Songs for Mothers and Fathers

Oh, my, there are so many songs written by parents for parents – not necessarily for the children.  These sing to the heart of a parent and their experiences of loving their children. 

These songs help me step back from the RUSH of daily life, and the negative emotional responses to the regular annoying things children need to do to grow.  These songs help me refocus on my love for my family, and how to let them be children, and how to guide them to the positive end result of capable, responsible, caring adults.

I have two favorite collections, one of which you can buy, the other is a made by a friend.  Each have songs by different artists, so I’ll list them separately so you can find them.  There are a few albums full of these songs that I love, and a few singles that I would recommend.  You may be amazed at how many of these you may already have in your collections.   PLEASE feel free to add your favorites in the comment section so we can all find these gems!

Hand in Hand – Songs of Parenthood  – A collection by Music for Little People  Find it at www.musicforlittlepeople.com .  But beware, you may want to spend a LOT of money there.  I do.

1. Circle Game – Joni Mitchell
2. On Children – Sweet Honey in the Rock
3. The Things We’ve Handed Down – Marc Cohn
4. Baby – Bobby McFerrin
5. Wake Up – Yoko Ono
6. Beautiful Boy – John Lennon
7. Only Child – Jackson Browne
8. Born to the Breed – July Collins
9. Child’s Song – Tom Rush
10. Sunshine – Ferron
11. My Father’s House – Kenny Loggins
12. Forever Young – The Pretenders

Love Songs for the Time of Tiny  – “A collection of music for babies and parents falling in love.  These songs were compiled onto one CD by one of my Kindermusik moms, Kimberly Sgroi, when her second child was born.  I am so grateful she shared this music with me, and I still listen to it frequently.  I have even purchased several of the CD’s from which these songs came.

1. The Things We’ve Handed Down – Art Garfunkel
2. A Child is Born – Barbara Streisand
3. Welcome to the World – Nicolette Larson
4. One in a Million – Lisa Vischer
5. Dormi, Dormi – Eugene Ruffolo
6. Angel Baby – Linda Ronstadt
7. Starlight, Starbright – Nicolette Larson
8. I Will – Art Garfunkel
9. Getting to Know You – James Taylor
10. Before You Grow – Faith Hill
11. For Baby (For Bobbie) – John Denver
12. Rockin’ My Baby to Sleep – Nicolette Larson
13. Lasso the Moon – Art Garfunkel
14. Turtle Dove – traditional – Kindermusik version from Away We GO
15. Child of Mine – Carole King
16. The Moment I Saw You – Nicolette Larson & Graham Nash
17. Last Night the Moon was Still – Justin Roberts
18. May their Always be Sunshine – traditional – Kindermusik version on Dream Pillow

Full Albums by artists that focus on the parenting experience:

Sweet Honey in the Rock – Experience… 101 

This music is purely and richly vocal, with just percussion accompaniment.  – Read more about this awesome album at: http://store.musicforlittlepeople.com/3061.html

Eddie Coker – Seven Songs  (esp. Keep Shining)

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Linda Ronstadt – Dedicated to the One I Love

• Dedicated to the One I Love [Lowman Pauling- Ralph Bass]
  Be My Baby [Phil Spector- Jeff Barry- Ellie Greenwich]
  In My Room [Brian Wilson- Gary Usher]
  Devoted to You [Boudleaux Bryant]
  Baby I Love You [Phil Spector- Jeff Barry- Ellie Greenwich]
  Devoted to You (instrumental) [Boudleaux Bryant]
  Angel Baby [Rosalie Hamlin]
  We Will Rock You [Brian May]
  Winter Light [Zbigniew Preisner- Eric Kaz- Linda Ronstadt]
  Brahms’ Lullaby [Johannes Brahms]
  Good Night [John Lennon- Paul McCartney]

Specific Songs that apply from Specific Albums

• Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, and Nash
• Sunrise, Sunset – Barbara Streisand – Fiddler on the Roof
• Cats in the Cradle – Harry Chapin
• Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle – This has also been made into a book with a cassette.

