Moana’s story of summoning courage and embarking on a voyage of discovery is especially inspiring and apt as kids begin the new school year. The new book “Moana: The Beat of Your Heart” also gives kids a fascinating introduction to rhythm and this Disney heroine’s Polynesian culture.
This hardcover — and its engaging online content — teaches kids how to make their own versions of Polynesian percussion instruments — the lali, fala, pahu, and fa’atete — from materials found around the home, and it inspires them to tell their own story through song and movement.
The book is the result of an exciting partnership between Hal Leonard, the respected publisher of music instruction manuals, and Disney Learning. While “Moana” is our favorite book in this series — ideal for kids ages 4-8, they all teach musical concepts with the help of beloved characters from Disney films. The other titles are “Mickey’s Found Sounds” and “Tangled: It’s Better When You Sing It.”
The online content for “Moana: The Beat of Your Heart” allows kids to read along with the narrator; sing-along with the rousing title tune, “The Beat of Your Heart”; and to watch 10 short videos featuring a musician demonstrating ways to clap your hands, count beats, and showing how to make motions with your arms to imitate a swimming fish, paddling a canoe, and more. “Moana: The Beat of Your Heart” is a joy to share with a child or grandchild because the caregiver and child both become students, learning about this seafaring culture through play and song.
“Moana: The Beat of Your Heart” book, $14.99, www.halle
