What's the Story?
The storytelling world's respected troubadour Odds Bodkin interprets the Bible story of how David grew from a boy anointed by Samuel to be King and the slayer of Goliath on his new CD The Harper and the King: The Story of Young David. Though Bodkin gives his characters a variety of accents (a couple of them bordering on stereotype), listeners will most appreciate the colorful delivery, dramatic edge and steady guitar accompaniment by Bodkin himself. (Rivertree Productions [800-554-1333], one CD, 1 hr., $14.95, ages 8-up, Apr.)
Five favorite folktales get a dash of Cajun spice on Jambalaya: Stories with Louisiana Flavor by storyteller Dianne de Las Casas. Las Casas provides some tidbits about Louisiana and Cajun culture in her introduction. Then she changes up a few characters and details to bring such classics as "The Talking Eggs" down South. Her somewhat measured delivery lacks the zing the CD's title would suggest, but storytelling fans will likely enjoy hearing this pleasant new voice. (Story Connections Productions, one CD, 1 hr., $17.99, ages 4-up, Dec. 2003)
Listen and Learn
When it comes to educational kids' music, Hap Palmer is hard to beat. He's created a substantial catalogue of work featuring fun songs that teach concepts and skills with a smile. His latest is Two Little Sounds: Fun with Phonics and Numbers (a companion to 2002's One Little Sound). Eighteen tracks focus on such topics as counting, rhyming, spelling and letter sounds, and addition and subtraction facts. A variety of music styles and instruments keeps things lively, especially on "Down by the Bay," which makes use of a whole orchestra. An extensive CD booklet includes lyrics and suggestions for activities. (Hap-Pal Music, 818-885-0200, one CD, 1 hr., $15.95, ages 4-9, Jan.)
Accomplished children's music performer Susan Salidor's voice rings sweet and clear on her new CD Come and Make a Circle: 20 Terrific Tunes for Kids. The recording was designed to make "circle time" fun for little ones in preschool classrooms. But this blend of traditional and original tunes is also a good choice for families. Generally spare musical arrangements, many on piano, let Salidor's solid vocals reign with occasional accompaniment from a talented children's chorus. Throughout, the songs encourage participation in the form of dancing, fingerplays and singing along. (Susan Salidor, 773-271-5568, one CD, 1 hr., $16.99, ages 2-6, Jan.)
For kids in training for junior academic bowl competitions, or those who just want to sharpen their memory bank of science knowledge (and quick-answer skills), Mr. Quizmee Asks About Animals is the ticket. This fast-paced production highlights a smooth-talking host, entertaining, fact-spouting supporting characters, and the opportunity to shout out the answers to numerous questions. Listeners are given time to come up with their own replies and then can hear the correct answer as well as additional explanatory information. Questions about spelling, grammar and math are sprinkled in between queries covering birds ("Do birds swallow their food?" "Which continent had the least number of bird species?"), mammals, reptiles and insects. The catchy rock theme song is a standout here. (Quizzenkids Productions, 866-482-2332, one CD, 1 hr., $14.95, ages 5-11, Dec. 2003).
Stimulating creativity is the order of the day on the CD Dream a World by award-winning singer-songwriter Bunny Hull. Hull leads a cast of actors and vocalists in performing original stories, poems and songs about the importance of fostering and realizing one's dream. Several reggae-style tracks and the bouncy rap "I Am Somebody" are a sunny treat. A book of activities is included. (BrassHeart Music, [800-843-5743], paperback-and-CD, $16.95, ages 6-10, Jan.)
