|  Musical
CD's, Cassettes, Videos and DVD's for the Younger Set
By
Scott Ferguson and Rachael Mercer
November 1, 2002
A terrific
introduction to the popular melodies of the Classics, Beethoven’s
Wig from Rounder Records combines humorous
lyrics with music from Beethoven, Bach, Gilbert and Sullivan and
more. The clever and silly lyrics draw children into the music,
making the melodies memorable and the fun contagious for the whole
family. Both vocal and instrumental versions of the songs are included,
making sing-a-longs fun for kids familiar with the words. A 2002
Award winner with Parents Choice, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and DiscoverySchool.com.
Billy
Jonas’ What Kind Of Cat Are You features
an interactive audience of enthusiastic children responding to questions
and games within the songs. The songs encourage children to use
their own voices and bang along on whatever found objects might
serve as an instrument. The energy of Jonas’s live shows translates
well with call and response lyrics, open-ended questions and quiet
instructions inspiring movement and imaginative thought. A Parents
Choice Award winner from Bang A Bucket Music.
Songames
from Sensory Resources
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Songames
from Sensory Resources offers fun and engaging
developmental play for just about any 3 to 8 year old. Therapy-based
games promote growth and improvement in motor skills, muscle strength
and rhythm, as well as helping kids calm and focus. Included is
a 53-page companion booklet which serves as an excellent guide on
how to use music to enhance skill. A Platinum SNAP Award winner
with Oppenheim Portfolio, as well as Dr. Toy’s Best 100 and
Best Educational.
We
Stick Together Like Glue |
We
Stick Together Like Glue starring The Musicland
Band is the first in a video series from TouchStudios.
The imaginative visuals, musical numbers and the characters like
Gil the Guitar, Maranda the Maraca, Eddy Electric and the Sticky
Twins will be enjoyed by toddlers and older children alike along
with the subtle humor. The music runs the gamut from Broadway to
Surf Rock and the characters experience situations that are both
funny and poignant. A Parents Choice Award winner with a separate
CD soundtrack also available for singalongs.
The
So Smart Series has won over 30 awards over the
last few years from the likes of Parent’s Magazine and National
Parenting Publications for their home videos and CDs. New this year
are the Baby’s First DVD sets, which include
Letters, Colors and First
Words selections. Designed for the three and under age
group, each set is a double disc which features beautifully produced
animated productions containing interactive games accompanied by
playful music. And the extra disc is a free Classical music CD!
The games can be played on a TV with a remote as well as on a computer
DVD drive.
Back
RELATED
LINKS:
Industry Overview: Music
and Toys
Product Summary:
Musical
Toys Spotlight
Nothing
Like The Real Thing, Baby
What the Experts Say: PLAY
IT AGAIN, SAM
Side bar: Sing-Song:
Music Makes Kids Smarter
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