Audio

K-Gr 3–Dr. Flossman’s Tooth School is a busy place. He has 32 students, all teeth, and they spend this typical school day learning about tooth anatomy and function, dental hygiene, and more. Laurie Keller’s text (Henry Holt, 2000) is very much “tooth-in-cheek,” with solid information accompanied by terrible puns and lively repartee. The audiobook format plays up the format of the book, with Michael McKean narrating and providing the voice of Dr. Flossman, while other voices chime in as the students. Nearly all of the “asides” from the illustrations are included in the audio presentation, and listeners will have fun locating them in the book as they scan Keller’s wild and crazy multimedia pictures. Lively background music and fun sound effects increase the enjoyment. There’s important information here, but it is so cleverly disguised that students will be surprised just how much they have learned about their teeth and good dental hygiene.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 5-10–In the sixth book (Philomel, 2006) of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series, our teenage hero/spy faces Russian multibillionaire Nikolai Drevin. Recuperating from an assassin’s bullet in London’s St. Dominic’s Hospital, Alex is mistaken by hired killers for Drevin’s son. What follows is Alex’s near death in an apartment complex fire and in a car race with Drevin, and a space fight in Ark Angel (the world’s first space hotel, built by Drevin) with eco-terrorist Caspar (who wears the globe tattooed on his face). But who is Caspar (and his group, Force 3) really working for? Despite some suspensions of belief in the plot (such as Alex’s space ride to Ark Angel), readers will be enthralled with this fast-paced story, the evil (and good) characters, and Alex Rider’s amazing Bond-like exploits. Narrated in a crisp, superb style by veteran British actor Simon Prebble, listeners will enjoy Alex’s exploits whether they are new to the series or have read the previous books.–Larry Cooperman, Seminole High School, Sanford, FL

Gr 4-8–Nancy Springer has created a jewel in Enola Holmes, the Victorian-era heroine of this first book (Philomel, 2006) in a planned series (Enola Holmes Mysteries). Life for Enola turns upside-down when her eccentric mother disappears on Enola’s 14th birthday. Enola calls on older brothers Mycroft and Sherlock to help trace their mother’s whereabouts. When even Sherlock Holmes is stumped by her disappearance, Enola brings her considerable smarts to bear on the case. Enola relies on arcane knowledge learned at her mother’s knee to begin the search. Clues meaningless to Sherlock make sense to her. Enola’s scheme to find her mother brings her into contact with another mystery. Where is the missing Viscount Tewksbury, Marquess of Basilwether? Katherine Kellgren’s performance is superb. Every frightened intake of breath will make believers of mere listeners. Her English accent captures tones of the upper class Holmes family and street blackguards equally well. Bold adventure involving impersonation, kidnapping, London cutthroats, and more than a few forays down blind alleys will delight fans of rapidly paced mystery.–Erin B. Allen, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC

Gr 6-9–Fourteen-year-old Debbie and her friends spend time together listening to the radio, tanning in their backyards, and going to local concerts. Lynne Rae Perkins’s 2005 Newbery Award-winning novel (Greenwillow, 2005) records a series of episodes and events that happen in the lives of Debbie, Hector, and their school friends. The teens are facing crossroads in their lives and must decide which path to choose. Listeners will relate to these likeable young people who reflect on both mundane and urgent concerns. Perkins’s lyrical and humorous text comes to life with Danielle Ferland’s competent narration. There is a sense of awe, delight, and joy in Ferland’s reading which perfectly matches the tone of the book.–Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

K-Gr Gr 3–Elvis is a macho rooster who, accustomed to being ruler of his roost, has a hard time appreciating the courtesy of his farm mates. However, when a Hollywood-type peacock who isn’t afraid to bare his more feminine side comes to visit the farm, Elvis learns a valuable lesson in kindness—well almost. This fun beginning reader about etiquette written and illustrated by Denys Cazet (HarperTrophy, pap. 2004) is read by Barbara Caruso; the production would have fared better with a masculine voice for the brusque Elvis. However, Caruso lowers her gentle voice to a grumble for Elvis, and assumes a slight drawl for his peacock nemesis, Cluck Gable. Subtle sound effects and music add to telling.–Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

