Music of the Mountains

Music of the Mountains by Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza

This story touched me deeply. it’s such a tender celebration of how music and tradition can bridge generations. My class and I talked about what parts of our own cultures have been passed down from our parents and grandparents — from German songs and Indian festivals to Korean recipes and Dutch bedtime stories. The children were so proud to share their own family traditions, and it made this read-aloud even more special.

The words and illustrations flow together beautifully, creating a story that feels both intimate and universal. The end pages is so informative — the explanation of the rabab, the Pashto language, and the cultural notes make it even richer. Music of the Mountains is a story that sings to the heart — a must-have for every classroom that values family, identity, and the magic of passing stories on.