The Notable Characters: Washen Publishing, a division of Washentertainment

They are challenged by the Rest siblings who also have a band. The Rest siblings: Wholelotta Rest, Half Heart Rest, Arma Rest, Footsy Rest and first grader Un Rest, often stop in the middle of their songs to rest. The Notables are more popular in Poplar Park because they play continuously from start to finish, like their catchy theme song, "We Had Our Nap We Had Our Meal and Now We Feel Okay."

You can hear this song in its entirety at Washentree.com. Written and illustrated by Leonard B. Rountree and edited by Rachael L. Byrd, "The Notable Characters" is a must-have book for those who are relatively new to participating in the performing arts and for those exploring an instrument for the first time. Note that each Notable Character visually represents one of the five basic note symbols and each Rest sibling, one of the basic five rest symbols. This is a clever way to introduce to kids the concept of the most commonly used musical symbols, notes and rests.

For those interested in a story that teaches empathy in addition to music literacy, this is an excellent choice. Be sure to download the audiobook version at Washentree.com. All of the music was written, arranged and performed by Leonard "Lenny" Rountree.