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Frankie Liked to Sing
Frankie Liked to Sing celebrates the life of Frank Sinatra, whose iconic voice changed popular music forever and influenced generations of listeners all over the world. From his early days in Hoboken, New Jersey, to making it big in New York City, Sinatra was determined to follow his dream of being a singer and moving people with his voice. And now, one hundred years after his birth, his legacy lives on with this spirited and loving tribute.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
315 people want to read
About the author
John Seven
28 books26 followers"John & Jana are les enfants terrible of picture books today." - School Library Journal
John Seven is a writer living in Western Massachusetts. He began his career with the legendary '90s indie comic, Very Vicky, which he created with his wife, children's book illustrator Jana Christy.
John Seven is a writer living in Western Massachusetts. He began his career with the legendary '90s indie comic, Very Vicky, which he created with his wife, children's book illustrator Jana Christy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 20, 2019
Visually interesting biography of Frank Sinatra. Even as a child he had a voice that spoke to his audience, and he capitalized on that to become a great entertainer. He was an icon in the industry with the charm, talent, and good looks that appealed to a broad audience, and even yet today he remains much loved. A delight for all ages!
March 2, 2024
I love the music of Frank Sinatra! This is a very good introduction of this iconic entertainer for children. Still amazing to me how he was able to adapt over the decades; truly a 'musical chameleon' when it came to changing with popular taste. Would like to see an adult GN on his life one day!
October 14, 2015
This is an unusually cool picture book biography. Just in time for Frank Sinatra's centennial. Lively, jubilant, well written text and illustations. Very detailed. I can see a lot of grandparents (and parents) reading this to little ones and elaborating on Sinatra's wonderful career. Maybe even playing some Sinatra tunes. Great book and topic.
December 22, 2015
Picture book received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway
An interesting introduction to Frank Sinatra for children. The writing was clear and easy to understand. The illustrations were marvelous! I loved the pictures of the old clubs that Sinatra sang in as a young man. Although children, and many of their parents, will not know who Sinatra is before reading this book, I think this is a great introduction for all.
An interesting introduction to Frank Sinatra for children. The writing was clear and easy to understand. The illustrations were marvelous! I loved the pictures of the old clubs that Sinatra sang in as a young man. Although children, and many of their parents, will not know who Sinatra is before reading this book, I think this is a great introduction for all.
September 26, 2015
First sentence: Frankie didn't act like other kids. Frankie was always singing. Frankie didn't look like the other kids in Hoboken, New Jersey, either. He was scrawny and his mom liked to dress him up fancy. She wanted Frankie to stand out from the crowd.
I loved, loved, loved this picture book biography of Frank Sinatra by John Seven. I did. I love, love, love the music of Frank Sinatra. I've loved it for years and years. Yet I've never thought to read more about him, and, never imagined that there would ever be a picture book biography written about him. I am so glad Seven chose to write about Sinatra!!! The narrative is very friendly and casual. It includes an author's note, bibliography, and a playlist for young listeners.
I may have gotten a little giddy when I saw the reference to High Society. Though the movie isn't mentioned by name, it is clearly referenced in the illustrations. High Society is one of my most favorite, favorite, favorite movies. Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra together on screen. AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG TOO. How can it get better than High Society?!?!
Last sentence: Frankie's still singing. Can you hear him?
One of the last images you see is the illustrated Frank telling you, "May you live to be one hundred, and may the last voice you hear be mine."
The illustrations are by Jana Christy. They were very well done. I especially liked the cover.
There was just something oh-so-right about this one.
I loved, loved, loved this picture book biography of Frank Sinatra by John Seven. I did. I love, love, love the music of Frank Sinatra. I've loved it for years and years. Yet I've never thought to read more about him, and, never imagined that there would ever be a picture book biography written about him. I am so glad Seven chose to write about Sinatra!!! The narrative is very friendly and casual. It includes an author's note, bibliography, and a playlist for young listeners.