Yahoo Readers answer the question “What are some good songs about parents and their chidren…”.  Although I don’t know many of them, you can check out their answers at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061203121413AANS0O0

DealMac also offers a friendly discussion on CD Mix of Songs for parents of New babies at:  http://forums.dealmac.com/read.php?6,2582065 

Happy Mother’s Day!   Happy Father’s Day!  and Happy Parenting with MUSIC!

 

Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Resources

The semester of Toys I Make, Trips I Take, of the Kindermusik Imagine That! program is so CHOCK full of themes, it is an interesting challenge to collect and present the information. 

First, there is the theme of the toymaker making toys for his toy shop.  AND the aspect of each of the classic toys to enjoy, ie. the Jack In the Box, the drum, the spinning top, etc.  I’ve got lots of songs, and other resources, as you will see, but not so many books about the classic toys or the toymaker. 

I am open to someone sharing books or resources they love on this subject, by making a comment on this blog.   I have found a few online, and ordered them, but cannot yet recommend them.  Maybe you’ll see some new entries soon.  Only if they’re the best!

I must first recommend a fabulous classical music piece,  The Toy Symphony by Leopold Mozart.    You can find a great recording of this symphony on the CD set described in this posting:  Classics for Children – Great set of classical music 

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Within the semester, we have the opportunity to help the toymaker build a boat, and a train, and to explore adventures that we might have in our imaginations.  The following blog posting include resources for these themes.

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.  (NEW)

Travel by boat – in a book or two  (book resources and ideas)

Children, Children, build me a boat  (activity idea and slide show)

 

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During our train travels, the children are encouraged to explore map reading and map making skills.  I have recently found a wonderful book that introduces map skills to young children.

Treasure Map  by Stuart J. Murphy, Harper Collins

A group of children on Elm Street find a treasure map, and learn some important mapping skills on the way to finding a wonderful “treasure” under the X.  Readers will be intrigued by the treasure, and may want to start their own tradition.

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Mighty Maddie by Stuart J. Murphy,  , Harper Collins, Inc.  Maddie has toys ALL over the house, big heavy ones, and very light ones, and needs to have them all cleaned up before her friends start arriving for her birthday party.  She decides to become MIGHTY MADDIE, and does an amazing job with things both heavy and light.

The previous two books are part of the MathStart series. Cora (4) and I have just discovered the MathStart series through our local library, and we are loving them.  Each book is a wonderfully interesting story that introduces a basic math concept.  Check out more information on these books, and fun math activities on the author’s website, www.stuartmurphy.com .

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During the last part of the semester, we focus on the enjoyment of stuffed animals as friends, confidants, and playmates.  Along that line, I do recommend:

 

 

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear  – Ill. by Michael Hague;  Scholastic, 1993 .  It is the classic rhyme that encourages specific movements, and the illustrations are classic and delightful.  Try to make each of the positions that you see the little bear doing, even along the borders of the pages.

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Fabulous videos about Toys: 

Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys – GoodTimes Entertainment, 2001 – This is an excellent follow up, with top notch voices, for Rudolph to join with an elf that would rather be a dentist than make toys.  Feeling like they don’t fit in, they find more misfits – toys that are made incorrectly – and end up saving Christmas by foiling the plans of the Toy Taker. 

The Tangerine Bear – Feature Films for Families , 2005  – A toy bear that no one wants longs to find a home.  When no one buys him, he ends up in a story specializing in damaged merchandise.  He meets new friends, including a Jack in the Box, and eventually discovers his true home.   

I would highly recommend ANY of the films from this company; they are all fully designed to “strengthen traditional values through entertainment”.  And they do.  Check them out at www.familyfilms.com .  We personally have more than 30 of the films by this company and both the children and grown ups enjoy them.  See my blog posting: Feature Films for Families .

