A Note About Grief

Grief has been on a lot of people’s minds lately, mine included. So often it is correlated to the death of a loved one, but among other things, it could also be the result of the loss of a pet, or the end of dreams that will never be realized. I consider myself lucky that while growing up, whenever I was grieving a loss, however big or small, my parents never said, “Don’t cry. Everything will be ok.” Instead they let me cry, or talk, or just be alone for a while.

The world of children’s music experienced two great losses in recent months. Earlier this fall, we lost the incomparable Father Goose and just this weekend the world said goodbye to the First Lady of children’s music, Ms. Ella Jenkins. I think both would agree, when grieving, music is often the best medicine. Sometimes the music lets you rage, it lifts your spirits, or it gives you a reason to have a let-it-all out dance party.  Other times though, music is what helps you make sense of your grief and supports you as you move through it. “Heaven,” from Ronnie Boy Kids is just such a song. Written for Ronnie’s dear friend when she lost her sister, “Heaven” is an incredibly beautiful tune that acknowledges the deep pain of loss while sharing a message of love and hope. It’s a message that will pull at your heart but hopefully bring comfort to those who need it the most.

Music is healing for all ages, but for children and young adults, reading stories about grief can also help them to understand their emotions and the realities of loss. To that end, the cover story of the October issue of School Library Journal was “Good Grief: Middle Grade Authors Normalize Loss” and on September 26, Book Riot published the list “10 Young Adult Books About Grief.” Ultimately, we each grieve in our own way, but hopefully through music and stories, no matter the loss, we never feel like we are alone. 

Best Children’s Album GRAMMY 2025 Nominees

It’s GRAMMY® Award Nominations time! The 67th annual GRAMMY® award nominations were announced on Friday. To be eligible for the award, a children’s album must contain at least 75% playing time of new musical or spoken word recordings that are created and intended specifically for children and released between September 16, 2023 and August 30, 2024. For more information on the nominating and voting process, visit this GRAMMY page. Congratulations to all of the nominees and to all the artists who created such amazing music this year. The GRAMMY® Awards will be announced on Sunday, February 2.

¡Brillo, Brillo performed by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

 

Creciendo album cover

Creciendo performed by Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats

 

My Favorite Dream performed by John Legend

 

Solid Rock Revival from Rock for Children

 

World Wide Playdate performed by Divinity Roxx

(Not-So) Terrifying Tunes

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Am I talking about Christmas already? Heck, no. I’m talking about Halloween! It’s that time of year when the leaves on the trees are changing, the cozy sweaters and flannels are out and ready to be worn (if the temperature ever drops!), and children are dressing as their favorite characters to get some yummy candy. At a recent Halloween event for work, I saw lots of Blueys, Wednesdays, and ROBLOX/Minecraft, but do you know what I didn’t see? Vampires! Not one!! And that’s too bad because I love vampires. From the scary ones, I’m looking at you 30 Days of Night, to the funny ones, hello Hotel Transylvania, vampires are a classic movie monster. To celebrate them, I’m kicking off this post with two new tunes featuring these fanged friends.

 

To start things off, let’s get a little jazz-swing beat (oooh, that clarinet!!) going and enjoy Simon Stanley‘s new song about a creature of the night who really wants nothing more than to dance under the stars in “Vampire Boogie.” The lyric video adds a not-so-scary bouncing vampire head to help listeners follow along with the lyrics. Everyone’s going to want to do the “boogie woogie woogie woogie woo.”

 

 

Next up is the pop tune “Transylvania Town” from Todd ‘n’ Tina. Shot in an escape room, the video features Todd as a friendly-ish vampire who’s just looking for a drink of B-positive when Tina happens to come along. The cute video combined with the boppy melody and clever lyrics make this a fun one for children of all ages. 

 

But wait, we’re not done yet! There’s still more Halloween fun to be had. The vampires aren’t the only ones showing off their moves this year. Keeping the groovy, jazzy feeling of the bare trees swaying in a dark forest, Chanelle & Friends invite listeners to the “Monster Dance.” The lyric video features friendly characters with just a drop of creepiness, to make this fun for even the older kids to enjoy. 

 

Finally, what does every Halloween need? A party! And who better to host that party than Mr. Pete’s Playhouse? Combining animation and live action, “Halloween Party” is an incredibly upbeat song that is the perfect early afternoon, kids are full of candy-filled energy tune to get them moving around and burning off some of that sugary goodness. 

