Peculiar Picks are a selection of odd, funny, interesting, curious, moving, irreverent, and otherwise wonderfully awesome, but perhaps not well known, reads. Peculiar Picks are books for younger readers and their grown-ups, handpicked by the Library's Youth Services Manager, Joshua Carlson.

My daughter and I love music. Jazzy mornings playing; sing-alongs in the car; country, classic rock, reggae, 80s and 90s cookouts and backyard fun; headbanging rock and punk after dinner dance parties; a 70s soul-funk-R&B soundtrack for baking and cooking… Music is a constant in our lives.

Here are some picture books filled with positivity based on classic songs from Bob Marley & the Wailers, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Also, you will find some links to explore the music of these artists. Note: I recommend caregivers listen to the music for themselves before sharing with their child to determine if they feel it is appropriate for their child.

One Love based on the song by Bob Marley, adapted by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
eBook / Library Catalog / Hoopla
Cedella Marley’s adaptation of her father’s classic positive song centers the song on a child and celebrates the love she feels. She takes that love and spreads it, from her family, to her friends, to her community and the world around her. Her loving spirit leads to positive change as the diverse members of her community demonstrate that they are all “one love, one heart” and work together to help the environment and create a beautiful new park.

Every Little Thing based on the song by Bob Marley, adapted by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
eBook / Library Catalog / Hoopla
Based on the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley featuring a message of happiness, positivity and hope – “Every little thing is gonna be all right.”

Check out these albums by Bob Marley & The Wailers:

• B is for Bob Hoopla / Library Catalog
• Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers Hoopla / Library Catalog
• Exodus: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Hoopla / Library Catalog
• Easy Skanking in Boston ‘78 Hoopla / Library Catalog
• LIVE FOREVER: The Stanley Theater, Pittsburgh, PA September 23, 1980 Library Catalog

Imagine adapted from the song by John Lennon, illustrated by Jean Jullien
eBook / Library Catalog
Based on the inspirational and moving song by John Lennon, off of his 1971 album of the same name, Imagine follows a pigeon around the world spreading a message of hope, tolerance and love.

All You Need is Love adapted from the song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
Library Catalog
Based on the classic 1967 song by The Beatles, the characters of the book spread love like planting flowers in a parade throughout the community, touching the lives and hearts of everyone who hears their song.

In My Life adapted from the song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, illustrated by Genevieve Santos
Library Catalog
Based on the moving song from The Beatles’ 1965 album, Rubber Soul, Santos’ illustrations depict the people and places of one girl’s journey through life becoming a young woman, a mother, and a grandmother, leaving those people and places behind, yet returning to them grown and changed. An emotional and heartfelt book that perfectly meshes with the song that inspires it.

Check out these albums by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and The Beatles:

• Gimme Some Truth: best of John Lennon collection Hoopla / Library Catalog
• Pure McCartney: best of Paul McCartney collection Hoopla / Library Catalog
• The Beatles: 1 Library Catalog
• The Beatles: 1962-1966 Library Catalog
• The Beatles: 1967-1970 Library Catalog