I may have gotten a little giddy when I saw the reference to High Society. Though the movie isn't mentioned by name, it is clearly referenced in the illustrations. High Society is one of my most favorite, favorite, favorite movies. Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra together on screen. AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG TOO. How can it get better than High Society?!?!
Last sentence: Frankie's still singing. Can you hear him?
One of the last images you see is the illustrated Frank telling you, "May you live to be one hundred, and may the last voice you hear be mine."
The illustrations are by Jana Christy. They were very well done. I especially liked the cover.
There was just something oh-so-right about this one.
August 19, 2015
I adore Frank Sinatra which I think is one of the reasons I enjoyed this picture book so much. I love the idea of exposing younger children to such an iconic figure. The story focuses on Frank Sinatra's love of singing and his journey throughout his life to make his dream come true. The illustrations are colorful and capture the movement and the feelings that his music evokes in his listeners. The message itself, beyond the story of Frank Sinatra's career is a good one- follow your dreams. However, I do wish there was more beyond his music and his film career in this book. I didn't really get a sense of who Frank Sinatra was outside of his music, which is a shame.
I received an advanced copy of this book for award consideration.
I received an advanced copy of this book for award consideration.
June 11, 2016
A bright and breezy introduction to the singer Frank Sinatra. Young readers will probably not be acquainted with Sinatra or his music. This picture book biography will give them a sense of his place in the cultural history of this country while piquing interest in listening to some of his songs. There is a kid-friendly list of his songs at the back with an informative author’s note. This overview of Sinatra’s life will be enjoyed by young readers who appreciate picture book biographies of artists following their dream and, of course, Sinatra fans of all ages. I especially enjoyed the nod to the movie High Society.
September 14, 2016
• Frankie was a boy from Hoboken New Jersey that liked to sing to anyone that would listen to him. Frankie grew up to be the famous Frank Sinatra. This beautifully illustrated book will have everyone wanting to read it again and again. This story accurately depicts the childhood of the pride of Hoboken New Jersey.
• Students from kindergarten to 3rd grade would like this book.
• This book would be a wonderful addition to a music classroom. The teacher could read it to the students then play some of Frank Sinatra’s music and discuss how he inspired future musicians. What is it about Frank Sinatra that made him so popular?
• Individual students who would benefit from this book include students that love music and musicians. Students that like biographies would like this book.
• Small groups could use this book in a unit on the 1920s. They could read this book and talk about Sinatra’s influences and who he influenced. How can you tell what era Sinatra sang in?
• The whole class would love this book read aloud to them during a unit about musicians and how they influenced not only music but popular culture.
• Frankie Liked to Sing is also available as an audiobook.
• Students from kindergarten to 3rd grade would like this book.
• This book would be a wonderful addition to a music classroom. The teacher could read it to the students then play some of Frank Sinatra’s music and discuss how he inspired future musicians. What is it about Frank Sinatra that made him so popular?
• Individual students who would benefit from this book include students that love music and musicians. Students that like biographies would like this book.
• Small groups could use this book in a unit on the 1920s. They could read this book and talk about Sinatra’s influences and who he influenced. How can you tell what era Sinatra sang in?
• The whole class would love this book read aloud to them during a unit about musicians and how they influenced not only music but popular culture.
• Frankie Liked to Sing is also available as an audiobook.
September 24, 2015
Biography about Frank Sinatra that helps children see that if they work hard and follow their dream it can pay off in the end.
June 1, 2016
Stick to your dreams message, lively illustrations, fun case! Author note fills in some of bio, like author & illustrator song suggestions for kids.
January 23, 2016
So this guy Frankie liked to sing. And he was really good at it, and people liked him, so he sang EVERYWHERE. And you know what else? He wore this really sweet hat like my friend Alistair. Not a baseball cap, but a grownup hat like you wear in the rain. And everyone liked this guy's singing. Mama said MIMI and aunt Kathy LOVE this guy, and their mom liked him too. And Grandpa Rich likes him. So that's good enough for me.
Mama played me some of his music and he sounds pretty smooth.
But you know what? He sure doesn't sound like a BOY. Those are the songs I want to hear: the ones where he was singing when he was a boy like in the book. Mama played songs from when he was a man. A LOVER man.
This was a good one even though it had a lot of words, but it WAS a fact book, kind of. And with fact books, you need a lot of words so people know what you're talking about.
Mama played me some of his music and he sounds pretty smooth.
But you know what? He sure doesn't sound like a BOY. Those are the songs I want to hear: the ones where he was singing when he was a boy like in the book. Mama played songs from when he was a man. A LOVER man.
This was a good one even though it had a lot of words, but it WAS a fact book, kind of. And with fact books, you need a lot of words so people know what you're talking about.
May 27, 2016
Frank Sinatra grew up in Hoboken, NJ and loved to sing more than anything else. He was teased a bit as he grew up and he did not care much for studying but he kept focus on what was important for him. We learn how he wanted to sing like Bing Crosby so he practiced, sang for family and friends, took voice lessons and eventually sang on the big screen with his idol. The artwork in this book is amusing, including illustrations of his real album covers. This is a fun read for young and old alike.
March 20, 2017
All about Frankie Sinatra and how he followed his dreams to become a singer. I love him so much that this books was amazing. There's also an author's note at the end with a bibliography and a list of "John and Jana's Favorite Frank Sinatra Songs for Young Listeners" that includes "The Coffee Song," "I've Got the World on a String," and "My Kind of Town" in it. Lalala now I've got Frank in my head for the day and that's just grand.
November 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this children's biography on Frank Sinatra. I would enjoy reading this to a classroom of kids because it makes the biography format very accessible and interesting. :)
December 17, 2015
Absolutely charming illustrations in this one, and a perfectly age-appropriate summary of Sinatra's career.
March 6, 2016
Cute. So many kids probably won't know who he is, but it's interesting and I loved the information in the back, including the song list.
July 1, 2016
Peaked our interest in Frank Sinatra, had to go online to watch videos & hear his songs. Great story!
January 4, 2018
This tells the story of Frank Sinatra, starting from childhood. The first half or so of the book really focuses on him singing everywhere he could.
I really liked the illustrations here. They used a lot of color without being super bright (which I don't think would have felt right), and there's a lot of attention paid to each individual person, even in a crowd. That felt like it fit some of what the text said about how Sinatra's music connected with people.
I really liked the illustrations here. They used a lot of color without being super bright (which I don't think would have felt right), and there's a lot of attention paid to each individual person, even in a crowd. That felt like it fit some of what the text said about how Sinatra's music connected with people.
February 3, 2018
Frankie was determined to sing and wanted to sing for as many people as possible. He really made a connection with the audience -- he could make them feel things with his voice. The author's note at the end gives a timeline for things, which shows how long Frank persisted in his music -- things definitely didn't just fall into place.
He idolized Bing Crosby, so I love it that he grew up to sing and act with Bing Crosby.
He idolized Bing Crosby, so I love it that he grew up to sing and act with Bing Crosby.
November 23, 2018
Lower Primary/Upper Primary
Biography
I really enjoyed this book! I have to admit that when I picked this book up I anticipated reading about Frankie Valli, not Frank Sinatra. Either way, I was excited to read it! I appreciate that this book made the history of a beloved artist come to life in a way that is fun for younger children to read. I think that the way this book was written would make reading it much more appealing for younger children.
Biography
I really enjoyed this book! I have to admit that when I picked this book up I anticipated reading about Frankie Valli, not Frank Sinatra. Either way, I was excited to read it! I appreciate that this book made the history of a beloved artist come to life in a way that is fun for younger children to read. I think that the way this book was written would make reading it much more appealing for younger children.