 

Children’s books about Orchestra Instruments

In the first year of Kindermusik for the Young Child, the students learn about each of the different groups of instruments in the orchestra.  A fun way to enhance this learning is through books that explain or expand on these instruments in ways that relate to children.  I have found the following books to do Just that! 

The Remarkable Farkle McBride – by John Lithgow,  Ill. By C.F. Payne;  Scholastic, 2000.

Farkle is a talented young musician, but just can’t stick to any one instruments.  He finally finds his talent is conducting all of the instruments.  Wonderful story of finding your place in this world.

 

Orchestranimals – by Vlasta van Kampen and Irene C. Eugen;  Scholastic, 1989.

The penguin conductor is anxiously trying to get everyone ready for the upcoming concert.  Introduces all the instruments in an amusing way (and includes a snippet of music melodies for each instrument).

 

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin – by Lloyd Moss,  Ill. By Margorie Priceman;  Alladin Paperbacks, 1995.

A musical counting book.  The delightful rhymes help clarify what groups of instruments playing together are called; one instrument plays a solo, two is a duet, three is a trio, and so forth, until an entire orchestra is gathered.

Of course, listening to classical music is a perfect way to learn about the instruments

Classics for Children – Great set of classical music  - This recording includes Peter & The Wolf, as well as Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, plus many more – Just BUY this CD set – you and your children will get so much out of it.

 

Flowers, Dewdrops, and Gardens Resources

The theme for the Kindermusik Village –  Dewdrop Semester, all about flowers and gardens.

My favorite poem that fits right into the theme is the following.  Below the verse, there is a list of more resources on the subject.

The Flowers    by Robert Louis Stevenson

From “A Child’s Garden of Verse”  It can be found as a Little Golden Book.

• All the names I know from nurse:
• Gardener’s garters, Shepherd’s purse,
• Bachelor’s buttons, Lady’s smock,
• and the Lady Hollyhock.
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• Fairy places, fairy things,
• Fairy woods where the wild bee wings,
• Tiny trees for tiny dames –
• These must all be fairy names !
• Tiny woods below whose boughs
• Shady fairies weave a house;
• Tiny treetops, rose or thyme,
• Where the braver fairies climb !
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• Fair are grown-up people’s trees,
• But the fairest woods are these;
• Where, if I were not so tall,
• I should live for good and all.

 

Favorite Books on the theme of Flowers and Gardens:

 The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Krauss, illustrations by Crockett Johnson, Harper & Row Publishers, 1945       This is the author of Harold and the Purple Crayon.   This is just as wonderful of a story about a young boy taking care of his plants, even though everyone is telling him it WON’T work.  His patience and persistence pay off with a HUGE carrot. 

 

TLC, Grow With Me!  by Lissa Rovetch, ill. by Chum McLeod  – A Do-Re-Me & You Publication  A young girl gets a present from a neighbor, a surprise in a pot of dirt.  She gets hints along the way to learn how to make the surprise appear.  Excellent for children just learning the art of gardening.  Since it is DRMY, of course it comes with a CD of fun songs for gardening.  You may find it on a good sale at www.shopkindermusik.com .

 

Dandelion,  by Don Freeman,       Scholastic, 1964         (Excellent author)    A Lion decides to dress up fancy for a party, but everyone is glad when he gets back to being himself.       

Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes,     GreenWillow Books, 1991  

A young mouse girl is lovingly named by her parents, but once she starts school, she’s not so sure how much she likes her name. 

I absolutely love the extended vocabulary that Dad uses in this book. For 3 and up.

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Inch by Inch, The Garden Song,  by David Mallet and Ora Eiten;  Trophy Picture Books, 1997.  This song is a classic song from the 60’s days of love and peace, and becoming more self-reliant.  The illustrations are simply, yet poignant, and you’ve got to love the biggest beet in the world that is harvested.  I love reading AND singing this to my daughter.   This one is actually very good for even young readers, and they will love you to sing the song – the melody is written on the back pages.

A recorded version is on Mary Miche’s Earthy Tunes album (see below).

