By Scott Ferguson August 2003

Spoken Word Category

Title: King Arthur and his Knights as Told by Jim Weiss
Ages: 5 and up
Manufacturer: Great Hall Productions

Review: As part of a series of storytelling CDs, this dramatic recounting covers the medieval tale of King Arthur from Arthur's birth to the pulling of Excalibur from the stone, Arthur's coronation, the formation of the Round Table, Guinevere, Merlin, Lancelot, Percival and the end of Camelot. The series includes Greek Myths, Arabian Nights, Tales from the Old Testament, Sherlock Holmes for Children, Spooky Classics and A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites.

Title: Planet Of One Mind, Planet with One Heart, Among the Stars
Ages: 3 and up
Manufacturer: One Step Records

Review: Mike Pindar, original Moody Blues keyboardist and the voice of their classic hits, has crafted this excellent series of CDs featuring himself reciting the texts of several published children's tales to the accompaniment of an enticing and exotic music score. The themes focus on diversity, the complexity of life and the necessity for love and understanding. Mike's wonderful voice is captivating in these reassuring stories and the music alone makes great listening.

Highlights: "I Wish I Were A Butterfly" and "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky" from A People With One Heart
"The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" and "Old Turtle" from A Planet with One Mind

Title: Dreamland
Ages: Infant to Adult
Manufacturer: Putumayo

Review: An intriguing selection of music and songs from cultures all over the world. Ideal for bedtime and relaxation, the 13 cuts are full of the character and sounds of their native lands. Alluring and unusual melodies are accompanied by a mixture of native and modern instruments, wonderfully recorded and produced.

Highlights: "A Lullabye" (Canada), "Cradle Spell of Dunvegan" (Scotland), "Cancion Para Dormir a un Nino" (Argentina)

Title: Latin Playground
Ages: 4 and up
Manufacturer: Putumayo

Review: An excellent recording of up-beat music from several Latin America countries, performed by popular artists in the Latin music field. The recording is accompanied by a 64-page Guide Book in both Spanish and English. Packed with games, puzzles, recipes, art and sing-along lyrics, the Guide is a passport to 9 countries for kids. Awards include: Parent's Choice, Nappa and Parent's Guide to Children's Media.

Highlights: “Lluvia de Estrellas (Rain of Stars),” “Mardi Grass Mambo,” “Yo Quiero (I Want),” “America Baila (American Dances)"

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