Our Favorite Songs in the Blues Music Book (and Why We Picked Them)

When people think of blues music, they often imagine smoky clubs and soulful solos—but at Pirouette Kids, we see something else: rhythm toddlers can bounce to, melodies that linger in the best way, and stories kids can feel even if they don’t have the words yet. That’s why we created our I Discover Blues Music book: to bring real blues to babies and toddlers in a way that feels fun, friendly, and full of soul.

Our blue music book introduces little ones to six blues classics—shortened into toddler-sized clips that still pack emotional punch. Here’s a look at the songs we chose and why they made the cut.

🎶 Goodnight Irene

This classic folk-blues ballad is soothing and full of heart. It opens the book with a lullaby-like pace, giving even the youngest listeners a chance to sway along.

We picked Goodnight Irene because it’s gentle but rich—a perfect blend of blues melancholy and child-friendly melody. Plus, it’s one of the most recorded American folk songs of all time—perfect for introducing kids to the blues tradition in an approachable way.

🎸 John Henry Blues

Based on the legendary folk hero, this track brings a strong beat and a story full of grit. It’s rhythmic, bold, and easy to move to—which makes it a favorite with the marching, dancing, and drumstick-tapping crowd.

A song rooted in legend and movement. The beat marches forward, telling the story of a larger-than-life railroad worker who wouldn’t give up.

Want to dive deeper into the folk origins of John Henry? This article from Library of Congress gives a great overview.

💙 Careless Love

Smooth, slow, and soulful. Careless Love adds a change of pace mid-book. The melody is expressive but simple, making it a great moment for quiet listening or gentle swaying.

Kids may not grasp the lyrics’ meaning, but they can feel the emotion. That’s what we love about blues—it communicates feeling before language.

🎩 Old Stack O’Lee Blues

This one’s a little mischievous. Based on a real-life outlaw tale, Stack O’Lee has an old-school storytelling vibe that keeps things playful and dramatic.

We paired this song with a whimsical spread featuring a dapper moose character walking up a dark city—perfect for a song about mischief, rhythm, and larger-than-life legends.

🕺 Jumpin’ at the Woodside

Time to dance! This Count Basie classic brings a burst of big band energy into the blues mix. It’s bouncy, upbeat, and totally contagious.

We chose this one to add tempo variety—and because kids love a chance to wiggle, clap, and bop. Every music book needs a “get up and groove” track, and this is it.

🌊 See See Rider

A slow, swaying finish. See See Rider feels like watching waves roll in—smooth, soulful, and a little mysterious.

It’s a strong closer because it lingers. It invites reflection, movement, or even a snuggle. The melody is simple but powerful, making it a favorite for winding down.

Why a Blues music book for Toddlers?

Because blues is feeling. It’s rhythm, repetition, and expression—three things toddlers already understand on an intuitive level. Even if they don’t know the words, they connect with the patterns. They dance to the beat. They hum along with the rise and fall.

Plus, it’s fun. Blues music is packed with characters, moods, and storytelling moments that keep kids engaged—especially when paired with colorful illustrations and big sound buttons.

Want to Hear the Whole Book?

You can preview the songs featured in our I Discover Blues Music book right here.

And if you’re curious about the rest of the series, check out I Discover Classical Music or I Discover Folk Music.