Blog Postings on the subject for your enjoyment:

• Dewdrops  (NEW) – Beautiful pictures of dewdrops and rich musical sounds – video format
• Mary Miche’ – Earthy Tunes & Songs for Teaching website – cool gardening songs, including “Inch by Inch”, “Dirt You Made My Lunch”, and so many more.

 

• Musical Flowers and Trees (NEW) – 1932 Disney videos of flowers, trees, and babies

         

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.

These are some of my favorite resources about life surrounding the magical world of train travel, from historical, to classic, to silly, to futuristic imaginations.  I guarantee you, each of these resources have been experienced and loved many times.

There are several Kindermusik semesters that include train themes, see this list on my blog posting:  Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles . 

Please feel free to add your favorites to the comment section as well!  I’ll look for them.

Musical Recordings:                                .

All Aboard – John Denver;  Family Artist Series from Sony Wonder, 1997   Avail. at large music stores.   A marvalous, kid friendly collection of songs ALL about trains.  You’ll love Choo Choo Ch’Boogie.  There are several available at www.Amazon.com, as well as other online and local music stores. 

The Little Engine that Could       .

The Little Engine That Could      A Platt & Munk Classic book by Watty Piper;  A little engine saves a train full of toys.        

The Little Engine and The Big Chase   2nd book in the series, and just as fun.  The silly little clown has gotten whisked away by a big diesel engine, and the Little Engine and his friends have to rescue him.   

The Little Engine That Could – An MCA Home Video, Inc. Presentation. 1991.  The classic tale gets a wonderful make over that keeps the classic feel, but flushes out the characters and the story very well.

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The Little Engine That Could – One selection from the Read With Me DVD Series.  Fisher Price has come up with a cool device that allows children to use the DVD player to have classic books read to them, and allows them to be interactive with the story, answering comprehension questions about the story, or playing games based on the story.  Scholastic has met the challenge with a nice selection of DVD books to choose from.  Find the device at www.fisher-price.com, then find the stories at www.scholastic.com .  My 4 year old daughter LOVES these.  Thanks, Valerie!————————————————–Thomas the Tank Engine:  The Complete Collection by Rev. W. Awdrey    Random House Publishing.   I love this book because it includes all of the stories, as well as some background on the author and the development of these stories.

www.thomasandfriends.com   A website full of fun for Thomas fans, includes links to the following:

• Videos
• Games
• TV – leads to information about television shows that include Thomas stories
• Events – information leads to character appearances, as well as
• A Day Out with Thomas, where a real engine has been designed to become Thomas the Tank Engine, and pulls train cars full of children all around the country.  His schedule can be found when you follow the links.

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Other Favorite Train books:

Tootle   A Little Golden Book by Gertrude Crampton; Ill. by Tibor Gergely.   A young engine attends school to learn to be useful.  He has a hard time with “Staying on the Rails, No matter what!”  We LOVE this story about learning to follow the rules.

 

 

Smokey Houghton Mifflin Co.      Written & Illustrated by Bill Peet.    An old rusty steam engine finds a new use, once he is no longer needed in the rail yard.  The ending is a wonderful surprise.  Teachers love it!

Tracks    Scholastic Inc.  by David Galef; Ill. by Tedd Arnold.  

Albert, the railway construction designer, builds a crazy railroad track when his eye glasses break. 

FUNNY picture book!

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I’ve Been Working on the Railroad       Scholastic   The words presented are the same as the classic song, but the pictures tell a bigger, much more fun story.  We spend LOTS of time just talking about what’s going on in the pictures.

Down By the Station  by Will Hillenbrand   Scholastic has done it again.  Classic song, but a whole new story is told through the pictures.  The conductor, the teachers, the baby animals, and the children combine for a wonderful read together book.  Cora pours over both these books, all by herself, singing the songs, and talking about the antics of these creatures.

Other Videos                                                                             .

