This year I’ve been trying something new – giving a theme to each round-up of music reviews that I write. The reviews in the spring were based around music that could be used in storytimes and classrooms. After seeing several comments out in the ether about never being able to find children’s music that appealed to kids, I knew that the next theme had to be about some of the many genres that are now represented by the endlessly talented musicians creating music for children and their families these days.
This list of 15 albums is just a small sampling of the fantastic music that is available. Enjoy!
Ahh. At last we’ve reached the dog days of summer. The sun is hot, the flowers are in full boom and for most, school is now a distant memory. Today, I want to take you on a tour of songs that highlight some of the essentials of summer. From the busy, buzzy bees in your backyard, to the friends you greet, to the wide world around you, these songs capture moments that create memories for a lifetime.
Our first stop is the backyard. In the early evening when I water the flowers in the beds in my yard, my Veronica tidal pool plants are literally abuzz with bees drinking their fill before bopping along to try out the bells of the nearby blooming hostas. This always makes me think of “Bees Are Pollinators” by Esther Crow. This jazzy number reminds us of all the ways the bees help us, as celebrated by Esther’s adorable bee puppets.
For our next stop, grab your bike and get ready to go for a ride “In the Neighborhood.” This joyful pop tune from Kymberly Stewart and A Trillion Skies will have grown-ups fondly remembering those carefree days cruising around the neighborhood, while kids new to the idea will be clamoring to get outside and give it a try.
The final stop on our tour isn’t a particular destination, it’s anywhere in the world you want to go. As you’re taking those road trips and going on those vacations, take some time to appreciate the wonders of nature all around you. From the city to the country, there is always something to observe. While you’re traveling enjoy “Funk the Planet,” a hip hop tune from Doctor Noize that will have kids rapping along as they learn about conserving this place we call home.
School Library Journal released its list of the Top 10 children’s albums of 2016. Compiled by the SLJ music reviewers, all of these albums are great additions to every collection. Did your favorites make the list?
