learn about musical instruments from around the world, to serve as a springboard for conversations about community and so much more. Teachers are so creative, I’m sure they’ll have ways to connect this book to curriculum that is not even on my radar! #educators #librarians, please tag me when you do!

JB: Tell us a bit about your upcoming releases.

JRG: I have two more books releasing this year. Both books are in rhyme. Sister Day, illustrated by Fanny Liem, published by FSG, releases July 16. It’s based on my two daughters. Two years apart, they are each other’s best friends. When they were little, they had long periods of time where they played happily together with no storms, but occasionally, some rift would occur, and both would retreat to their rooms in distress. They were usually more upset about being angry with each other than with whatever the thing was that made them fight in the first place! That dynamic is what inspired this story.

Love is Here With You: A Lullaby of Blessings is a bedtime lullaby inspired by a Malayalam lullaby that my mom sang to me and that she and I then sang to my girls. It also pays homage to the Carnatic classical music from South India that was such a staple of their bedtime routines.

I have two books coming out in 2025: one is non-fiction and has not been announced yet. The second, being published by Union Square, is called The Power of Your Name illustrated by Olivia Sua, written in poetic verse reminding us to honor the power, worth and meaning of our names.

JB: What project(s) are you currently working on?

JRG: I am currently on sub with a non-fiction picture book and working on several different picture book projects, fiction, and non-fiction. I’m also working on proposals for a couple of conferences and I’m teaching a picture book writing class with The Writing Barn.

Meet the Illustrator of One Sweet Song

Learn more about Sonia Sánchez, and find her on Instagram.

Sidebar Spotlight New releases of note

Each month I receive several boxes of books to review from various publishers. As I read and peruse the books, I place them in two piles: those that I will consider featuring on the blog, and those that don’t fit the mission or theme of Children’s Book Corner blog for whatever reason. I highlight some of the books in the “possible” pile on Mondays (most weeks) on Instagram. Ultimately, I choose the one new release I will feature on my monthly blog post. Yet there are many terrific books I wish I could give a shout-out to, even if I can’t write an entire post about each one. So, Sidebar Spotlight is a means of giving a nod to new releases that, in my opinion, are noteworthy. I’ve linked each title to Bookshop so you can learn more. Happy reading, friends! And feel free to comment on these or other new books below.

The Best Way to Get Your Way by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Chanelle Nibbelink is an engaging, accessible guide to effective debating skills for middle graders and up. With bright illustrations and an organized approach to information, as well as relatable examples, it’s sure to be a winning choice. Topics include “Get Your Way About Chores,” “Get Your Way About Screens,” and more. Opening statements, sources, fact checks, rebuttals, and closing arguments are examined.

Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah and illustrated by Aya Ghanameh is an  affirming picture book, a lyrical “ode to Muslim children all over the world, a joyful celebration of Islam.”

Homegrown by DeAnn Wiley is a picture book filled with Black joy and universal feel-good family moments. This author-illustrator debut celebrates the positive ways in which family makes us who we are. Recommended for school and home read-aloud.

I Am A Masterpiece by child actor, artist, and Down syndrome activist, Mia Armstrong and illustrated by Alexandra Thompson is an uplifting, affirming story with valuable information and insights that is ideal for sharing in classrooms as well as home settings.

Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak is a reissue of the master’s 1970s black-and-white nearly wordless counting book that takes us from one to ten and back down again. Playful, simple, timeless. And it manages to feel fresh. Recommended for toddlers.

News, Updates, & Items of Interest

It’s shaping up to be a busy, bookish Spring!

On March 18th I will be meeting with Buffalo Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators (BNCWI) members at Audubon Library in Amherst, NY to talk about “Creating Chapter Books That Will Capture Growing Independent Readers” It’s one of my favorite subjects, so I’m very much looking forward to the evening!

On April 6th I’m looking forward to being part of the 16th Annual WNY Book Arts Center Edible Books Event!

April 27th is Independent Bookstore Day and I’ll be a guest bookseller from 10:30 am-12:30 pm at one of my favorite children’s book indies, Alice, Ever After Books! Plan to stop by and join in the fun!

On May 18th I’m participating in the Children’s Book Fest in Canandaigua, NY. The book fair is small but mighty, suffused with incredible energy, an array of hands-on activities, and a palpable love of children’s books. I’m delighted to be part of the event again this year.

On June 29th, I’m thrilled to have been invited to read aloud from my books to kids as part of the Celebrity Readers Event taking place at Canalside in Buffalo. Oolala!! 

You can always find where my books and I will be on my Events page.

I’m booking school visits! Find information and contact me to discuss a visit tailored to meet your school’s needs.

Read-aloud of a portion of Cayuga Island Kids Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek

Readers Theatehttps://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncbr, complete with props! 

Find my books packaged as a series at your favorite bookshop or purchase directly from the publisher and receive a gift with purchase! Individual titles are also available in hard, softcover, and e-book versions.

Kindness tip: If you read and like a book, consider posting a review on GoodReads, social media, or on Amazon (if you bought it there). Authors and illustrators appreciate the shout-out. Even a one-sentence comment increases visibility of a book. Also consider placing a request with your local library to purchase a copy–another free way to support a book you recommend!

Children’s Book Week,established in 1919, is a celebration of books and the connection they bring to readers. This initiative continues to grow and adapt each year with new resources and ideas for joining in. Celebrate this year from May 6-12. The 2024 Children’s Book Week poster created by Sophie Blackall visually captures this year’s theme, No Rules. Just Read.  To receive free copies of this delightful poster, sign up to participate in Children’s Book Week this spring and you will get two free posters delivered to your library, school, bookstore, or home. Additional Children’s Book Week resources will become available over the next month, including brand new promotional materials, participation ideas, resources created by a slew of amazing children’s book illustrators, and more!

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program endeavors to motivate children to read through inclusive events, partnerships, and reading resources . The Adirondack Literacy Council has compiled an impressive array of resources.

Over to You…

Join the conversation! Offer your thoughts on this featured prompt related to this month’s post:

Is there a book that helped a student, or you, find the way back to joy during challenging times?

You are also welcome to post a general comment.

Children’s Book Corner Book Winner! Last month Frank Murphy generously offered a signed copy of A Family Like Ours to be awarded to a Children’s Book Corner subscriber who left a comment on this post. The winner is…Deb Blowers!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Final Thought