There are two other videos are described in the blog posting:  Children’s media resources for vehicles and travel

• Cowboy Pooh
• Imaginaria

Florida rail lines:   Take a few of the books with you to enjoy on your REAL TRAIN RIDE.

• Inland Lakes Railways:    www.inlandlakesrailway.com
• Florida Railways Museum:  www.fgcrrm.org 

Best Railroad game:                                                                                                    . 

Rail Baron  – I LOVE this game, but it is definitely for at least 10 years old and older.  It is so cool that the railroads on the map are based on real rail lines that were some of the original built.  The goal of the game is to ride the rails from one destination to another, and collect the payment for making the trip.  The money is used to buy railroads which you can then ride for free.  WAY FUN!  I have the version released in 1984.  I’m not the only fan, you can read about the history of the game at http://www.railgamefans.com/rbp/rbgame.htm 

 

There has not been a new release in quite awhile, but you can find some good used copies on ebay.  Because it is rare, it can be a little spendy – but it is worth it!  If you find a game that doesn’t have all the pieces, it’s ok, you can buy replacement pieces if you follow the links on the website listed above.  There is even an online version that you can play on the computer.

Classics for Children – Great set of classical music

Classics for Children

Released by Decca Recording Company

I HIGHLY recommend this 2 CD set for every parent with young children. 

This is a top notch collection of classical music that was specifically written for children.  It includes:

• Peter & the Wolf – Prokofiev; 
• The Carnival of the Animals – Saint-Saens; 
• The Flight of the Bumble Bee – Rimsky-Korsakov; 
• Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra – Benjamin Britten
• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Paul Dukas
• The Toy Symphony – Leopold Mozart 
• and many other musical pieces about animals, toys, and other things interesting to children. 

 Please see the FULL LIST OF SELECTIONS on these 2 CDs.  This link also leads you to an online site that is currently selling this set for just $14.95. 

My advice… Just get it!  You will be exposing your children to classical music written specifically for them from composers throughout history. 

And don’t just listen to it;  draw the animal that the music is about; pretend to be the animal, moving the way the music makes you feel, talk about the animal, and why someone would write music about it!  The pamphlet that comes in the CD features just such artwork by children, and they have several great ideas for interactive and creative ideas to do with your children.  Who could ask for more?

Ukelele Magic

In our Kindermusik for the Young Child program, during Semester 4, we study music from the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.  It has been a great deal of fun, donning leies and playing nonsense on our Ukeleles.  But Ms. Debbie is not the best Ukelele player.  I thought you might like to see a great Ukelele player!

Iz, the Great Hawaiian Ukelele player offers us a new insight into the classic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  The video offers awesome images of Hawaii, as well.

 

If you click twice on the video, you can learn more about Iz and his music in the comment section on the right hand side.  His real name is Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole.

To hear a truly traditional Hawaiian song, and see how much the people of Hawaii love his music, check out the following video.

Enjoy the moment, and maybe dance with your child to the gentle swaying of the music.

A quick look at Amazon.com revealed at least 10 CDs that were recorded by this man.  I wish I had all of them and could tell you which is the best.  But the fact is, HE is one of the best, so I’ll bet every single CD is well worth the asking price.  Put a little swing in your hips, and some lovely soothing music on your stereo, and escape to Hawaii.

Jack Hartmann – Loving to learn through music

 I am a big fan of Jack Hartmann!  He uses a variety of styles in his music, and has something for everyone.  Children find it very fun to watch this guy delve into hip-hop, rock, blues, etc., and end up having fun learning their multiplication tables, or test taking skills.  For the little ones, there are songs about taking turns and being friends. 

LOOK on his website for more information:  www.jackhartmann.com 

On the website, LISTEN & WATCH takes to you to some of his songs on little video clips.  Make sure to catch the BOP STOP!

WATCH the CHILDREN’S CONCERT section for one of his concerts to come nearby.  You have to register EARLY, as most of his shows are SOLD OUT about a month in advance.  Download his Registration Form, or call 1-888-219-2646 to purchase a ticket.  The group discount is 1 free ticket for every 20 that is purchased.  He is based out of Tampa, so most of his concerts are in Central Florida.