K-Gr 2–Jill Tomlinson first published these two short chapter books in England over 25 years ago. The first title was released in the U.S. as Hilda the Hen Who Wouldn’t Give Up (Harcourt, 1980). Hilda, a speckled hen, takes several forms of transportation to get to her aunt’s farm to see her new family of chicks. When she sees the chicks, Hilda decides she wants to have a family of her own. Each time Hilda lays eggs, the farmer’s wife discovers them and takes them to sell or cook. On her fifth try, Hilda finally finds a good hiding place and is able to sit on the nest long enough for the eggs to hatch. Pat is an inquisitive little sea otter who has much to learn about living and growing up in the sea in The Otter Who Wanted to Know (Egmont, 1989). When she and her companions are captured by some men, she gets caught in a scary adventure. The recording is spare, with no background music. British actress Maureen Lipman does a fine job of reading the text of both stories. These adventurous animal tales will charm young listeners.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 6-9–Richard Peck seems determined to create his own sub-genre: nostalgic fiction. Just like A Long Way from Chicago (Dial, 1998) and A Year Down Yonder (Dial, 2000), this title (Dial, 2006) is a keeper. Set in rural Indiana, circa 1914, tomboy PeeWee works with her adored older brother Jake. The automobile is replacing the horse and buggy and the young brother and sister run a fledgling gas station. When a tornado rips through town and tears up the defunct library, the town elders are shamed into re-opening it. Irene Ridpath and three of her sorority sisters fresh out of library school arrive and set the small town on its ear. Motherless PeeWee has never encountered women with such sophistication, and she begins to re-examine her own femininity. Jake is determined to win a rough and tumble automobile race, but when he’s injured, PeeWee jumps in and finishes the event. Peck is a master at creating enchanting characters—even his dead librarian has personality. The setting is vivid—listeners can almost hear the sound of those first automobiles chugging up the road. Narrator Lara Everly brings the story to life with great charm. Listeners will enjoy this well-done audiobook that weaves in facts about rural life in the early 20th century, feminism, and automobile history.–Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

PreS-Gr 3–Award-winning storyteller Dianne de Las Casas has given familiar folktales a modern twist by remixing them with rhythm, rap, and rhyme. Energetic and commanding, de Las Cases convincingly performs these tales, repeating rapping refrains and encouraging listeners to join in. Traditional tales such as the “Three Billy Goats,” “The Three Little Pigs,” “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and “The Little Red Hen” (making pizza this time!) are given an upbeat treatment that kids will love. Older preschool and early elementary grade children will hone their listening skills with this title that is a fine addition to general listening collections.–Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

K-Gr 2–Kate DiCamillo, the Newbery award-winning author best known for her novels for older children, has recently written short chapter books for the younger crowd starring a lively pig named Mercy Watson. Mercy lives in the house with her doting owners who treat her like their own child, singing her lullabies and making sure she is adequately supplied with her favorite food—buttered toast. The sisters who live next door are split on whether Mercy is a good or a bad neighbor (rather like the Wilsons and Dennis the Menace.) In Mercy Watson to the Rescue (Candlewick, 2005), Mercy goes for help and saves her family when their bed fall through a hole, more from accident than intent. Mercy indulges herself in Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride (Candlewick, 2006) as she takes the wheel of the car and tries a little driving, much to the surprise of a local police officer. The stories, ably performed by Ron McLarty, stand on their own without need of background music or sound effects. Each tale is gently humorous, and children will grin at Mercy’s adventures, and then probably head to the kitchen for their own well-buttered toast.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 5-8–The first two books in this fantasy series introduced Twig, a young human who lives in the deep woods and was raised by trolls. In Book 1, Twig abandons the world he knows to pursue the world of his destiny. In the second book, Twig, a sky pirate captain, sails on the Stormchaser seeking to avenge the betrayal of his father, Cloud Wolf. In the third book by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (David Fickling Books, 2004), Twig has been commissioned to save Sanctaphrax by severing the anchor that holds the floating city. Twig has lost all memory of the instructions his pirate father gave him. Elements of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, and Star Trek will keep readers enthralled. The story contains episodes of violence and death, and deals with issues of slavery and class divisions. Narrator John Lee provides a distinct voice for each character. A good choice for middle school fantasy collections.–Joyce Rice, formerly, Crestwood Middle School, Royal Palm Beach, FL

