Picture book cheerleader and child development extraordinaire is at it again debuting the theme song for David Litchfield’s wildly successful series, The Bear and the Piano! If you’re looking for a fun song for your kids at home, in school, or at the library, you (and your kiddos) will love this call-and-repeat based song where kids can immediately participate and get those wiggles out! If you’re new to publishing (book creating) and would like to learn the role of theme songs in the industry, come along for the details. It’s amazing what music can do to connect people with ideas.
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All About Annie Lynn
Annie Lynn, a.k.a. President and Chief Composer at AnnieBirdd Music, LLC, began writing songs at 14. That same year, she debuted her nature song, Listen, on CBS. Yes, THAT CBS…at 14! What were you and I doing at 14? Probably something slightly less productive!
You may think it would be hard to top that, but singer songwriter Annie went on to receive 14 international awards for her work in bullying prevention, tolerance and acceptance of others, identity and self, determination and motivation, going to a new school, and nature conservation.
As if I couldn’t toot Annie’s horn any more, Annie’s music has been featured on national radio, podcasts, cable and network TV, business websites, teacher guides, rodeo, and perhaps most importantly, book trailers. And *books* might have been the special word that brought you here!
David Litchfield’s The Bear and the Piano Trilogy
David Litchfield, author and illustrator of the international success trilogy of The Bear and the Piano (Frances Lincoln 2016 which sold over 120,000 copies just in the United Kingdom and was the Winner of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize: Best Illustrated Book 2016), was contacted by Annie to consider developing a theme song. Together, they commemorate the 3rd and final book in the series, Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert (2020). Sandwiched in-between of course is David’s 2nd book in the trilogy, The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle (Clarion Books 2019.
Music Helps Kids Grow
Did you know musical experiences during a child’s development can accelerate brain development? It’s true! Hearing music lights off a cascade of brain triggers. In fact, babies often sway to music and lyrical tone before they ever understand the words. You can visualize all the electric impulses going off in their minds as they connect songs to a sense of joy and pleasure.
Even in adults, a key to memorizing (and learning) information, is to engage with it in multiple forms. If we read something, write it down, and hear it, the likelihood and benefit of the content sticking is far greater.
How can we expect kids to be any different? If anything, kids are more impacted by engaging content in a variety of senses.
It’s unfortunate then, that most educational or at-home programs often limit a child’s exposure fewer senses rather than more. Think of how much better kids could learn a topic if we gave them every opportunity possible for it to stick!
And that brings us back around to The Bear and the Piano theme song debut by Annie Lynn via Soundcloud!
David and Annie have graciously decided to let the song be downloaded for FREE for non-commercial use by teachers librarians, students, book stores and homeschooling. How cool is that!?
A Brief History of Theme Songs and Why You Should Care
Theme songs, or more widely referred to as theme music and less often referred to as signature songs, was originally developed to provide the audience with a cue for their mood while experiencing the event.
Theme songs later evolved into memorable tunes or lyrical songs that provides a sense of association between the audience and the material. Once you heard the theme song, you knew exactly what to expect or felt “in the zone” for what you were watching.
Music does more than engage the sense of hearing.
“Research has shown that music may influence central physiological variables like blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, EEG measurements, body temperature and galvanic skin response. Music influences immune and endocrine function.” – A. Myskja & M. Lindbaek
Music can be compared to food. When you take a bite of your favorite pie, the kind of pie that you push your fork or spoon into slowly, raise it curiously closer to your face, see it in all the spendid detail, and slowly envelope around it with flashes of memories from childhood or feelings of Fall, you are in essence engaging far more senses than just taste.
Music is like that. You don’t simply hear music. You feel it. You think it. You are affected by it.
The same reason is why TV shows, radio broadcasts, and blockbuster movies use theme songs. Theme songs can teleport us closer to the medium.
Book theme songs, like the fabulous songs Annie Lynn creates, is a way to draw closer to the story. It’s a way to enhance the story. A way to engage more than just the sense of hearing or the sense of vision.
Being able to embrace the story along with the music is a captivating way to engage children.
Be THAT person who enriches life for little ones. Don’t just settle into the status quo. Consider implementing book theme songs in your sphere of influence and, if you are a book creator, consider reaching out to Annie Lynn today so you can debut a book song too!
Connect with Us!
You can connect with Annie via Twitter @AnnieLynn215 where you’ll find her filled with joy and encouraging everyone she meets!
Did you also know Annie Lynn created the theme song for Megan and Jorge Lacera’s Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies?
If you enjoyed this content on The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield, Annie Lynn’s musical talent, and the history of theme songs, would you consider doing 3 simple things?
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Happy singing and dancing!
