Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele

Based on the true story of how Valerie June wrote the song Somebody to Love, Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele is a children's book. A four-stringed musical instrument called a banjolele has a body similar to a small banjo and a neck similar to a ukulele. The banjolele faces obstacles and skepticism on its musical path, but it never gives up. With the help of Baby, Valerie and the banjolele travel the world and share their music with others. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of hope and dreams inspired Valerie to write the book, which she hopes will inspire others to believe in their own dreams and be an inspiration to their communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 52 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Third Man Books

Grammy nominated musician Valerie June has written a children's book titled "Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele". The book is based on the story of how June wrote the song "Somebody to Love" from her album "Pushin' Against a Stone".

In the book, Valerie is a child who receives a toy banjolele. A banjolele is a unique four-stringed musical instrument that combines elements of a banjo and a ukulele. The banjolele has a small body and a neck similar to a ukulele, but it produces a distinct sound.

At the beginning of the story, the baby banjolele dreams of becoming a famous musician and spreading its music throughout the world. However, its musical journey is not without challenges and doubts. The banjolele struggles to play through a whole song and is often made fun of by the other instruments at school.

Embarrassed and discouraged, the banjolele cannot finish the song. But it refuses to give up, and with the help of its owner, Valerie, it finds the courage, belief, and love it needs to sing. Finally, the banjolele belts out a gorgeous song, and Valerie names it Baby.

Valerie and Baby go on to perform all over the world together, sharing their music and inspiring others with their story. Valerie, as an adult, reflects on her banjolele and how it taught her the power of dreams. She credits Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the nation's most historical dreamers, with inspiring her early on.

Each time Valerie shares the story of her banjolele with students, she witnesses their eyes light up with wonder. She believes that the story of the baby banjolele can inspire children to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.

"Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele" is a beautiful and uplifting book that celebrates the power of music and the determination of the human spirit. It reminds us that even the smallest dreams can lead to great things, and that with the help of love and support, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our goals.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 261 x 261 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781737382973