Submitted by SUSAN MONTGOMERY
Local author Susan Montgomery has published a children’s book celebrating the ukulele.
“Zoe’s Groovy Birthday Gift: A Ukulele Tale” is a picture book that follows Zoe, a young girl who receives a ukulele as a birthday gift from her parents. She’s happy to receive the ukulele but doesn’t know what to do with her new instrument.
Throughout the book, Zoe goes on an adventure, learning all about the ukulele. This rhyming story is perfect for reading aloud and the vibrant, colorful illustrations will keep children captivated. Kids will learn the fun of making music, the power of self-expression and creativity, the importance of gratitude, and the joy of friendship.
“I wanted a book that would teach children about how exciting learning to play the ukulele can be in a very engaging way, with rhymes and colorful illustrations. The ukulele is such a fun instrument, and I wanted to share the joy that I have for it with young children,” said Montgomery. “I included a ‘Groovy Guide to the Ukulel’” at the end of the book with even more facts about the instrument and musical styles.”
National Play Your Ukulele Day is Tuesday, May 2, and is a day to get more people interested in the ukulele. It also encourages ukulele players to play their favorite tunes. The ukulele is a very accessible instrument, in part because of its small size, which also makes it an ideal instrument for young children. It has grown in popularity over the years as people post videos of themselves playing, and teachers post tutorials online.
Susan is a 2011 graduate of BGSU and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. She is also a co-founder of the local ukulele group, Bowling Green Regional Ukulele Social Club. Susan has self-published several books in various genres and began her self-publishing journey during the pandemic. This is her first children’s book.
This is the Amazon listing for the book: Zoe’s Groovy Birthday Gift: A Ukulele Tale – Kindle edition by Montgomery, Susan. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
A complete Read aloud of the book can be found at: Zoe’s Groovy Birthday Gift: A Ukulele Tale (Read aloud by Author) – YouTube
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