K-Gr 2–Originally written in the 1950’s for the BBC radio program Listen with Mother, these stories about the Naughty Little Sister were loosely based on author Dorothy Edwards’s memories of her own childhood and her naughty little sister. For the 50th anniversary edition, all four collections of the Naughty Little Sister stories were published in one volume (Clarion Books, 1991). In each tale, the Naughty Little Sister always does something dreadful. In one story, she misbehaves for the photographer at his studio when he tries to take her picture, while in another she jumps on and otherwise abuses her old cot, stopping only when she gets her big girl’s bed. At the end of each tale, the wise older sister sees the humor of her younger sibling’s actions. British actress Jan Francis provides a charming reading, with slight vocal inflections to indicate the different characters. This collection offers a time warp back into an age of innocence and would be perfect to share with precocious little girls.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 3-5–Fourth-grader Ophie Peeler’s life has changed since her family moved from California to Oregon. She must adjust to a new home, a new school, new friends, a new baby sister, and her salesman father’s long absence from home. The story develops slowly as Ophie finds that she’s not in the spotlight any more, and her life is very different from the almost magical existence she enjoyed in California. In the end, Ophie learns that even though things change, they can still be good. Anne Marie Lee provides an excellent reading of Kathleen O’Dell’s novel (Dial, 2004), building interest by bringing humor and candor to the characters’ voices. Girls trying to find their own places in the world will enjoy this journey of self discovery.–Cynthia Grabke, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA

Gr 5-8–Weird things are happening in tiny Avalon, Minnesota in this predictable novel by Derek Benz (Orchard, 2006). Goblins, fairies, and unicorns have begun to appear to Max Summer and his fellow Grey Griffin Club members. The Grey Griffins and the elderly proprietor of the Shoppe of Antiquities participate in a role-playing card game involving characters from Arthurian legend. Max and his friends seem to be the only people in town who realize that the characters have come to life. It’s up to the Grey Griffins, with help from a few adults, to save the world from the evil that has been unleashed. The dialogue is mind-numbingly dull, and even narrator Erik Steele has a difficult time bringing the characters to life. The main characters are stereotypically the rich kid, the tough kid, the whiny kid, and the smart girl. The plot is more Scooby-Doo than fantasy.–Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

K-Gr 3–Jack Gantos’s Rotten Ralph beginning reader (Farrar, 2001) offers a humorous exploration of how to become an Egyptian, summarized into four chapters: “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Read Like an Egyptian,” “Shake Like an Egyptian” and “Look Like an Egyptian.” Listeners learn about the lifestyles and customs of Ancient Egypt when Ralph, the adventurous feline, wants to help Sarah, his owner, with her class project. Sarah and Ralph go to the library to work on the project but, as usual, Ralph gets into trouble. In the end, Ralph lives up to his reputation of a “wise cat” and helps Sarah with her project by dressing up as the Sphinx to save the day. Background noises such as pouring kitty litter, flipping pancakes, and running water enhance the audio experience and draw listeners into the setting. Gantos’s expressive narration brings Rotten Ralph’s emotions to life. Although Ralph never utters a single word, the audience will laugh at his pranks and relate to his fallibility and persistence. One audio track has page-turn signals, and the other is straight narration. Listeners will enjoy the story’s humor and Nicole Rubel’s colorful illustrations.–Ann Crewdson, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

