Jungle friends who make music together and never give up.
By Sharial and Nathaniel "Nate" Lee. Illustrated by Ali Sene.
Tap an instrument to play with the band.
Picture books for ages 3 to 8, each with a lesson you can talk about after the last page.
Lee's Jungle Band, book 1
The music-playing animals of the jungle band have lost their bass drum player. Readers meet the band as they learn about leadership and perseverance.
Lee's Jungle Marching Band, book 2
The jungle's Fall Musical is less than a month away, and the whole band is tuning up except Sloth, who keeps falling asleep on his timpani drums. When he misses his big solo, Wise Old Owl sits down with him to find out what's wrong. A story about talking through problems and learning that practice makes perfect.
The band is already rehearsing its next story. Join the band below to hear first when a new book arrives.
Join the BandEvery player in the jungle band has an instrument and a part to play.
Leads the parade and keeps the whole band in step.
The little one who wants to play the big bass drum.
Sharial Anne Lee and Nathaniel Lee Sr.
Sharial Anne Lee and Nathaniel Lee Sr. created Lee’s Jungle Band from their family’s lifelong love of music, education, faith, and storytelling. A graduate of Grambling State University, Sharial dedicated her career to teaching and making learning fun, relatable, and accessible for different types of learners. Though retired from the school system, her passion for educating and uplifting young people continues through Lee’s Jungle Band.
Nathaniel attended Alcorn State University, where he served as a drum captain. He brought his love of music home, teaching his children to play instruments from an early age and establishing a musical tradition that continues across generations.
Their children have carried that legacy forward. Nathaniel Lee Jr. became a professional bassist and multi-instrumentalist, traveling the world and performing with artists including Xzibit and The Game. Daniel Curtis Lee became a nationally recognized actor and musician, starring and performing on Nickelodeon and Disney. Their daughter, Yolande Ford, continues Sharial’s commitment to helping others as First Lady of Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church and a Christian counselor.
Inspired by their grandchildren, Sharial and Nathaniel created Lee’s Jungle Band to pass on the lessons that shaped their own family. Through music, literacy, imagination, and meaningful life lessons, they hope to help a new generation discover their talents, embrace learning, and find their own unique place in the band.
Illustrated by Ali Sene. Ali brings the jungle band to life in both books. Follow Ali on Instagram at @artsyali_ (opens in a new tab).
Ideas for reading aloud, questions to talk about, and printable pages for home or the classroom.
When an animal plays, let listeners clap, tap, or hum the sound. Try the instruments at the top of this page first.
Ask "What do you think happens next?" Guessing keeps young listeners inside the story.
Give each child an animal and an instrument. They play their part every time that animal appears.
On the second reading, stop before familiar lines and let the kids fill them in.
Lesson: leadership and perseverance
Lesson: talk it through, and practice makes perfect
Printables for home, the library, or the classroom are on the way.
Bring Sharial and Nate to your school, library, or community event for a read-aloud, a talk about the story's lesson, and time for questions.
Fields marked * are required.
Get an email when a new book or event is on the way. For parents, grandparents, and teachers.