Still looking for more music to add to your Halloween playlist? Think outside the coffin this year. Rather than using some of the classic Halloween tunes, try using music by one of your favorite children’s musicians. Check out this massive “Preschool Halloween Playlist” curated by Itty Bitty Beats and featuring over 100 songs by dozens of today’s amazing children’s performers. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

Video Spotlight – “Looking Out My Window”

Set to be released this Friday, October 18, children’s indie folk band Little Coyotes’ debut album Songs to Howl & Sing is a real delight. The ten tracks in this collection are a love letter to the outdoors that celebrates many of the facets of nature, while also conveying messages of positivity and empowerment for young listeners. Whether learning about the national parks, shapes, sunny or rainy days, or the power of vowels, children will be enchanted by the lyrical prose found in each of the musical phrases. 

The first video to accompany Songs to Howl & Sing is “Looking Out My Window.” The video follows a car as it travels across hills and valleys and passes flowers and horses. The soft color palette of the animation lends a certain whimsy to the light, airy vocals of lead singer/songwriter Becca Mohler, evoking those long, hazy days of family road trips where sometimes the best view is from the backseat, “looking out my window.”

Song Spotlight – “Chickadee” by Katie T

For children and adults, having to do things on our own may be scary, but many times that is the only way for us grow and progress. For emerging children’s artist Katie T (Kansas’s Katie Todd), this is a very personal message. With over a decade of experience teaching music to elementary school children, Katie is now taking the plunge and releasing her own music. “Chickadee” is her first single and a real delight. On the surface, the tune is a simple, jaunty song about a bird that contains repeating lyrics and action movements that would work well in storytime, but when you listen a little closer you realize that there is an important message about perseverance and how special it is to encourage one another on to success.

Katie Todd or Katie TAccording to Katie, the inspiration for “Chickadee” came from a conversation that she had with her dad earlier this year. Seeing her feeling discouraged, he told her about a chick coming out of its shell and how it needed to break out all on its own in order to survive in the wild. With that story as the basis for her new song, Katie went on to pen a tune that she hopes reminds listeners that, “We have to do hard things and sometimes that means taking a break, taking a breath, and when WE are READY (not anyone else’s expectations) we can step up and try again and listen to the encouragement of those around us to make it through.” Just like that chickadee, Katie T has broken out of her shell with this single. I look forward to hearing more from this new voice in children’s music.

Sweet Sounds Chicago

On September 22, the Children’s Music Network’s annual conference begins. Filled with presentations that further the organization’s mission to “celebrate the positive power of music in the lives of children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas and creating community,” this year’s conference promises to be an amazing experience. For the second year in a row, the conference opens with four days of virtual programming before transitioning to an in-person experience in Chicago September 27-29. There is still time to register for the virtual conference, which includes the virtual programs as well as the livestream or recordings of all of the Chicago sessions. Consider registering today – I promise, you won’t regret it!

Wendy and DB album cover for Back HomeTo celebrate CMN coming to Chicago, I thought now would be a good time to highlight two albums from the Windy City’s children’s music community. First up is Back Home, the second blues album for families from Wendy & DB. This follow-up to their 2023 GRAMMY-nominated  Into the Little Blue House is an acoustic triumph, and tribute to a musical genre rarely explored in children’s music. Joined by blues greats Billy Branch, Libby Rae Watson, Ruthie Foster, and Doug McCleod, Back Home is a rich exploration of the rhythms and sounds of the blues. The lyrics and melodies have a unique depth to them while encouraging listeners of all ages to fight injustices, have faith in yourself, and find your joy. Many of the songs in this collection teach important life lessons while shining a light on the stories of icons like Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali while others such as “Put Down the Phone,” “Hemingway the Wonderdog,” and “Move Them Bones” infuse the album with a playfulness that children will enjoy. Back Home will empower and uplift listeners of all ages.

 

Birds of a Feather album cover for Rock TogetherThe second album is Rock Together, the debut from the new superduo Birds of a Feather, featuring Chicago’s own Little Miss Ann and Brooklyn’s Suzi Shelton. Rock Together kicks things off with the track “Birds of a Feather” which sets the tone and perfectly encapsulates the friendship between Ann and Suzi with lyrics like, “birds of a feather rock together.” The theme of celebrating and appreciating one another runs through the collection with songs like “City and Country,” the groovy “Our World,” and the folksy “State of Maine.” A veritable who’s who of children’s music joins on tracks throughout the album, but it is Mista Cookie Jar and Ronnie Boy Kids who are given a chance to shine during the fun-filled “Jump Into the Water.” The combination of a variety of musical genres, the sharing of lead vocals, and engaging/entertaining lyrics (see Tough Cat ), makes this an album that the whole family will enjoy.

