Children's Storytelling/DINOSAUR HIP

17 MP3 Songs
KIDS/FAMILY: Children's Storytelling, KIDS/FAMILY: Kid Friendly



Details:
Los Angeles Times
Lynne Heffley


Saturday, July 13, 2002 -
Look and Listen

Several years ago, San Diego- based literacy promoter and actor-singer Stacey Roberts began using original songs and a stuffed, dreadlock-bedecked dinosaur named Reggie to encourage children to read and inspire them to pursue learning. This smooth and mellow CD by Roberts and composer-producer Bill Harris was created to share that message with a wider audience, mixing sophisticated traditional jazz, Latin jazz and pop melodies with simple lyrics in songs about reading, heroes ("The Little Flea"), the ABCs, counting, the first day of school ("Marvin the Platypus") and more.

An anthem to the Head Start early-education program, which has adopted the songs, while sincere and tuneful, is a bit out of place for a general audience. "Toothache Blues," however, is a fun departure: It's the real thing-a raspy blues song about a candy- loving kid who has to learn something about dental hygiene.