K-Gr 6–Eight talented actors and actresses read these multicultural folktales in expressive, vibrant voices. Author Amy Friedman selected these retellings of traditional tales from her syndicated column for UPI, Tell Me a Story. Laura Hall, well-known as the piano player for the hit comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, composed appropriate music for each story. “A Sense of Theft,” accompanied by Klezmer-style music, tells of Zena who is accused of smelling the baker’s products and ordered to pay him by allowing him to hear her shaking her bag of coins. From the Caribbean, “Anansi and Turtle’s Feast” is accompanied by calypso music. When Anansi refuses to share his meal with hungry Turtle, Turtle returns the favor. “The Selkie Bride” from Scotland and Ireland, with mournful flute music, tells of a fisherman who steals a selkie woman’s skin and makes her his wife. With jazzy accompaniment, “Two Frogs from Japan” tells of two frogs who decide to climb the mountain between Kyoto and Osaka to see what’s on the other side. The Czechoslovakian folktale, “The Clever Girl,” tells how Hannah’s cleverness and wit is a perfect match to that of the local magistrate. “Searching for Fear” a Turkish folktale set in North America, is accompanied by spooky music. Gregory is not afraid of anything until the forest animals decide that the brave raccoon should be their king. Accompanied by lovely flute music, “Rabbit on the Moon,” from India, recounts the tale of Buddha visiting the earth in disguise to test the generosity of the forest animals. “The Boatman’s Howling Daughter,” accompanied by country-style music, tells how Sal, daughter of American tall-tale hero Mike Fink, is kidnapped by a group of pirates, but escapes and takes revenge on them. A wonderful listening experience.–Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 1–Vera is excited because it’s her first day of school in this picture book by Vera Rosenberry (Holt, 1999). After walking to school with her older sisters and agreeing to meet them at the buckeye tree at the end of the day, Vera is left alone on the playground to wait for school to begin. But the playground is crowded and the school seems far away so Vera sits down to think. She’s intent on watching a caterpillar that she misses the school bell and is late for class. Not knowing what to do, Vera goes home and hides under her bed where her mother finds her. After a hug and an explanation, Vera’s mother walks Vera back to school where she meets her teacher and her class. After school, Vera meets hers sisters as planned and they walk home none the wiser. Rosenberry’s text and brightly colored gouache illustrations are well served by Laura Hamilton’s gentle narration that expresses all of the excitement, doubt, and accomplishment that every child feels on the first day of school. Some sound effects enhance the story. One side of the cassette has clear page-turn signals. A good choice for parents to share with children preparing to go to school for the first time or for teachers to use with a class on the first day of school.–Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 5-8–Erin Hunter’s fourth book (HarperCollins, 2006) in the series is the most compelling one so far. The Cat Clans are struggling to establish territories in a world where dangers and resources are yet to be found. Having been forced to leave due to “two-leggeds’” destruction of their world, unexpected alliances were forged between the Clans as they journeyed to an unfamiliar land. Creating new boundaries for the Clans challenges those temporary alliances. It is of utmost importance to reconnect with the StarClan, the warrior ancestors whose guidance oversees the selection of new leaders, medicine cat secrets, and faith that they’re following the correct path. There’s a healthy dose of feline personification, complete with moral and emotional struggles urging the story along. Personal jealousies and passions seem natural in this reading by Nanette Savard. Her subtle voice changes have sufficient dramatic effect to help listeners identify which cat is speaking. For cat lovers and fans of the series, this is a fine rendition.–Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 4-7–Alan Garner’s novel (CollinsVoyager, pap. 2002), first published in 1960, is a classic multilayered British fantasy with dwarves, elves, wizards, goblins, and a shape-shifter. Listeners may be challenged by the many complex names, places, and creatures that make up the story, which has its basis in Celtic and Norse mythology. The protagonists, Susan and Collin, go to Alderley Edge in Cheshire to stay with their mother’s former nurse while their parents are abroad. They immediately set out to explore the countryside and set magical events in motion. In the forest, they stumble upon the great wizard who watches over 140 sleeping knights and their horses who are awaiting the time when it will be necessary for them to save the world from evil. Susan realizes that a stone in her bracelet is the famous Firefrost, whose powerful magic safeguards the knights. When her moonstone is stolen, an adventure-laden quest ensues to recapture the stone from the forces of evil. The story is continued in a sequel, The Moon of Gomrath. Philip Madoc reads with a strong, deep voice, effecting the right mood for the menacing events that unfold. The haunting musical interludes between chapters add to the suspense. A good purchase for libraries with comprehensive fantasy audiobook collections. Fans of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis will enjoy this title.–Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1–Poor Vera has the chicken pox in this picture book written and illustrated by Vera Rosenberry (Holt, 1998). Feeling terrible, she’s reluctant to be confined to bed in the lonely, scary spare room. The sounds of normal daily life outside her sickroom add to her fevered dismay. Vera’s mother, father, and older sister bring her meals and help entertain her. Children will easily relate to Vera’s struggles with, and eventual victory over, her illness. Read by Laura Hamilton in a subtly childlike manner, with appropriate sound effects and music, Rosenberry’s picture book memoir comes to life. A good choice for children working their way through an illness of their own.–Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

Gr 9 Up–A car accident has left Rose’s 18-year-old sister, Ivy, virtually brain dead and the doctors want to turn off her life support in this novel by Alison McGhee (Candlewick, 2005). Seventeen-year-old Rose visits Ivy every day and is trying to cope with the situation, while her mother won’t discuss the accident and never visits Ivy. We learn about pre- and post-accident events, the accident itself, Rose’s return to school, her need to have sex to forget, and visits to Ivy in the nursing home with a neighbor who is Rose’s main support. The change from second- to first-person narrator helps listeners feel more of Rose’s pain. Carine Montbertrand reads the novel expressively and at a rapid pace. No significant voice changes are made to differentiate between the characters, but the text itself makes it clear. An excellent choice for students coping with grief.–Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

Gr 7 Up–Sixteen-year-old Imogen, only child of liberal intellectual parents, expects to spend her summer earning money at her first real job and having enough free time to relax. The job is waiting tables at a local bed and breakfast in the English countryside near her home, but the atmosphere isn’t cozy: her boss is a bit of a creep, his albino stepson is a reclusive shutterbug who takes an obsessive shine to her, and the customers include a trio of unpleasant men who work at the local power plant. To complicate Imogen’s life further, she goes beyond her parents’ typical dabbling in causes and gets deeply involved in a case involving Afghani immigrants who are to be housed in the next village. And to top it off, she falls in love with one of the young Afghani men. British author Alan Gibbons’s suspenseful and tightly told story is narrated by Jerome Pride with perfect pacing. In the end, all the subplots converge, and Imogene’s attacker must be found and brought to justice. The British vocabulary and the narrator’s accent can be easily understood. Listeners will be drawn quickly and completely into this suspenseful, chilling, and realistic tale.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up–Pat Murphy’s tale (Tor Books, 2000; pap. 2001) of a girl raised by northern California wolves in the mid-1800’s overflows with natural and human dangers. While camping, Sarah’s gold prospecting parents are murdered by a robber named Jasper. Unable to locate the three-year-old child before he leaves the desecrated camp, Jasper pursues Sarah through the years. Sarah is taken in by a wolf pack and reared as one of their own. In early childhood, she makes contact with both natives and white settlers, but returns to the wild after each brief meeting, usually accompanied by her littermate, Beka. Across the years, Jasper and Sarah’s lives cross with Max, a lonely artist who notifies Sarah’s distant aunt of her survival, and various Western townies. Sarah becomes a folklore character, noted for her sudden appearances when immigrants along the Sierra trails need rescuing. All the stories converge when Sarah temporarily joins a traveling circus. Bernadette Dunne reads with authority, differentiating the voices of some characters with changes in tone, pitch, and accent. The story of the Wild Angel of the Sierras veers toward melodrama without fully losing its strain of credible history. Chapter headings quoting Mark Twain—rendered in a fair echo of his craggy tone—keep listeners grounded in Sarah’s world. In addition to lots of action, this historical fantasy deals with the role of women and the reality of life in the West.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 2-5–This learning tool features the multiplication tables from 1 through 12 set to hip-hop music. Each of the tracks is chanted and set to the same music. A variety of voices are used, some of which sound synthesized and are occasionally difficult to understand. Each track is about 3 minutes long and begins with a bit of motivational advice. The multiplication tables are then recited twice, followed by a “test,” where the equation is spoken and the answer is left for listeners to supply. Lastly, the multiplication table is spoken a third time. If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining way to help teach the multiplication tables, rather than mere repetition, look elsewhere.–Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

PreS-Gr 3–This collection of children’s standards is as hot as a sultry New Orleans night. From the opening jazz riff “Baby Loves Jazz Theme” through the soulful jazz renditions of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Paw Paw Patch” to the scat and instrumentation of “Old MacDonald” (had a band), each selection is upbeat and engaging. Among the other songs are “ABC,” “Wheels on the Bus,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Banana Boat Song.” As a bonus, there are five brief selections featuring one instrument in a jazz solo—trumpet, piano, drums, sax, and bass. Jazz vocalists Sharon Jones and Babi Floyd work well together and shine as soloists; Floyd particularly charms when singing in a style reminiscent of Louis Armstrong. John Medeski is outstanding on keyboards—moving from organ to synthesizer with ease. A kid’s choir adds depth to several selections and introduces some of the songs. Verve Records is releasing this in conjunction with a new series of books by Price Stern Sloan. An excellent introduction to jazz.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 6–These 42 children’s folksongs were collected in Alabama in 1947 and recorded on a portable disc recorder by Professor Byron Arnold, a “songcatcher,” who spoke with the women (mothers, grandmothers, teachers, babysitters, etc.) singing the songs, learning about their lives. The collection features many types of folksongs, including ballads, trotting songs, circle games, and line games. Only a few of the songs, such as “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “Skip to My Lou My Darling,” and “Frog Went A-Courting,” will be readily recognizable to most listeners. The accompanying booklet includes the lyrics, game directions, and biographies of the singers. While this is a wonderful primary source for folksongs of that era, listeners can often hear the sound made by the needle on the original disc in this remastered version, which might put off youngsters. The collection will have a regional appeal and be of most interest to those studying folk music. Librarians and teachers could play a few of the songs and inspire youngsters to learn the words. An additional purchase.–Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2–This collection stresses basic concepts that are taught in preschool through second grade classes, including the ABCs; names of the vowels; spelling small words; counting by ones, twos, fives, and tens; addition and subtraction word problems; the days of the week and months of the year; and names of the states. Spoken vocals are accompanied by synthesizers, drums, and a bass that drives most songs. The result is music that lacks variety and may bore listeners. A few songs have a funky hip-hop sound playing in the background (such as “The Calendar Song”), but are also delivered with spoken vocals. Execution of several songs (including “The Vowel Song” and “Count by One’s”) is reminiscent of an exercise instructor, as the speaker punches the important words and encourages listeners to “count wit’ me,” “keep a-comin’,” and “Here we go.”.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2–New Jersey shore-based singer-songwriter Dawne “Dawnie” Alynne’s second solo effort maintains a soft-pop/rock or pop/country sound. Highlights include “Big Red Ball” (a soft-pop celebration of love for this favorite toy), “Animals on Parade” (a country song about the circus animals), and “Kwami and the Coconut Tree” (a Caribbean beat tune heralding Kwami’s bravery). Two numbers highlight holidays: “Smiles Like Snowflakes” is perfect for winter holidays, and “Haunted Castle” would work for Halloween. “Five Little Mousies” is a fingerplay story. Rounding out the collection are “My, My Molly,” “Little Lucy Ladybug,” and “One Small Rabbit.” Allynne and producer Joe Morgano provide all the instrumentation, with Allynne doing the voice-over harmonies. Perfect for preschool story time.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 4–Monty Harper croons 12 original and 1 traditional song. The majority of these mostly rock-style selections tribute to some kind of animal, many of them pets. The last two bonus songs are about healthy foods. Guitar, mandolin, acoustic bass, harmonica, keyboard, and percussion are performed by talented musicians. The songs include ““Paws Claws Scales and Tales” (famous book animals like Curious George), “I Took My Dragon for a Walk,” “A Pet Like That,” “Villa Villekulla Hula” (Pippi Longstocking and her animal friends), “Dog Books,” “Hummingbird Hum,” “It’s Hard to Love a Reptile” (especially a 300-lb. alligator), “Fred’s Frog Flippy.” “Gimme Vegetables,” and “I Go Bananas.” “Eleanor Gerbil” is done in a style very similar to “Eleanor Rigby.” The traditional “Cat Came Back” has additional lyrics by Harper. This enhanced CD can be loaded on the computer to access additional songs, podcasts about the creative process, and printable lyrics with guitar chords. Animal lovers will find much to enjoy on this fun album.–Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-K–Children’s performer Raffi has selected 15 of his favorite slow-paced songs for this recording (they are all available on a number of previous Raffi recordings). Standards such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” “Rock-a-bye Baby,” “Mary Wore Her Red Dress,” and “Row, Row, Row” are found side-by-side with Raffi originals such as “Thanks a Lot” and “Like Me and You.” Other titles include “Fais Dodo” (from One Light, One Sun), “Slow Day” and “Spring Flowers” (from Bananaphone), “Nursery Rhyme Medley” (from Rise and Shine), and “Haru Ga Kita” (from Everything Grows). While there is nothing new here, the compilation of peaceful Raffi tunes makes this perfect for naptime.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3–Rebecca Frezza is accompanied by her 8-piece band, Big Truck, on her third CD release. Her cheerful voice and original lyrics make this a memorable recording. Several styles of music are included, influenced by rock and roll, jazz, Celtic, and bluegrass. The band utilizes a variety of instruments, exposing listeners to the usual guitar, bass, keyboard and drums, as well as harmonica, djembe, bongos, congas, mandolin, ukulele, and more. Fourteen songs, intended for older preschool and early elementary children, embrace such concepts as proportion, movement, attitude, and inter-generational storytelling. A cute song about shyness, “Can’t Let Go Blues,” seems a bit juvenile for the intended audience, repeating the refrain “I can’t let go of that leg” several times, alluding to a child hiding behind a parent’s legs because he’s shy. Still, the recording is delightful and will be popular in general listening collections.–Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-K–This collection features mostly original, soothing guitar lullabies performed by Alan Goodman as well as a few original arrangements of traditional tunes. The familiar tunes include “Eensy Weensy Medley,” an arrangement of “The Eensy Weensy Spider” rhyme, and “London Hush Baby,” an arrangement that includes strains of “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” Other arrangements include “The More We,” which includes bits of “The More We Get Together” and “Skip to My Lou.” At times, Goodman is accompanied by chimes, the triangle, and shakers. A relaxing choice for a bedtime routine or simply a way to encourage children to slow down and relax. A welcome addition for public libraries.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr all levels–Wilson Lake, pseudonym for Ohio teacher Tom Jackson, wrote these 10 original songs to encourage families to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. With the Rock Bass Band (father-in-law Don Staczek, former drummer for Johnny and the Hurricanes, and fellow teacher Sandy Skala), this former member of the Ohio rock band Driftwood Whale based his tunes on his memories of trips to the family cabin in Michigan. These rock-style songs include “Welcome to My Cabin,” “Fish Flippin’ Fever” (with a driving beat reminiscent of the Rolling Stones or the Doors), “Kersplash,” “Hey Toad,” “Walking in the Woods,” “Burnt Marshmallow Blues,” “Rock Skippin’,” “Dirt Bike Racer,” “Light Up the Sky” (stars), and “Old News.” An appealing selection for nature-loving kids.–Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3–These upbeat songs, sung by Rabbi Sim Bloom with a full band and children’s vocal accompaniment, provide an introduction to the spirit of the Jewish Sabbath and other holidays, as well as a taste of Jewish ethical values based on ancient teachings. “Hinei Mah Tov” starts in Hebrew and then segues into English and extends the theme of the song as the opening to the Sabbath. “V’ahavta L’re’echa Kamocha” and “Larry Levi (The Pirkei Avot Song)” explain, respectively, the meaning of “Love your neighbors as you love yourself” and what it is to be wise, rich, and strong according to the teachings of the sages. “There’s a Dinosaur” is a humorous romp through the traditions of Shabbat (Sabbath). “Let’s Build Ourselves a Sukkah,” “He Loves That Candle Six,” and “Tu B’Shevat” explain the purpose and traditions of Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Tu B’Shevat (the new year of the trees). “It Could Always Be Worse” is a traditional folktale. The last three songs bring the CD to a peaceful close with “Shabbat Shalom to You,” an ode to the universality of the Jewish faith throughout the world; a reprise of “Hinei Ma Tov”; and “The Nightingale,” presented in a folk style, that evokes the ending of Jewish festivals at sunset. The songs’ styles are subtly varied. Most useful in synagogues and Yeshivot, and public libraries serving a Jewish population.–Caren Koh, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY

K-Gr 6–This upbeat offering features techno-rock style songs that teach about topics in world geography and social studies. Lyrics which are alternately spoken and sung by two young men, with some synthesized robot voices thrown in for good measure, give clues and ask listeners to answer questions. Unfortunately, many of the most important points are spoken, defeating the supposition that kids remember things that are sung. Tracks include: “Continents,” “How to Read a Map,” “Globe,” “One World (Take Care of It),” “Cities, States, Countries & Continents,” “Supply & Demand (Economics),” “People,” “Oceans,” “Habitats,” “Food,” “Landforms,” and “Sports Bring the World Together.” Although these tunes may grate on adult ears, the creative production will appeal to youngsters and will be useful in the classroom to reinforce these concepts.–Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY