Warning: This Will Get Stuck in Your Head

I first fell in love with the music (and videos) of Emily Arrow when Mr. Schu ran a contest for the picture book Louise Loves Art.  Be one of the first 5 classes to tweet out a picture of kids singing along and win a copy of the book.  I had heard of Emily Arrow before but for some reason had never clicked on her videos.  I wasn’t sure how my students would react, after all, they are sometimes way too cool to get a little silly, but that day I realized what a genius Emily Arrow and her music is.  As I played her infectious tune and watched my 7th graders, yes 12 and 13 year olds, dance and sign along, I knew that I had to share Emily Arrow and her talent with as many people as possible.

Emily Arrow is the real deal; her love of picture books flows through her songs, which entice us to read the books just one more time.  My own children are hooked as well and even my husband who has a notoriously picky style of music will play the songs and smile broadly.  You simply cannot help but sing along as the music starts to play.  Yet the genius of Emily Arrow is not just her songs, it is the videos she creates to go along with them.  This is why my students have acted out jazz hands and drawn in the air.  And this is why my students asked if they could please send her some questions, so we did, and she answered them!  Thank you Emily Arrow; we are so thankful you are sharing your genius with the world.

1.  What is your favorite song to sing?

I love to sing the Louise Loves Art Song (inspired by the book by Kelly Light) because I love when the audience echoes the lyrics in the chorus. Check out the video too!

2.  What inspired you to do this type of music?

I decided to create kidlit tunes (songs inspired by books!) because I was a music teacher for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade for three years!

3.  How do you come up with the ideas for the videos?

I try to think of a way to use the colors, ideas, and feelings from the song and/or book in the video. Then I think of two or three places to record parts of the video that have something to do with the song. The brainstorming is soooo much fun for me!

4.  What has been your favorite video to make?

I loved making the NO, NO, GNOME video because I got to hang out with my pal Ashlyn Anstee all day.

5.  How do authors and illustrators react to your songs?

One time, one sent me an illustration in the mail as a gift. One time, one cried! It’s always different but I always want them to feel appreciated for the work they do creating their amazing stories.

6.  What are some songs you are working on?

I’m working on a fun song about a wizard, one about a kid who’s a cactus, and another that’s about friendship called Zoomba Zoo as a collaboration with illustrator Zoey Abbott Wagner!

7.  How do you keep your imagination on the outside?

Love this Louise-y question! Writing songs is an awesome way to share what’s on my mind in the world. And I write LOTS of lists in medium-sized notebooks. I use about a notebook a month full of thoughts and ideas and to-dos!

So do yourself a favor; go check out Emily Arrow’s music on her website, order her cd, buy the books, and of course, watch the videos.  I promise you won’t regret it…jazz hands!