Gustafer Yellowgold's Year in a Day

PreS-Gr 2—Gustafer Yellowgold was born on the sun and has made a new home in Minnesota where he lives with his pal, Slim, the eel. Creator Morgan Taylor's mellow voice and Beatle-esque tunes are buoyant and infectious. Except perhaps for the last song, "Fa and a La," (which has brilliant harmonies), listeners may not realize that this is a salute to holidays. The final video segment features Santa hats and candy canes, but otherwise is an ode to being with family and a wish for peace. While mostly secular, there is also a slight nod to Easter; "Eggs," shows characters swirling through the air with colored eggs, Peeps, and jellybeans. The program begins with a celebration of winter and snow and the song, "New is the New Old." The holiday theme proceeds chronologically and remains subtle throughout with tunes like "Shadow"(a nod to Groundhogs Day), "Four Leaved Clover (St. Patrick's Day) a tribute to "Fireworks" (Independence Day), and the enigmatic, rollicking, "Pancake Smackdown" that celebrates Fat Tuesday (and National Pancake Day). "Werewolves Rock" is subtly about Halloween (costumed characters appear in the video), and "Pumpkin Pied (Thanksgiving). There is ample silliness both in the hand drawn, simply animated music videos and the sometimes nonsensical lyrics—why mention the Seattle Space Needle in a song about shadows or make a point of the midsummer sun toasting buns (as in sweet rolls)? Warm colors and sweet melodies combine for a total feel good package.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library, OH