Put Your Records On
By Corinne Bailey Rae, author
Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, illustrator
Rocky Pond Books, 2026.
Ages 4 to 8.
Inspired by author/songwriter Rae’s award-winning hit song “Put your Records On,” this picture book celebrates music’s unique power to soothe or energize us when we need it most.
Starting with the endpapers, which immediately signal what’s to come through the images of album covers including: Harry Belafonte, Henry Mancini, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, and Corinne Bailey Rae herself, we are invited into a world where music is connection, memory, and companion.
This is a story about falling in love with music for the first time, about how melodies stay with us, like finding a new friend. and how certain songs are stitched into our personal histories.
If you have a musical classroom or family, this book can help spur a discussion. The story centers on Bea and her Sundays with her great-aunt Portia, whose gentle routines make her a memorable presence. Their days together are comforting and predictable — tea, gardening, caring for Portia’s pets — until Bea asks to do something new. “Today I’d like to do something I’ve never done before,” That request opens the door to Portia’s attic, Bea didn’t know existed and THE record collection. As they listen together, Bea begins to understand how songs can comfort and celebrate, by dancing and laughing along to a happy song, and held by a song that calms them during a thunderstorm. “There’s a song here for every emotion — for the whole rainbow of feelings,” Portia tells Bea.
Bea heads home at the end of the day, excited to continue learning about herself and her world through music. The illustrations are lush, dynamic and indicate movement and play. There is soft sunlight shining through the window, vibrant blooms in the garden, Portia’s colorful boas floating and her multicolored robe sweeping us through this intergenerational story.
Corinne Bailey Rae, British singer/songwriter/ Grammy winning musician, was born and lives in Leeds, England. Her self-titled debut album in 2006, features “Put Your Records On” and is a multi-platinum anthem about freedom and joy. Rae has collaborated with artists such as- Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Questlove, RZA, Stevie Wonder, and Pharrell. She and her husband have two daughters.
Gillian Eilidh O’Mara was born and raised in Scotland. A self-taught artist with a master’s degree from the University of St. Andrews, she has illustrated several books, including The Night Whale by Bryher Mackenzie, and has co-founded social ventures, including a poetry festival, children’s literacy projects, and a tea company supporting girls’ education.
Submitted by Karen Kosko
