What does your favourite children's book sound like?

The headline is a question I've been asking myself lately. Literal references in music aren't the rarest thing, though the character of said references can be quite varied. Lately I've been hearing quite a few children's themed ones that I'd like to share with you.

Karen O & the Kids

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is behind the music in Spike Jonze's highly anticipated and before-on-this-blog-mentioned Where The Wild Things Are, a movie based on the Maurice Sendak's classic children's book. I haven't decided if I like this as music I could listen to casually but I definitely think it captures some childish essence that probably would fit both the book and the movie perfectly. I like it, because I really do think it's more important for the music to fit the mood and set the tone than be listenable and good-sounding. I'll look forward to actually hearing the song in the movie and make my final decision though.

Marina & the Diamonds

I've been avoiding British, piano-playing, coo-cooking girls for a while. But this particular track by Marina & the Diamonds, the latest female pop kook from the UK has grabbed my attention for its catchiness, electronic rhytm and sound effects and not-too-over-the-top-British accent vocals. Also, I love how this song sounds like it's name. Mowgli's Road. This song sounds like the Jungle Book as I remember it. Fun, funky and more fun. It might have been a while since the last time I read or saw the Jungle Book, but this song sends me the vibes so I won't have to go to the library or turn on Disney Channel anytime soon.


An oldie that came to mind with the whole headline-question was Regina Spektor's 'Baobabs'. While 'The Little Prince' might not strictly be a children's book, I think the song fits the description 'a song that sounds like the book it references' pretty well. Regina sounds and seems like a girl who'd have 'The Little Prince' as one of her favourite books and just that fact qualifies her as a perfect interpreter for the childish, innocent and philosophical story.