 

Music for Storytimes

In my experience in libraries, there are generally two types of staff who do storytimes – those who make lesson plans months in advance, and those who pull things together just days, if not hours (hopefully not minutes) before storytime begins. As the fall sessions of storytimes and classroom visits begin, no matter your planning style, here are some songs that should find their way into your rotation.

Album cover for Kath Bee's album Simple Action Songs for Babies to 2 Yrs.Our first album today comes all the way from New Zealand. Kath Bee brings over 20 years experience writing and performing children’s music. Her latest album, Simple Action Songs for Babies to 2 Yrs for Learning & Fun is exactly what you need for your baby and toddler storytimes. The collection fittingly opens with a hello song and closes with a goodbye song. In between are tracks that each focus on one simple action including clapping, wiggling toes, standing up, jumping, and spinning around. Running times of 30-60 seconds and clear, simple lyrics that feature plenty of repetition and a pace that is easy for parents and children to follow, make these tunes great additions to any storytime.

 

 

Hunk Ta Bunk Ta album cover for SeasonsNext up is Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta SEASONS: Songs to Celebrate All Four Seasons, the latest album from veteran songwriter and performer Katherine Dines. All 12 of the tracks were written during the pandemic and tested with live audiences in the last year. The album opens with songs about spring before moving to summer, autumn, and winter. With the exception of “Five Little Jack O’Lanterns,” none of the songs is directly connected to a holiday, making them accessible for all audiences. Dines knows exactly what appeals to children with songs about things like birds, bugs, snowflakes, and leaves. While it’s easy to imagine how you might use songs like “Baby Birds Sing ‘Cheep Cheep,'” and “Tickle It Away” in storytimes or “Sleigh Ride” in a lapsit, Dines makes it even easier with an array of videos and tips for using several of the songs with young audiences. 

 

Bay Song Album Cover for Talk Read Sing PlayThe final album is Talk Read Sing Play from educators and performers John Keenan and Jo-Anne Wilson-Keenan, known as the musical duo Bay Song. The Keenans are the founders of Keenan Literacy & Learning and believe that “Everything we do supports human rights, literacy, and learning for children and their families.  We view literacy and learning as human rights that lead to other human rights.” Their latest collection of songs definitely supports that belief as their lyrics celebrate reading and singing and the joy of words. The album features several songs that would work well in storytime including the lapsit tune “Baby-Bop,” the shaker song “Shake Your Rattle Baby,” and the movement song “Put on Your Dancing Shoes,”

Albums that Uplift

I don’t know about you, but in today’s often stressful, messy world, I sometimes think, “Gosh, I wish I was still a kid.” Children’s lives are so easy, right? Filled with play and imagination and fun. Not a care in the world. Except, that’s not true. Children are constantly having new experiences, new emotions, new friendships, all of which can be scary or joyful or somewhere in between, Unlike adults, children often don’t have the tools in their young toolboxes to deal with all of this newness. That’s where the four albums featured here come in. These albums lift listeners spirits, provide encouragement and empowerment, and offer some ideas on how to cope with all of the new things a child may be experiencing.

 

kim noller's album cover for BigFirst up is Big from singer/songwriter/music educator Kim Noller. The title song kicks off the album and sets the stage for the ten tracks filled with reassuring messages of affirmation. From “Big” which addresses all of the big feelings that children experience, to “Time to Dance,” a tune about letting your light shine just as brightly as anyone else’s, to the closing track, “Worthy,” Noller’s lyrics uplift listeners, filling them with hope and the encouragement to believe in themselves. Her rich vocals lend a depth to each song including the upbeat, interactive movement song “Good Day,” and the unique “Let’s Write Another Song” which celebrates a variety of musical genres.

 

Pam Felber album cover for Circle Round to Joy.Next up is Pam Felber of Ziggity Zag Music with her debut album Circle Round to Joy! Felber’s over 35 years as a music educator, along with her understanding of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), are evident throughout the eleven original songs in this collection. Whether she is singing about building relationships with others on “Can I Join Your Circle” and “I See You” or managing your emotions on “Choose Happy,” Felber weaves an underlying message of kindness and support throughout. While this was a family affair with Felber’s four grandsons and other family members appearing on the album, it is Felber’s light soprano that takes center stage. 

