5 Reasons Why Jonty Howley's 'The Animal Song' Is The Ultimate Story-and-Music Experience For Kids
The Animal Song, a celebrated 2023 picture book by the multi-talented British author, illustrator, and musician Jonty Howley, has quickly established itself as a must-have for young readers. Unlike traditional storybooks, this unique offering—often found via the specific path of jontyhowley.com/shop/the animal song-song and story—is a complete multimedia experience, expertly blending a lyrical, rhyming narrative with an exclusive, original musical track. This synthesis of story and song is what makes Howley's creation a standout in the modern children's literature landscape, providing a gentle, engaging, and highly memorable experience for families.
Released by Random House Studio, the book is a testament to Howley's diverse background, which includes professional work as an animator and designer. As of late 2025, the book continues to receive strong reviews for its vivid artwork and its central theme of friendship and music, making it a perfect addition to any collection, especially as a gentle nighttime read.
Jonty Howley: Biography, Artistry, and The Animal Song's Genesis
Jonty Howley is a highly regarded British author and illustrator, known for his distinctive and warm artistic style that captivates both children and adults.
- Full Name: Jonty Howley
- Nationality: British (UK)
- Hometown: West Sussex, UK
- Primary Roles: Author, Illustrator, Musician, Former Animator/Designer
- Education: Studied Illustration at the University of the Arts, London (also noted for studies at Falmouth University)
- Debut Picture Book: Known for several works, including *Cub* and *Come Out, Come Out, Chameleon!*
- Breakout Work: *The Animal Song* (Published 2023 by Random House Studio)
- Upcoming Project: *Tully's Christmas Mess* (Scheduled for 2025 release by New Growth Press)
- Signature Style: Vivid artwork, warm color palettes, and a talent for creating emotionally resonant stories.
Howley’s ability to combine his skills in visual art and music is the foundation of *The Animal Song*. He is not just an author who wrote a story about music; he is a musician who composed the accompanying score, creating a fully integrated artistic vision. This unique approach is a key factor in the book’s topical authority within the children's media space, bridging literacy and musical education.
The Traveling Band: A Celebration of Friendship and Rhythm
The core of *The Animal Song* narrative revolves around three talented animal friends who form a traveling band. Their mission is simple and heartwarming: to sing and play for anyone who will listen, bringing joy and rhythm to the world.
The story's central characters and their instruments are:
- The Crocodile: The percussionist, masterfully playing a snare drum.
- The Big Brown Bear: The foundation of the rhythm, handling the bass.
- The Weasel: The melodic heart of the group, strumming a banjo.
The book’s lyrical, rhyming lines perfectly match the purported rhythm of the animals’ song. This structure makes the text highly engaging for young children, helping with early language development and phonological awareness. The story is an excellent tool for introducing concepts of collaboration, different musical instruments, and the universal power of friendship.
Behind the Music: The Original Song and Record Details
The most distinctive feature of the product found through jontyhowley.com/shop/the animal song-song and story is the inclusion of the original music. The physical book comes with a direct link to an exclusive song composed and performed by Jonty Howley himself.
This original track, officially titled "The Animal Song (Song and Story)", transforms the reading experience into a listening one. It allows children to hear the music the characters are making, truly immersing them in the narrative.
Key details about the musical release include:
- Song Title: The Animal Song (Song and Story)
- Artist/Composer: Jonty Howley
- Record Label: Burly Duck Records
- Distributor: DistroKid
The gentle, harmonious nature of the song is specifically noted in reviews, making the entire package an ideal choice for a calming, gentle nighttime read. It’s a perfect way to wind down a busy day, using the combined power of beautiful illustrations and soothing melodies.
The Enduring Appeal: Why The Animal Song Achieves Topical Authority
The success of *The Animal Song* is not accidental; it is a masterclass in combining multiple creative disciplines to create a singular, memorable product. The book achieves high topical authority in several key areas of children's media.
1. Cross-Disciplinary Learning
By blending the picture book format with original music, Howley taps into cross-disciplinary learning. Children simultaneously engage with literacy (rhyme, rhythm, narrative) and musical education (instruments, melody, rhythm). This holistic approach is highly valued by parents and educators alike.
2. Distinctive Visual Style
Howley's artwork is described as vivid and distinctive. His background as an illustrator and animator ensures that every page is a visual feast, full of character and warmth. The illustrations of the Crocodile, Bear, and Weasel are expressive, adding depth to their roles as a traveling band.
3. Focus on Universal Themes
At its heart, the story is about the universal themes of friendship, collaboration, and joy. The animals' journey to share their music is a metaphor for finding happiness in simple things and working together. This positive messaging resonates deeply with young audiences.
4. SEO and LSI Keyword Resonance
The book naturally incorporates high-value LSI keywords for the children's market, such as children's music, gentle nighttime read, rhyming picture book, and author/illustrator/musician. This ensures its discoverability across various digital platforms, from online bookstores to educational resources like TeachingBooks.
5. A Complete, Ready-Made Experience
For parents, the inclusion of the song means they don't have to search for a separate soundtrack or sing the story themselves (though the rhyming text encourages it). The product is a complete, ready-to-enjoy multimedia package, making it incredibly convenient and valuable.
Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Story and Sound
Jonty Howley's *The Animal Song* is far more than a simple picture book; it is a meticulously crafted piece of art that appeals to multiple senses. By seamlessly integrating the lyrical story of a traveling animal band with an original, gentle song released under Burly Duck Records, Howley has created an innovative reading experience. Whether you are looking for a new bedtime staple, a tool for introducing musical instruments, or simply a beautifully illustrated tale of friendship, the story and song combination found at the source link offers a unique, harmonious, and enduring experience for children and their families.
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