Archive for the ‘Artist Interview’ Category
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http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/The_Chimpanzoo?file=TheChimpanzoo.jpg
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9eVfo4XBOo
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Richard Sherman tells the story of the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPcECuFJ6Is
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CHIMPANZOO
Words and Music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Song written for, but cut from, the movie MARY POPPINS
In Timbuktu, there’s a Chimpanzoo
That’s run by a chimpanzee.
It’s an oddish place where the human race
Is under lock and key.
And on their backs, they wear small plaques
For the animals to view.
Which specify the reasons why
They’re locked in the Chimpanzoo.
If you’re boisterous and bumptious,
you’re grist for the Chimpanzoo!
If you’re overly rambunctious,
You’re whisked to Timbukto.
Laughs, laughs, nothing but laughs
But you know who’s laughing at who?
It’s the animals there who giggle and stare
At you in the Chimpanzoo!
(Instrumental / Kazoo break)
You may never play the music halls
In all your wildest dreams.
But billow and blast in the Chimpanzoo
And the animals burst their seams.
It takes a lot of talent and time
To become a West End attraction.
But in this place, one rude grim-ace
Gets a marvelous reaction.
Laughs, laughs, nothing but laughs
But you know who’s laughing at who?
It’s the animals there who giggle and stare
Gate with glee incredulously
At the boisterous bumptious rowdy crew
At you in the Chimpanzoo.
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Info about the song in here:
http://www.dvdizzy.com/marypoppins.html
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Related Post
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SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK WISHES 1 (PICTURE BOOKS THAT NEED SONGS)
Like Pinocchio wished to become a real boy, I imagine that these books wish to become Singable.
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/singable-picture-book-wishes-books-that-wish-to-become-singable-and-songs-that-wish-to-be-illustrated/
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SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK WISHES 2 (SONGS THAT WISH TO BE ILLUSTRATED)
There songs are BEGGING to become Singable Picture Books
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/singable-picture-book-wishes-2-songs-that-wish-to-be-illustrated/
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SHERMAN BROTHERS
The Singable Picture Books of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/singable-picture-books-of-richard-m-sherman-and-robert-b-sherman/
Singing is Good for You
Posted on: April 24, 2013
My friend “Liked” Vocal Yoga’s comment on Facebook, which said:
SINGING DETOXIFIES THE BODY
There are three ways to eliminate toxins from the body: perspiration, going to the bathroom and exhalation. Singing is physiologically delaying exhalation (extending the breath so we can sing). By slowing down the outflow of breath, the lymphatic system is stimulated, the capillaries and alveolar sacs of the lungs are stimulated and more toxins are released. Singing also improves the immune system and releases endorphins. A study at the University of Southern California reported higher levels of immune system proteins in the saliva of choristers after performing a complex piece of music.
http://www.vocalyoga.com
I cannot scientifically confirm these claims, but as a person who sings for and with others nearly every day, I call tell you from the bottom of my heart that singing makes me feel great.
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Related Posts
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INFO AND THINKING ABOUT SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/resources-for-inspiration-and-information/
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WHOLE CHILD
Teaching the Whole Child…music and the experience of live performance are important
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/teaching-the-whole-child-music-and-the-experience-of-live-performance-are-important/
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WHY TEACH MUSIC
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/why-teach-music/
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Ten Great Reasons to Sing (by Dr. Jean)
Dr. Jean, who has a great website about the benefits of music in the classroom, has posted TEN great reasons to sing and some great quotes praising the power of music. Read it all here:
http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2009/06_Jun/pg01.html
When I picked up the children at school today, my daughter Eloise told me that one of her friends was singing a funny tune,
“I would be nice to marry a pickle!”
We both confirmed that the little tune was in fact hilarious. I’ve always been fond of pickles, but also of the word, “pickle.” When I was a kid, my grandmother had a good friend named Mary Louise who told my sister and I to call her “Aunt Mary Pickle,” which we always did. Occasionally my grandmother would take my sister and I to visit Aunt Mary Pickle and her husband (whose name, unfortunately I do not remember) who lived in a small town outside of Indianapolis. It was a drive to get there. They lived on wooded land with a clearing in the middle in a converted 19th century school house, painted red and complete with small cupola on top which housed a big brass bell that you could still ring!
OK, back to the song. Eloise and I were taking a little break in between items of homework and she sang, “It would be nice to marry a pickle.” And then she continued on, “We’ll never get divorced!” And then she said, “No, it should be, ‘The marriage will be dill!” Then she said, “Get it? Dill means GREAT and you know, it’s a dill pickle.” So we kept going until Eloise finished writing this funny little song:
PICKLE SONG: IT WOULD BE NICE TO MARRY A PICKLE
Words and Tune by Eloise Pauline Gleichenhaus
(With a little inspiration from her friends at school)
It would be nice to marry a pickle!
The marriage will be dill.
We’ll never get divorced, oh no!
Our children are Lilly and Bill.