 

 

Album cover for The World is Waiting for You by Linda Yapp.Now let’s turn the spotlight on The World is Waiting for You, the most recent album from Linda Yapp. Yapp, the founder of the Nye Beach Montessori School in Newport, Oregon, imbues her music with messages of peace, kindness and a respect for all living things. Her crystalline voice combined with the folksy melodies creates an almost ethereal quality, filling listeners with a sense of warmth and tranquility.

 

 

 

Album cover for Jenn Cleary's album DreamlandAnd finally, the perfect album with which to end the day, Dreamland: Relax and ImagineThis collection, the third family album from singer/songwriter Jenn Cleary, serves to soothe the soul of listeners young and old with songs that offer peace and encourage relaxation. Each track is completely unique and features Cleary’s storytelling style lyrics and engaging vocals. The title track has a pseudo-psychedelic feeling to it, making it a fun alternative to standard lullabies. Whether she is calling to mind the lush green hills of Ireland in “Celtic Dream,” teaching listeners about the constellations in “Rocking Chair to the Stars,” or detailing the different types of “Clouds,” Cleary manages to educate as well as entertain. 

 

Song Spotlights – Things That Go

There are a handful of topics that seem to hold almost universal appeal for the younger set – animals, dinosaurs, and things that go. Today I’m spotlighting two songs that focus on the latter. 

 

One of my favorite things that goes is cars. Fast cars, slow cars, old cars, new cars, I love them all. No matter what kind of car is your favorite, who wouldn’t want a shiny red convertible to cruise around town in just like in Mr. Simon‘s latest song, “Shiny Red Car?” Not only does this track have a jaunty melody, it also features lyrics that encourage listeners to drive, wave, wiggle, jiggle up and down, and spin – among other actions – making it a fantastic addition to storytime. 

 

We’ve all heard the delightful stories about little ones waiting for the garbage truck to arrive. In their song “Rock and Rollin’ with the Garbage Truck,” the duo known as Preschool Rockstar, Kevin and Marty Long, celebrate these special local celebrities. The video features cute, engaging animation, a truly rocking melody and lyrics like, “The garbage truck/we like to watch it do its job/when it comes we’ll wave and nod/there it goes/its the garbage truck.” While the video will be fun for garbage truck fans, it also shows the process of picking up the garbage and taking it to the dump, which would be a good conversation starter about waste and recycling. 

Do you have a favorite song about things that go? Share in the comments!

 

Albums That ROCK!

One of the aspects of modern children’s music that I absolutely love is that it encompasses all genres of music – hip hop, jazz, folk, country, pop, funk, blues, and even rock. And that’s the one that I want to focus on today. Three rock albums that rock so far in 2024 are from Steve Elci, Patrick Adams, and Mr. Evan V.

All Together Now album cover from Steve Elci and FriendsLet’s kick things off with Steve Elci and Friends‘ sixth album for families, All Together Now. Elci’s roots as a singer/songwriter and activist are skillfully combined with his Bob Dylan-esque vocals, if Dylan enunciated and set his lyrics to up tempo beats, in this collection of 13 original songs. Whether highlighting the beauty of nature on tracks about sunflowers, fireflies, and trees, or sharing messages of peace and love, each song’s lyrics speak directly to the listener, encouraging them and lifting them up to believe in themselves and the world around them.  Check out the videos for “The Sound of Trees,  “The Power of the Sunflower,” and the call to action “We Rise Above.”

Imagination time with patrick album coverNext up, Patrick Adams‘s latest album, Imagination Time with Patrick, his eighth album for kids and families, runs the gamut from synth and guitar heavy rock to disco-pop. This 15 track collection kicks off with driving electric guitar on the opening song, “Hairless Werewolf about a friendly werewolf who can’t grow hair, before taking listeners on a tour through Patrick’s imagination where zombie ballerinas, fluffy dinosaurs, space trains, and alien dance parties reside. The album closes out with “Imagination Station” which reminds children that everyone has an amazing imagination that provides space for creation (writing, art, music), without limitation.

Finally, nobody rocks quite like Mr. Evan V. Filled with electric guitars and drums, Let Us Rock jams from the first note to last in this 12-track debut collection. Songs to rock to include the opening title track, “Driving in My Racecar,” and “Fire Truck, Fire Truck.” Mr. Evan’s time leading music classes is evident in the number of songs on the album that would be perfect in storytimes. From “Blowing Bubbles,” to the shaker song “Shake Shake Shake” to the movement song, “French Fry, Pizza,” each of these songs would enhance any early childhood classes. The album also offers an interlude to the raucous fun with “Swimming in the Water,” which captures the lazy, hazy days of summer.

Are you ready to rock?? Take a listen to these three albums today!!

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