Check out his CD Recordings under PRODUCTS, and you will be AMAZED at the focus of each of the 22 CDs.  There are entire albums dedicated to MATH or READING, or PEACE.

MY favorite is It Starts in the Heart, which he completed in coordination with Becky Bailey!  This album is all about connections between yourself and other people!

 

So, I hope you get to connect with Jack Hartmann sometime soon, and enjoy a bit of musical learning - in such a FUN WAY!

Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles

Travel themed Kindermusik Programs

      

Check with your local educator on the availabilities of these classes.

       In Polk Co. Florida, see my website,  http://musiconnx.kindermusik.net 

                                         If not, look on www.kindermusik.com , to locate an educator near you.  

                                       

Village (up to 18 m) – Zoom-E-Oh !   An 8 week semester full of fun times for babies and their parents to explore ways to Go! -  Buggy rides, stroller rides, rockets, horses, etc. specifically designed for the younger set.  Home materials include Zoom-E-Oh book, CD, Baby’s Home Journal, posters to match the book, and a carrying bag. 

Our Time (1 ½ to 3 yrs.) – Away We Go !     (Spring 2008)A 15 week semester full of fun times for toddlers and their parents to explore ways to Go! -  Focus on trains, cars, planes, boats, any way you want to go – lots of fun songs and good music for travel, and home.  Home materials include 2 CDs, 2 children’s literature books, a Home Activity Book, a set of 2 harmonicas, and Shiny Dinah Train box. 

Imagine That ! (3 – 5 yrs.) – Toys I Make, Trips I Take !    (offered Spring 2008)The initial focus of this 15 week semester is the Toymakers shop, in which we help the toymaker build the toys, and we get to be the toys.  But as we explore the train and boat, we get to take imaginary trips, determining where we will go and how to get there by designing maps, etc.  Lots of fun.  Home materials include two CDs, two children’s literature books, a Home Activity Book, a Toymakers shop play set, and a nice drum! 

Summer Adventure Camp (3 – 5 yrs.) – On the Road !   An 5 day semester full of fun times for preschoolers to explore ways to Go! -  The book is called GO Van GO!, and it tells the story of a family, with a dog, who all want to go someplace different.  They pack their bags accordingly, and get to each one of their 4 stops (which we explore in detail during those 5 days).  We get to “go” to a cottage by a lake, to a fair, to the beach, and, of course, camping,  Includes book, CD, poster, and a cool wooden frog guiro instrument.  Plus there is a craft every day of class. 

Summer Adventure Camp (1 ½  - 3 yrs.) – Zoo Train !   During this 5 day semester we get to ride the train around the zoo to discover and “be” the animals we see.  The book features the train on every page, and we sing the train song every day,  Includes book, CD, poster, and an animal shaped shaker.  Plus there is a craft every day of class.  It’s Cora’s favorite CD !

Children’s media resources for vehicles and travel

Many Kindermusik semesters have themes that have a lot to do with things that GO!  See blog posting, Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles for that list of semesters. 

I thought you might enjoy my list of favorite books, recordings, videos, and other resources that help this world of travel come alive for children.  You might keep checking back, as I plan to continue adding more.  PLEASE feel free to add your own recommendations in the comment section.  Thanks!

Online Resources

Riding around on my JCB      www.jcbsong.co.uk/jcbvideo.asp    This is a very cool little short website music video about Luke riding around with his dad on a JCB (a big constructions vehicle).  The pencil on paper animated drawings are adorable, and the song is soooo catchy.  One of my Kindermusik moms sent me this link in an emai over a year ago.  Our whole family fell in love with it, and both Grammy and my son have it in their favorites section and go back to watch it frequently.  My 12 year old son has it memorized.

These are Blog Postings on my blogs that include resources for things that Go!:

The Wheels on the Bus  You and your children will enjoy watching these two videos together.  You’ll probably end up watching them repeatedly.  Move the computer chair and get ready to dance.

