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lift every voice and sing: miss nina sha doo be doop

 Rocking with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Apr 162013
 

Still trying to come to the grips with yesterday’s tragedy in Boston, I had a hard time getting myself in writing mode this morning. But after dropping my daughter off at preschool and seeing all those happy, little faces, I found the motivation I was looking for. If reviewing kids’ products and working in the children’s industry isn’t a sign of hope and rejuvenation, I don’t know what is. It was precisely this morning that my 4-year-old and I discovered the just-released CD from Miss Nina. A follow-up to Singing & Dancing Together, Sha Doo Be Doop is a spirited release of toe-tapping tunes that can’t help give you a little bit of a lift. Miss Nina’s music teacher background is evident throughout this collection of catchy sing-a-longs, many of which kids can pick up after just a few listens. From “Angry Song,” which playfully grants permission to let it all out, to “Ridin’ In My Car,” which takes the boredom out of ho-hum errands, these tracks keep the beat without going overboard. Our favorite, by far, was “The Brown Bear Rap,” a hip-hop ode to our favorite Eric Carle story, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Miss Nina has a clever way of combining classic kid lit with nursery rhymes to create a unique sound. In fact, it’s just one of several book-inspired tunes that bring a liveliness to the printed page, like “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” and “Wild Things”–perfect teaching tools for the preschool classroom.  An upbeat tempo and memorable lyrics make Sha Doo Be Doop a way to enjoy the world as it should be seen: through the eyes of child…or at least, a child at heart.

In a Nutshell: The perfect panacea for tough times, this new kiddie CD delivers smiles all around.

missninacover72

 

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songs with sustenance: milkshake got a minute?

 The Playful Walnut
Mar 282013
 

Musicians come and go, especially in the temperamental kid biz, but when a band has been around the block, we can effortlessly turn on their tunes and know we won’t be disappointed. One such kid rock band with staying power is Milkshake and the band’s latest concoction, Got a Minute?, is worth more than a listen. Like most seasoned musicians, Milkshake’s sound has matured over the years, but this release reflects a well-rounded sound to suit a myriad of different tastes. From the jammin’ “We Just Wanna Have Fun,” to the more mellow “Starry, Starry Night,” the band exudes a self- assurance that allows them to bounce back and forth between pop rock, to country, without missing a beat. With more than 30 tracks on this comprehensive CD, Milkshake covers a lot of musical ground and rightfully owns up to its eclectic style. On a recent day spent towing kids around on various errands, spot-on songs like “Look Out Window” punched up some otherwise mundane chores. “Rainy Day Dance Party” may just be on our play list this spring when inclement weather keeps us indoors. Giving us plenty of food for thought, Milkshake is a listening treat worth indulging in.

In a Nutshell: Drink in the sound of rockin’ kid band that just won’t quit. Milkshake’s fifth CD takes the cake!

Got a Minute cover art 300 dpi

 

 

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monkeying around: stevesongs orangutan van cd

 The Playful Walnut
Jan 312013
 

My 8-year-old’s school has reduced its recess from two periods to one–and believe me when I say how much this bums her–and me–out. After sitting in class through math, reading, science and all those other learning-intensive subjects, she is more than ready for a break. Too bad it’s so short; she tells me that sometimes it feels like they have just bundled up and headed outdoors…only to be told to “line up” again and head back into the classroom. I’m sure that’s why SteveSongs can relate to this childhood woe in “Recess Rocks,” the first track off his new CD, Orangutan Van. No stranger to the kids’ music scene (this marks his 8th CD of the guy who’s alter ego Mr. Steve is a mainstay on PBS Kids), Steve acknowledges these profound kiddie moments that let listeners feel comforted in that “yeah, he gets me” kind of way. The cheeky ” ‘A’ is for Silly” will have the most astute pleased as punch for their keen listening ears, while “Flat Stanley” plays homage to the everyday elementary hero. As my daughter’s school gears up for its annual literacy program, the “Soaring with Reading” track takes on even greater significance. A winning release, Orangutan Van proves that with age comes great wisdom, and so SteveSongs can rest assured that yes, he definitely “gets us.”

In a Nutshell: Tons of fun, this latest release from SteveSongs continues to delight with catchy tunes that resonate with young listeners.

Orangutan Van cover art 72dpi

 

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new year, new sound: caspar babypants i found you cd

 The Playful Walnut
Jan 092013
 

Now that I’ve managed to clear out my Christmas CDs from my cluttered car, it’s the perfect time to update my traveling music collection, and that includes kid-friendly selections. Lucky for me, Caspar Babypants (Chris Ballew from The Presidents of the United States of America’s alter ego) is dropping a new kiddie CD in the nick of time. Filled with plenty of original tracks, along with some updated classics like “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Row Row Row Your Boat,” this release packs 19 rockin’ tracks that won’t have you reaching for the fast-forward button. The title track sets the tone for an upbeat mood, while “Baby of Mine” is a gentler lullaby-esque number. Our personal favorite is “Yes and No,” the cleverly written antidote to all those hard-to-answer questions that kids always manage to spring on us at the most “opportune” moments. Easy on the ears without sacrificing smarts, I Found You! is definitely a find for any parent in search of a new sound.

In a Nutshell: Fresh new tunes for car rides and just hanging at home? We’re all ears. I Found You! drops on 1/15/13.

 

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holidays aglow: sunny christmas cd

 The Playful Walnut
Nov 302012
 

It’s not even December 1st, and I’ve already heard “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” so many times, I’m beginning to take issue with the song’s title. Nothing against Andy Williams, but overplaying those Christmas carols is an easy way to drain you of any holiday spirit. If you’re looking for something fresh for your December playlist, and your listening audience includes the wee ones, give a listen to Renee & Jeremy’s Sunny Christmas. This duo will take the jitter out of your jingle with six oh-so-calming tracks, you’ll be dubbing this a mellow merry medley. From “Deck the Halls” to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” you’re bound to find a favorite among this assortment. And if you’re looking for something a little different, try the title track, a warm tribute to spreading holiday joy. Because each song’s rhythm is gentle on the eardrums, we think it’s ideal pre-bedtime music for helping wind down those wired and worn out kiddies.

In a Nutshell: A soundtrack for the season, this holiday CD is great accompaniment for card writing, gift wrapping or settling down for a long winter’s nap.

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star-studded sleepytime: the runaway bunny/babar/goodnight moon cd

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Nov 272012
 

When I was in high school, my boyfriend (now husband!) bought me a copy of Margaret Wise Brown’s “The Runaway Bunny.” Because I adored children’s literature–and he wasn’t too bad either–I treasured this charming story of a young rabbit determined to break free from his mother’s strong, yet caring grasp. After we had kids of our own, I relished the moment I could share this quietly beautiful, timeless tale with our girls. Because I can practically recite this story backwards and forwards, it has earned a well-deserved spot on their bookshelf. As much as I do love it, like any parent, who doesn’t tire of reading the same story over and over? (Ah, the curse of introducing your kids to it in the first place!) For any mom or dad who could use a bit of reprieve from all that reading comes a new audiobook with plenty of star power. This holiday season, GPR Records releases Catherine Zeta-Jones narrating “The Runaway Bunny,” Michael Douglas reading “The Story of Babar” and English baritone Mark Stone singing “Goodnight Moon.”  The soothing voices of this Hollywood husband/wife duo are balanced by Stone’s rich vocals, creating a CD that will calm any crying babe and relax a frazzled caregiver to boot. Available on CD or as an MP3 download, we think it makes for a welcome gift that any young family will appreciate.

In a Nutshell: Hollywood turns into Dreamland as a handful of celebrated stars lend their voices to classic children’s stories.

 

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mother tongue: big bang boom’s because i said so!

 The Playful Walnut
Sep 242012
 

Dissonance. It’s become one of my favorite words lately, especially when explaining to my 8-year-old why the sound of her voice by day’s end causes my brain “to do funny things. It’s kind of like when your father blasts Sleater-Kinney on his iPod and I cover my ears.” She gets what I’m saying, without taking too much offense. In the realm of kiddie music, the just-released “Because I Said So!” is the antithesis of dissonance. It’s filled with songs designed for my kids’ listening ears that I don’t mind hearing myself. And if you’re a parent with kids who don’t yet own their own iPods, you know that one’s of the highest compliments we can pay a musician. This trio of rockin’ dads must have the magic touch when it comes to creating a unique sound that mixes a variety of sounds and styles, from rock to country. The result are tunes with a vibrant, fresh sound, and one that doesn’t have me reaching for the Advil. Fresh out the of the gate, the first track’s “Green Light” had us all fired up and ready for more. We really liked “I Can Sing,” giving a special nod to individuality” and of course, the title track just because it forces us to realize that the apple indeed does not fall far from the tree. Hmmm…does that mean my daughter will someday be reminding me about dissonance? Guess it’s good preparation for those teenage years.

In a Nutshell: Get ready to rock out with a kid CD so adult-friendly, you may just find yourself coveting it after preschool drop-off.

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sound asleep: hot peas ‘n butter catchin’ some peazzz

 The Playful Walnut
Aug 272012
 

It’s been a long, hot summer, and my kids are ready for a long winter’s nap…or maybe that’s just me. These days, it seems like the season’s novelty of tons of free time, beach days galore and outdoor play has finally worn off and everyone is getting on each other’s nerves a little too quickly. Even my cat has been howling a bit too much lately. So when “Catchin’ Some Peazzz,” a new CD of lullabies ‘magically’ landed on my desk, I took it as a sign and popped it in the player during a recent cranky lunchtime. “What’s this?,” my 8-year-old inquired. “I like the title.” (Catchy, that one is–and I don’t just mean my kid.) My 4-year-old, who had been crying about her jelly sandwich just minutes earlier, suddenly perked up when she heard the band’s unique version of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” “That doesn’t sound like the one I know,” she said and then added, “But I like it.” (See, miracles do happen.) For any parent who’s been on the receiving end of one too many meltdowns, “Catchin’ Some Peazzz” is the antidote to cranky kids. Whether you’re winding down before bedtime, or just dealing with a case of the summertime blues, this CD of easy-listening kid tunes is like comfort food for your too-tired head. The same one that deserves a nice, fluffy pillow on which to lay down. Nighty-night…

In a Nutshell: Put on your PJs, grab Teddy and hunker down with a lovely collection of sleep-inducing lullabies. (Just tell ‘em your practicing turning in early for the first day of school.)

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seasonal singing: the harmonica pocket apple apple cd

 The Playful Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Aug 172012
 

Getting ready for vacation always puts our family in a good mood. But packing for the trip? Not so much. Trying to figure out just how many books/stuffed animals/toys can be crammed into our generously sized car still proves challenging. That means there is only so much space for kiddie DVDs and CDs (or at least, that’s what we tell them). This summer, however, we don’t mind making room for some of the newer, travel-friendly releases that put even our “driver” in a toe-tapping mood. Among the ones we’ve got our ear buds plugged into this season is The Harmonica Pocket’s Apple Apple. Not only is it seasonally appropriate, as the summer days segue into autumn, but it offers a fine balance between lively sing-alongs and low-key little ditties for tolerating traffic jams. “I’m Gonna Count” makes a nice alternative to the license-plate counting game, while “Diaperman” and “Little, Little Baby” had my daughters laughing and cooing simultaneously over the real baby sounds. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out the super-cool harmonica playing on this release. Kind of puts us in a lazy-days-of-summer mode….just right for vacation.

In a Nutshell: This road trip-ready release makes a fine choice for family vacations, or any other time you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

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art appreciation 101: picasso, that’s who cd

 The Playful Walnut
Jul 112012
 

I’m impressed that my 8-year-old knows her Matisse from her Monet, and has been interested in art ever since preschool. Not only was she fortunate to have forward-thinking teachers with a penchant for painting, but they encouraged self-expression through many different forms. With her younger sister following in her footsteps, I’m fascinated as I watch her move from scribble scrabbles and stick figures, to coloring in the lines and full-bodied people. To further inspire these little creative minds, we’ve been listening to the latest release from children’s musician Hope Harris. The aptly titled “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!)” pays homage to a number of artists whose works are the foundation for a study in the wide world of art. Each song is a tribute to a select artist, offering nuggets of digestible fun facts cleverly disguised as learning. From the first track “A-C-T-I-O-N,” an ode to Jackson Pollock whose amazing shape-centric works are the basis of preschool art, to the last “Impression, Monet,” Harris manages to infuse an infectious beat to each unique composition. If there’s one thing we know about art, it’s about individualism. And what better soundtrack is there for an impressionable child than one that teaches the importance of being one’s self?

In a Nutshell: The perfect musical accompaniment for your kid’s next crafting session, “Picasso, That’s Who!” is an appealing blend of art and verse.

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