Celebrate Black History Month with Culture Queen

Jessica “Culture Queen” Hebron’s 2016 album, I Like The Me I See! is the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month. All 14 songs in this collection speak to a history filled with culture, traditions and royalty. The opening three tracks – “Culture Kingdom (Time To Have Fun),” “I’m A Culture Kingdom Kid!” and “I’m A Tower of Royal Power” and the closing track, “I Am The Future of Black History” call upon children to stand tall and embrace their heritage by learning about the past and working to create a beautiful future. Several additional songs including “A Wonderful Book,” “Culture Everyday,” and “I Love My History” encourage children of all cultures to be proud of who they are and the rich histories from which they come. Culture Queen’s beautiful voice is backed by a group of marvelous musicians as well as a chorus of talented, joyful young people. Also included are several songs that would work really well in storytimes. “Rise and Rhyme” features stretching and counting, “North, South, East & West” is a great jumping song, and “Super Shaker Song” (see video below) would be great with shakers or drums and as an overall movement song. 

 

Another excellent song for storytime is the title track, “I Like The Me I See!” The lyrics to this call and response tune encourage children to find every single thing about themselves (hair, eyes, feet, skin, tummy) beautiful. The chorus proclaims, “I like the me I see, I am who I’m supposed to be.” Paired with the picture book of the same name, written by Culture Queen and illustrated by Solomia Kovalchuk, “I Like The Me I See!” would be perfect to share, not just during Black History Month, but any day of the year.

 

 

Family Valentine Playlist

Ah, Valentine’s Day. That time of year when stores are filled with chocolate and roses, and chocolate roses. Red and pink hearts greet you at every turn and love is in the air. While you’re filling out those last minute valentines and trying to figure out where to go for dinner, enjoy the 16 songs in this family-friendly playlist. Whether your taste runs more toward a soothing song about love, a silly song about having a crush on your teacher, or a psychedelic tune about the special relationship between a unicorn and a princess, this list has something for everyone.

The playlist includes:
Josh Lovelace, “You Are Loved”
Lard Dog & the Band of Shy, “I Like”
KB Whirly, “You Are Love”
Michael & The Rockness Monsters, “A Life That’s Good”
Elliott Park, “All Ways”
Duke Otherwise, “Elementary Crush”
Gustafer Yellowgold, “Ellen Lemon”
KB Whirly, Mista Cookie Jar, “Love Light Shine”
Dan Zanes, “I Don’t Need Sunny Skies”
Vered, “Brothers & Sisters”
JoJo & the Pinecones, ” Dream a Little Dream”
Walter Martin, Karen O, “Sing to Me”
Billy Kelly, “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”
Bears and Lions, “I’m in Love”
Angela James, “Sailing”
StevenSteven, “The Unicorn and Princess Rainbow”