Title: Down At The Zoo Ages: 4 and
up Manufacturer: Shrub Music/Trace Elements (ToyShow)
Review: A jumping mix of Cajun, New Orleans, Funk,
Samba, Tex-Mex and Western Swing styles makes this tribute to the zoo equally
appealing to kids and adults. Authentic arrangements are executed with authority
by George Carver and Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne and their excellent
band. Great stories and a recording you'll look forward to hearing again.
Title: Baby Prodigy Ages: Infant to 4 Years Old Manufacturer: The Baby Prodigy Company (ToyShow)
Review: Filled from the get-go with simple yet intriguing
images set to baby-friendly arrangements of classical music, Baby Prodigy
is a wonderful audio/video introduction to the world of learning. Through
moving mechanical toys, stuffed animals and geometric images, puppet host
Dookie Duck exposes word concepts, spatial relationships, reasoning, and
cause and effect to the pre-literate set with humor and warmth.
Based on learning research that postulates sensory experiences (hearing,
seeing, touching, feeling and tasting) actually teach brain cells their
jobs, this award-winning production simultaneously stimulates youngsters
and promotes concentration via the quick, but measured pace of the unfolding
images and accompanying score.
Title: King Otis and the Kingdom of Goode: A Tale of
Patience Ages: 3 Years and Up Manufacturer: So Smart Productions
Review: King Otis and Queen Mabel lead their animated
children through a captivating adventure tale of environmental crisis
that illustrates moral, social and ethical values. Narrated in easily
understood language, this visually stylish production is accompanied by
several interactive DVD features, including character-drawing prompts
and charming music video selections.
Title: Wiggles N’ Tunes Singin’ Collection Ages: 2 Years and Up Manufacturer: Wiggles N’ Tunes, Inc.
Review: An adjunct to the Wiggles N’ Tunes early childhood
music and movement curriculum, the Singin’ Along CD coaxes preschoolers
and their caregivers into sing-along and movement responses, teaching
tonal and rhythmic patterns as well as having fun in a musical-play environment.
Also available is the Wigglin’ Collection CD and an extensive
music education system based on the combined music teaching of Suzuki,
Dalcrose, Orff and Kodaly, which the Discovery Zone called a “hands-down,
parent-pleasing children’s favorite.”
Writer's Bio: Scott Ferguson is a writer,
composer and family man. Since graduating from Oberlin College, Scott
has seen his music in films and commercials, won awards for his copywriting/composing
for various advertising clients and received a Grammy-nomination for his
music production of Robben Ford’s “Talk To Your Daughter” album for Warner
Bros. Records.