December 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 1-3
"Frankie Liked to Sing, by John Seven is a historical fiction book that is a quick read for students. It quickly gives a life story about Frank Sinatra and how he became a singer. This book would be great for transitioning students into learning about historical fiction books.
Grade Level: 1-3
"Frankie Liked to Sing, by John Seven is a historical fiction book that is a quick read for students. It quickly gives a life story about Frank Sinatra and how he became a singer. This book would be great for transitioning students into learning about historical fiction books.
April 22, 2019
Grades- K-2
Genre: Biography
Dive in and explore the life of the famous Frank Sinatra. I think this book would be fun to use in an elementary music class. The teacher could present the artist, the book, and then do a movement activity to go with it! The students will be able to learn about the life of a famous musical artist!
Genre: Biography
Dive in and explore the life of the famous Frank Sinatra. I think this book would be fun to use in an elementary music class. The teacher could present the artist, the book, and then do a movement activity to go with it! The students will be able to learn about the life of a famous musical artist!
November 28, 2021
fictionalized biography
kindergarten- 3rd grade reading level
I really loved this book because it didn't just focus on Frank Sinatra's life story, it solely focused on the power and influences of his voice. This could be a great reminder that we should never be silenced or afraid to use our voices, as we can be so influential and can change the world.
kindergarten- 3rd grade reading level
I really loved this book because it didn't just focus on Frank Sinatra's life story, it solely focused on the power and influences of his voice. This could be a great reminder that we should never be silenced or afraid to use our voices, as we can be so influential and can change the world.
November 12, 2023
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3rd
I had never read this book before, but thought it was so cute! I highly recommend reading this book to children! It is a great way to teach children about Frank Sinatra's life and about music. The illustrations are very "kid friendly" and also very detailed.
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3rd
I had never read this book before, but thought it was so cute! I highly recommend reading this book to children! It is a great way to teach children about Frank Sinatra's life and about music. The illustrations are very "kid friendly" and also very detailed.
December 3, 2024
Genre: biography
Grade level: 1-3
This adorable book taught me a lot about Frank Sinatra. I didn't know a lot of what was in that book so I think it's a great story to share with children so that they can have that knowledge. It was just so good!
Grade level: 1-3
This adorable book taught me a lot about Frank Sinatra. I didn't know a lot of what was in that book so I think it's a great story to share with children so that they can have that knowledge. It was just so good!
July 30, 2019
A charming biography of Frank Sinatra.
March 28, 2025
Absolutely lovely in all respects.
November 5, 2017
Genre: Biography
Grade level: Intermediate/Upper Elementary
This book about Frank Sinatra give a colorful and interesting insight into his life. Children would be able to relate because of how the story is told. This makes history fun to learn!
Grade level: Intermediate/Upper Elementary
This book about Frank Sinatra give a colorful and interesting insight into his life. Children would be able to relate because of how the story is told. This makes history fun to learn!
November 14, 2015
What a fun story about Frank Sinatra. I abridged it a bit for length while reading to my 5- and 2-year-old, but they both liked it. There was a bonus moment when we discussed "making fun" of people after Frankie gets ribbed for his fancy clothes. While there's no mention of how he actually handles the situation, it's clear he either ignores the rude comments or finds a way to make peace with them, since he's outfitted in fancy clothes throughout the book.
Immediately after reading we had to find YouTube videos of Frankie and Bing singing together. It made me happy to see this story bringing some of the musicality of the past into the present.
Immediately after reading we had to find YouTube videos of Frankie and Bing singing together. It made me happy to see this story bringing some of the musicality of the past into the present.
October 21, 2015
Bright colors pop in this illustrated biography of Frank Sinatra, which doesn't contain too many details about his life and focuses more on his passion for singing. Kids looking for information on Sinatra may be disappointed as the author tends to repeat himself in this love fest to Old Blue Eyes. Includes an author's note and bibliography. Recommended - fans will certainly adore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews