Middle of Nowhere

PreS-Gr 3—Created by singer/actress Shelly Wollert, this album explores the Island of Elska, a fictitious isle off the coast of Iceland. Elska, the tour guide on the eponymous island, introduces inhabitants such as the Winter Bear and the Arctic Fox. She begs listeners, "Don't Make Fun of the Goobler," a small, squarish green creature. Listeners also visit "The Land of Lost Socks," the "Man-Made Hole," and take the "Elska Express" to see the "Midnight Sun in the Arctic" in the "Middle of Nowhere." Among the other songs are "I Just Had an Idea," "Click Click," "Hiddi Hiddi" (how to say "Hello" on Elska), and "Frozen in Time." Musicianship is high quality, with clear, bell-like vocals by Wollert, and professional performances on synthesizers. All of the songs are performed in a modern pop sound with hand-made micro-beats. A fun album that will be welcome in library collections.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX