Singing Praise is for the Birds

Picture Book: Sing…Sing a Song

Lyrics: Joe Raposa

Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld 

Summary: Today’s PBT book is an illustrated version of a song first sung on Sesame Street and made popular by The Carpenters. 

Three tiny birds are happy in a nest. 

Green Bird sings (green notes) 

and flies away. 

Orange Bird does the same (with orange notes). 

But when Purple Bird tries…

And tries again.

The disappointment is too much, 

it stays put and falls asleep.

Later a boy with his guitar 

joins the sleeping Purple Bird and begins singing, 

singing out loud 

and strong! 

The nest is lifted by the forceful song, 

Purple Bird gets awakened, surprised, displaced and inspired. 

It's birdsong comes spontaneously 

and Purple Bird is off to find it’s companions. 

Once reunited, 

all sing together (green, orange, AND purple notes)! 

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect book to explore with young children the spiritual practice of praising God. During or after your reading, talk about how God is always pleased whenever we sing, no matter how well we sing. Point out that singing is a common way to praise God, not just in a place of worship but anywhere and anytime. Teach your children this simple song. The lyrics (in English and Spanish) are in the back and you could have your children sing along with some professionals.  [Here] you’ll find a video of the song being sung by Nathan Lane and friends on Sesame Street. Don’t like this video? You’ll find many others online. You'll also find a page about the history of this song. Here at PBT, I have featured several “song books,” picture books that are simply illustrated lyrics to a familiar song. To find other song books, simply click on the word “songs” which you’ll find in the search engine at the bottom of the screen on the web version. You’ll be taken to those books as well as a few others that are about singing. You can do the same with the word "praise" to find several other PBT books that connect to that worship practice. 

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt & Co., 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1); how good it is to sing praises to our God (Psalm 147:1); Do not worry about your life…look at the birds of the air (Matthew 6:25-26)

Idea(s) for Application: Feature this book in a lesson about singing as praise to God. Talk about how such an act pleases God and can sustain us and affirm our abilities even when they seem lacking. Also, explore Purple Bird’s struggle for this is also a book about perseverance, self-expression, and the power of music to heal.