January 2013 New Specialty Toys — Audio & CD

With a background in children’s literature, plus a GRAMMY® nomination for his kids’ songs, Zak Morgan brings all of his life experiences and a simple delight in words and music to his fourth family music album, The Barber of the Beasts, available on October 30 from the new Universal Music Enterprises label myKaZoo. The new CD, his third collaboration with producer/guitarist Ric Hordinski, features zany cover art and a 24-page, full-color insert with illustrations for all the songs, all done in the inimitable style of C.F. Payne. The album’s impressive guest artists include Bootsy Collins, Robbie Fulks , Byron House (Robert Plant), Karin Bergquist (Over the Rhine), and David LaBruyere (John Mayer). This exuberant celebration of wordplay and humorous storytelling are all typical of Zak Morgan’s songwriting. He aims to inspire his listeners to enjoy learning for its own sake while providing non-stop entertainment via catchy music and lyrics to make all ages hoot with delight.

Men of Iron relates the thrilling adventures of a young man seeking justice for himself and his family in fifteenth-century England. With his father unfairly outlawed by King Henry IV, Myles Falworth faces enormous odds before he can become a knight and champion his family’s cause against powerful foes. With the help of loyal friends, Myles demonstrates courage and persistence as he confronts his opponents one by one, winning self-understanding and love along the way. In addition to being a classic adventure, Men of Iron offers fascinating details of castle life and of the long road to knighthood. This book is sure to become a favorite of any boy or girl who loves adventure, and will turn anyone new to the medieval era into a lifelong devotee. Written by Howard Pyle, unabridged reading by Jim Weiss.

Everywhere in the world, there are poems and songs especially for children—rhymes that are sung from generation to generation and never forgotten. In Japan, nursery rhymes speak of nature, of everyday joys and of Japan's own special culture. In Japanese Nursery Rhymes fifteen well-loved verses are colorfully presented in a format that makes language learning easier. The included audio CD features kids singing in both Japanese and English.

Singer-Songwriters Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers have collaborated on this album of original songs about nature, recycling, animal habitats, global warming, conservation and environmental awareness. Highlights include the sprightly "Shy Raccoon," the appropriately tropical and lyrically transformative "Chameleon," and the easy picking tale of the great northern environment "In Alaska." Elsewhere, we are treated to tales of the decidedly un-limbed "I Am Snake," the busy "Be a Bumble Bee," and the complexity of ecosystems in "Think About the Ocean." Other favorites include "We Study Frogs" which will be a welcomed song for any science teacher to learn, and the pressing question of "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road," answered in the song of the same name. The album closes with the lovely and spirited "Song of Life" which should become the theme song for every nature center and school. The CD comes in mostly paper packaging, with nature-themed illustrations, a full booklet of lyrics and credits. Launch date: January 2012/
Awards: 2012 A Parents' Choice Award-Music Category