Travel by boat – in a book or two  Comparing books with similar themes, like boating adventures, helps children develop analytical thinking.  Best boat books recommended.

There is a separate blog posting on TRAIN resources at: 

The following resources are wonderful ways to enjoy expanding a child’s interest in OTHER types of things that go, and some resources here include a variety of ways to travel.

Books  (many can be found at your local library)                                      

Sheep In A Jeep       Houghton Mifflin Co.   by Nancy Shaw: Ill. by Margot Apple.    Hilariously funny adventures of sheep, in a jeep, in all kinds of rhyming ways.  A FAVORITE!  There are more fun books with these funny sheep, including Sheep on a Ship.

How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow?   Random House   by Charlotte Pomerantz; Ill by R.W. Alley.    How many times must a person read this book without tripping over these wonderful tongue twisters in the guise of creative story about a bad day for tow truck drivers.

The Sailor Dog    Golden Book   by Margaret Wise Brown;  Ill. by Garth Williams  – This book is just as much as a classic as “Goodnight Moon”.  Scuppers was born at sea, but then raised on land, and has to find his way back, exploring all kind of vehicles.  Finally, he is able to set out on his boat and get into a routine, only to find life on the sea is not always calm.

The Wind in the Willows   Courage Books    by Kenneth Grahame; Retold by G.C. Barrett; Ill. by Don Daily.    This classic tale comes in many books, the whole story being a bit too wordy and vocabulary rich for the youngest listeners (but GREAT for older kids).  This version has beautiful illustrations and the story starts with the shy Mole learning to enjoy boating on the river with Rat.  And then takes us on the wild and crazy escapades of Toady and his passion of all things that go.

Glow in the Dark – Trip to the Planets.  by Lucille Hammond, Ill. by Laurie Jordan;  A Golden Glow in the Dark Book.   This is one of our family favorites.  Cora really relates to Katie, who blasts off in her rocket into outer space to visit the moon, Mars, and beyond.  But will her rocket ship make it back in one piece.  I love the sweet surprise ending.  I also love that it is a fiction book, with lots of non-fiction facts, making it easy to understand our solar system.   This book is no longer in print, but there are many copies on Amazon for amazingly cheap prices. 

 

Video Resources    rent these if possible or find at a library.    Buy Imaginaria if you can!

Winnie the Pooh – Cowboy Pooh      Disney’s Playtime Video Series.    Take a trip to the Old West in “The Good, the Bad, and the Tigger”, as Tigger hijacks Christopher Robbin’s electric train, and their imagination concocts a wonderfully western tale.  The following video ”Rabbit Marks the Spot” has the Pooh Pirates (complete with sailing ship) following maps and digging for buried treasure.”

Muppets:  Jim Henson Video Series  -

1. Muppet Treasure Island – Examine the life of the sailor and pirates aboard a ship.
2. Things that Fly – Muppet Sing Along Series:  Watch as the muppets try to find a flying vehicle that will take a baby alien back home
3. Muppets on Wheels -  Muppet Sing Along Series:  Explore different types of transportation on wheels through action and songs. 

Imagin-It and Imaginaria: Imagination Videos  Each video contains a collection of original songs with creative computer graphics that dazzle the eyes and ears.  This was an absolute favorite of ours – the graphics and the imagination, as well as the wonderful songs and music really helped us travel different ways through our imaginations!!!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  I have so far only been able to find Imaginaria at www.Amazon.com through the search engine.  It is no longer in print, and is only offered in VHS, but it is SOOO worth having it in your library – everyone – all ages – will like it. 

BUY these if you can.

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Television Shows

Little Einsteins                    Disney Channel

“We’re going on a trip with our favorite rocket ship, zooming through the skies…”  Two girls, and two boys, with very different talents go on missions to solve problems, using explorations through classic fine art, and through the use of classical pieces of music.  We don’t watch much TV, but this one is worth it.