George and Martha (Read Along Book and CD)

George and Martha (Read Along Book and CD) written and illustrated by James Marshall, read by Jeff Loeb, Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007. 978-0-618-83951-3, approximately 31 minutes on one audio CD with accompanying 47 page book. $10.99

Annotation: The friendship of George and Martha, the lovable hippopotamus duo, is explored in these five humorous tales featuring split pea soup, a lost tooth, and practical jokes.

Summary: This collection of the five very short stories contained within the original George and Martha book detail the exploits and interactions between the two best friends. Sometimes they are silly, sometimes they are cross, sometimes they drive each other up the wall, but always, their affection for each other carries the day. 

From split pea soup that neither of them likes, to a hot air balloon that can't get off the ground, to George breaking his bad habit of peeking in windows, to Martha breaking her bad habit of vanity, to George losing his favorite front tooth, the two friends are inseparable through thick and thin (mostly thick, due to their being hippo-sized). 

As an added bonus, this Read Along edition includes an extra track, George and Martha Back in Town which features five more adventures involving high dives, Mexican jumping beans, more practical jokes, and lifeguarding.

The tracks may be enjoyed with page turn signals or without, and Jeff Loeb's engaging reading style, along with the accompanying jazz music, make for an enjoyable listening experience.

Critical Evaluation: For children beginning their journey into literacy, read along books provide a bridge to reading comprehension, focusing skills, and listening abilities. This particular recording is adaptable to a range of literacy levels due to its customizable page turn signals setting.

With the high quality recording and production, as well as the humorous tone the Loeb brings to the narrative, this audio adaptation of a classic picture book has captured the original spirit of Marshall's characters. 

While Marshall's illustrative style appears simple at first glance, upon further examination it becomes clear that it is only due to his high level of talent that allows the illustrations to appear so uncomplicated. He has stripped each piece of artwork down to its core, removing all extraneous matter, and leaving only the essential surroundings and details to further the story line. 

Even so, with such a spare style, Marshall conveys a great deal of emotion, humor, and action in his portrayal of the two hippopotami. Children will empathize with the troubles, and celebrate the triumphs of George and Martha, because their foibles and flaws will seem familiar to anyone who has ever had a best friend.

Age or Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7

Lexile Level: 500L (For book portion of the set)

Awards: ---

Why Included? The George and Martha books are a complex blend of the kindness and faithfulness of a good friend, as well as the maddening familiarity and ridiculous situations that having a best friend can bring. 

Snack Time! An album by Barenaked Ladies

Snack Time! an album by Barenaked Ladies. Desperation Records, 2008. 54 minutes, 

UPC 09362-49883-80

Reader's Annotation: Songs about raisins, pollywogs, and erasers? The Barenaked Ladies have created a masterpiece of silliness in this, their first album for children.

Summary: The Barenaked Ladies, a Canadian alternative rock band who achieved great popularity in the 1990's, has brought their trademark quirky lyrical cleverness to this collection of songs for the younger set. With tracks on subjects such as hand-me-down clothing, metamorphosis, silent letters, and popcorn, the band covers topics familiar, and not so familiar, to children.

Children will enjoy rocking out to the up-tempo goofiness of songs like The Ninjas and Eraser, as well as relaxing to the slower, more insightful tracks such as Bad Day. There is plenty of musical enjoyment on this album for children ranging in age from toddlers to tweens, as well as their parents, which is a rare achievement in children's music.

Critical Evaluation: The twenty-four songs on the album are both educational and fun, and include some instruments, such as the accordion, viola, banjo, and the saw, not usually found on children's recordings. These non-traditional musical voices accompany the more typical keyboard, guitar, and percussion instruments to create a complex, catchy sound.

A variety of musical styles are represented by different songs on the album, including the jazzy Food Party, the slow and soothing Vegetable Town, and the western-influenced 789. The lyrics feature clever rhymes, puns, and plays on words, while also referencing pop culture from the 70's and 80's, a quality that many parents will appreciate. 

This album provides an alternative to the saccharine sweetness and poor production qualities of much of the children's music available today. When music can be appreciated by all of the members of a family, it becomes a shared experience allowing a deeper level of connection between parents and children.

Age or Interest Level: Ages 2 to 8

Lexile Level: ---

Awards:  2008 Juno Award for Best Children's Album

Why Included? This album demonstrates what is possible when a band known for their recordings for adults pours all of their talent into creating a fun and clever record for children. The Barenaked Ladies have done just this, with a resulting album that is appealing to people of all ages.

Smithsonian Folkways Children's Music Collection

Smithsonian Folkways Children's Music Collection. Various artists. Desperation Records, 1998. 54 minutes, UPC 09307-45043-21

Reader's Annotation: An incredible collection of songs, word play, and poetry for and by young people, selected from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Library. 

Summary: This twenty-six track collection features folk songs from many cultures and ethnic groups including African American, African Caribbean, Anglo-American, Jewish, Native American, and Hispanic. With music from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, children will gain valuable exposure to global sounds.

The collection features musicians such as Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, Ella Jenkins, and Woody Guthrie, as well as poetry read by Langston Hughes, and word play by several groups of children. Some of the songs may be familiar to children of today (Mary Mack and Twinkle, twinkle Little Star), while others will be brand new (Old Bell Cow and Oksn).

The extensive liner notes provide information about the origins and history of each included song, as well as lyrics and details about the vocalist and musicians performing the work. A catalog listing of other related Smithsonian Folkways recordings is included for reference and as recommended selections for further listening. 

Critical Evaluation: Beginning in 1948, Folkways Recordings began documenting folk, world, and children's music. Now an arm of the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, this amazing library of sound preserves the musical heritage of many cultural groups.

This particular album of children's songs draws on this rich musical catalog with a resulting sample of widely diverse and authentic cultural selections. While many of the recordings were made decades ago, and the sound quality is not as polished as we may be accustomed to, the genuine realness of the performances more than compensates for any deficiencies in production.

In our modern society, it is vitally important for children to develop an appreciation for cultures and people different from themselves. An exposure to multicultural music, art, and traditions can further understanding of and create respect for diversity among young people.
  
Age or Interest Level: Ages 2 to 8

Lexile Level: ---

Awards:  ---

Why Included? This is a true celebration of our world's rich musical heritage. Not only do these songs demonstrate the incredible diversity found within folk music, they are enjoyable to listen to.