Take Care: Songs for Friendship and Social Awareness

PreS—Gr 1—Based in the Cincinnati area, David Kisor (and Friends) offer 13 original songs of acceptance, friendship, teamwork, empathy, and responsibility to prevent bullying, for the most part arranged, written, and recorded by Kisor. The opening song, "Myself, the Others, the Stuff," sets the tone for this themed disc, as it features a chorus of children responding to the call to keep simple things in mind to get along with others. Other highlights include "That Friend, My Friend Is You" (a definition of what a friend is), "Power in Me and You" (a Latin-infused song about being the change with examples from the past), "I'll Be There!" (a disco tune that encourages one to take risks, as there are safety nets in place), "Words for My Emotions #1" (a ballad that teaches how to put tags on the emotions experienced), and "Sadako's Song" (a prayerful ballad that would be powerful to pair with the books about Sadako by Eleanor Coerr). Simple tunes and a variety of musical styles are enhanced with the use of harmony and the occasional children's chorus. A booklet with lyrics is included. Never preachy in nature, these songs would be useful to include in a curriculum of empowerment for the preschool set.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH