READ-ALONG READ-ALOUDS

Stella’s Magical, Musical Balloon Ride, Part 2: The Mountains

by Robert franz

In part two of Stella’s magical, musical adventure (of this five-part story) she travels in a hot air balloon over a jagged mountain range. After the story, Maestro Robert Franz teaches you how to conduct the music Stella heard as she traveled over the mountains. (Ages 6-12)

Stella’s Magical, Musical Balloon Ride, PArt 3: the ocean

by Robert franz

Stella continues on her adventure in part three (of this five-part story). Her hot air balloon takes her next to the vast, colorful ocean. After reading the story, Maestro Robert Franz teaches you how to conduct the music Stella heard on her journey past the ocean. (Ages 6 - 12)

Stella’s Magical, Musical Balloon Ride, Part 4: The Canyon

by robert franz

Stella continues on her adventure, in part four (of this five-part series), travelling over a magnificent canyon, and spots tourists on mules riding along the canyon wall. After the story, Maestro Franz teaches you how to conduct the music that Stella is hearing. (Ages 6 - 12)

Stella’s Magical, Musical Balloon Ride, Part 5: Finale

by robert franz

After hearing some pretty incredible music while flying, Stella's balloon ride comes to end. She returns home reminded of the music she heard in the car earlier that day. At the completion of the story join the maestro in conducting the piece of music.

the remarkable farkle mcbride by john lithgow

How does someone become a conductor? This is a question he asks himself often! Sparked by his love of reading children's books and years of conducting family concerts for young music lovers far and wide, Robert Franz reads John Lithgow's The Remarkable Farkle McBride. (Ages 3 - 10)

ZIN! ZIN! ZIN! a VIOLIN by Lloyd Moss

Have you ever wondered how many musicians it takes to create an orchestra? Well, wonder no more...the answer is hear. Poet-conductor Robert Franz reads aloud this characterful children's book. (Ages 3 - 10)

BECAUSE by Mo Willems

Because you did something you weren't planning on doing - something extra-ordinary happened to you? You never know when something or someone could change your life completely. This is why Mo WIllems' book Because is so powerful. (Ages 3 - 10)

wendell the narwhal by Emily dove

Conductor and educator, Robert Franz, goes under the sea to meet a fellow conductor, proving that no distance is too far when conductors try to connect! (Ages 3 - 6)

Do Not Open this book by Andy Lee

Robert Franz breaks the rules again! This time he deliberately opens the book and reads this tale as our protagonist dreads every impending page turn. Andy Lee's clever and fun book leaps off the pages trying, in vain, to stop the reader from moving forward. (Ages 3 - 10)

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

We all make mistakes. The question is how to turn your mistakes into creative solutions. Corinna Luyken shows us the way in her endearing Book of Mistakes.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian

Ever feel like you needed a bit more elbow room? Have you dreamed of having your own bowl? Memoirs of a Goldfish will take you into the world of a tight, close-knit family of bowl dwellers.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

So you think you CAN'T dance? You're not alone. Sometimes all it takes is finding your music and away you'll go. I love this story because it gives us all hope of being light on our feet on the dance floor! Join me as I read Giles Andreae's delightful book Giraffes Can't Dance. (Ages 3 - 10)

GRUMPY MONKEY by suzanne lang

Conductor and storyteller, Robert Franz, grumpily reads GRUMPY MONKEY by Suzanne and Max Lang. Everyone has a grumpy day every once in a while. The real trick is how to "De-grumpify" the next day! (Ages 3 - 10)

INterrupting chicken by David Ezra Stein

Conductor and storyteller, Robert Franz, reads this delightful tale of an impatient little red chicken that constantly interrupts his Papa as he reads him a bedtime story. (Ages 3 - 10)

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

Just because someone looks pouty on the outside doesn't always mean that's how they feel on the inside. Good advice to keep in mind as we navigate through life thanks to Deborah Diesen's adorable pouting fish. (Ages 3 - 10)

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

Have you ever worried about yout first day at a new school? Maybe you had butterflies in your stomach? You're not alone. We all get nervous when we try something new. Splat the Cat and his pet mouse Seymour remind us that our is usually worse than the actual event. (Ages 3 - 10)

The Camel's Lament: A Lively Rhyming Ode to Animals

by Charles Edward Carryl

Fascinated with Camels like me? Love being around flexible people? This book is for you! The Camel's Lament: A Lively Rhyming Ode to Animals by Charles Edward Carryl. The camel just always makes it work. Be like a camel!

Bobby Orr and the Hand-Me-Down Skates

by Kara Kootstra and Bobby Orr

Have you ever thought that you were the only person in the entire world that received hand-me-downs from your older sibling? This delightful tale of a young person's guide to hockey and the act of falling in love with a pair of Hand-Me-Down skates will give you a fresh new perspective!

AFTER THE FALL: HOw humpty dumpty got back up again by Dan Santat

Ever felt nervous about getting back up after an accident and trying again? We've all been there. It can be terrifying. Conductor Robert Franz reads aloud this book about one of the most famous characters in history overcoming his seemingly disastrous accident. (Ages 3 - 10)

WHAT do you do WITH A PROBLEM? by Kobi Yamada

Are you facing a problem in your life? The trick is knowing what to do. Robert Franz reads aloud Kobi Yamada’s insightful book, “What Do You Do With a Problem?” (Ages 3 - 10)

The word collector by Peter H. Reynolds

As someone that is always looking for the right word to say, this book is perfect. Maestro Franz shares his love of words, his storytelling abilities and his collection of musical scores in this wonderfully thoughtful children's book. (Ages 3-10)

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Have you ever had a magnificent idea for a new invention that you wanted to build? Did you try to make it only to have it turn out not as you had hoped? You are not alone. The trick is to get back up and try again! I love this lesson by Ashley Spires in her Most Magnificent book! (Ages 3 - 10)

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

This inspiring book teaches us to follow our dreams. It also reminds adults how easy it can be to let our fears get in the way of others’ lives. Andrea Beaty brilliantly shows what can happen when we are given a chance to live our dreams. (Ages 3 - 10)

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C Moore

Loren Long's new version of a timeless classic is the perfect combination of tradition and inclusiveness. In this book we see Christmas from 4 different homes, all with a different perspective. Clement C. Moore never felt so relevant. (Ages 3 - 90)

the polar express by chris van allsburg

Conductor Robert Franz takes you on the voyage of a lifetime to the North Pole! Maybe train conductors and orchestra conductors have more in common than originally thought. (Ages 3 - ?)

snowmen at night by caralyn buehner

Ever wonder what snowmen do at night once you've gone to sleep? Wonder no more! Author, Caralyn Buehner takes you behind the scenes for a night a revelry and fun with all of the snowmen on your block! (Ages 3 - 10)