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Sing Eloise’s song with Eloise’s mom Emily:
https://soundcloud.com/singbookswithemily/it-would-be-nice-to-marry-a
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PICKLE SONG: IT WOULD BE NICE TO MARRY A PICKLE
Words and Tune by Eloise Pauline Gleichenhaus
(with a little inspiration from her friends at school)
Picture by Eloise Pauline Gleichenhaus
To view or print this song sheet, click here:
Pickle Song by EPG 2013 04
Sing Eloise’s song with Eloise’s mom Emily:
https://soundcloud.com/singbookswithemily/it-would-be-nice-to-marry-a
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Related Posts
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LITTLE SONGS, A NOTEBOOK OF SWEET LITTLE SONGS (MOSTLY SINGABLE POETRY) FOR TO SING WHEN YOUR BRAIN FEELS FUZZY
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/little-songs-a-notebook-of-sweet-little-songs-mostly-singable-poetry-for-to-sing-when-your-brain-feels-fuzzy/
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SING WITH ME SONGBOOK FOR SINGBOOKS WITH EMILY (ON PINTEREST)
http://pinterest.com/singbooksemily/sing-with-me-songbook-sing-books-with-emily/
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POETRY SINGABLE POETRY IN COMPILATIONS
An list of singable poems from compilations of poetry for children
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/singable-poetry-a-list-of-poems-that-can-be-sung-from-illustrated-compilations-of-poetry-and-singable-picture-books/
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POETRY, SINGABLE POETRY IN INDIVIDUALLY ILLUSTRATED SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
A list of individually illustrated poems that have been set to music and can be sung
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/poems-individually-illustrated-spb/
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GALLERY OF KIDS ARTWORK FOR SBWE
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/praise-portraits-from-friends-of-sbwe/
- In: Art of Singing a Song | Artist Interview | Case for Singable Books | Heartfelt Musings | Poetry | Power of Music | SBWE Sing-Along Program for Classrooms and Families | Sing Books with Emily Sing-Along Materials | Singable Book Title | Singable Picture Book Video | Singable Poem | Singable Poetry | Song History | SPB List for Special Occasion | Written by ELEG
- Leave a Comment
I just found the Robert Frost poem THE SECRET SITS in POEMS TO LEARN BY HEART, a collection of poetry compiled by Caroline Kennedy and gorgeously illustrated with watercolor paintings by Jon J Muth. A tune came to me for this little verse. I’m sorry to remember reading somewhere that Robert Frost did not particularly like his poetry being set to music. I’m not a composer, but little tunes do come to me sometimes and I can’t help it. When something comes, I’ve a compulsion to share. I hope Mr. Frost will forgive me for sharing the little tune (found below).
Then I realized that I’ve amassed a sweet little collection of Frost poems, illustrated and set to music. I hope he won’t mind all these, either, most gorgeously set to music by masters.
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The Cow in Apple Time
Poem by Robert Frost
Musical Settings by Various Artists
Illustrated by Dean Yeagle
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“DUST OF SNOW” from the Sing Books with Emily SINGABLE ADVENT CALENDAR
DUST OF SNOW
SBWE SINGABLE ADVENT CALENDAR
Poem by Robert Frost
Musical Setting by Elliott Carter
To view or print this page, click here:
SBWE Advent Calendar Dust of Snow
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Poetry for Young People: American Poetry
Edited by John Hollander
Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
(Singable Poems include: “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman)
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Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost
Words and Music by Various Artists
Edited by Gary D. Schmidt
Illustrated by Henri Sorensen
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Poetry Speaks to Children
Edited by Elise Paschen
Illustrated by Judy Love, Wendy Rasmussen, Paula Zinngrabe Wendland
(Comes with a CD of artists and authors reading the poems)
“Letter to Bee” by Emily Dickinson is on p. 3
“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is printed on p. 4 and a recording of Robert Frost reading his poem is on Track 3 of the CD
“Halfway Down” by A. A. Milne is printed on p. 68
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The Rose Family
Poem by Robert Frost
Musical Setting by Elliott Carter
Pictures Coordinated by Emily Leatha Everson Gleichenhaus
This book is for home, classroom and library use only.
To view or print The Rose Family, click here:
rose family SPB for SBWE
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A page for the Sing Books with Emily SINGABLE ADVENT CALENDAR: The Rose Family
The Rose Family
Poem by Robert Frost
Musical Setting by Elliott Carter
To view or print the SBWE Singable Advent Calendar sheet for “The Rose Family,” click here:
SBWE Advent Calendar the rose family
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The Secret Sits
Poem by Robert Frost
Tune by Emily Leatha Everson Gleichenhaus
Illustration Assembled by Emily Leatha Everson Gleichenhaus
To view or print this song sheet, click here:
the secret sits robert frost sbwe
Sing the tune with Emily, here:
https://soundcloud.com/singbookswithemily/secret-sits-robert-frost-tune
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A page for the Sing Books with Emily SINGABLE ADVENT CALENDAR: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Poem by Robert Frost
Sing to the Tune of Greensleeves
To view or print the SBWE Singable Advent Calendar sheet for “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” click here:
SBWE Advent Calendar Stopping by Woods
Sing along with Emily, here:
https://soundcloud.com/singbookswithemily/stopping-by-woods-eleg-2010
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Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Poem by Robert Frost
Sing to the Tune of Greensleeves
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Sing along with Emily, here:
https://soundcloud.com/singbookswithemily/stopping-by-woods-eleg-2010
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A Swinger of Birches (Poems of Robert Frost for Young People)
Poems by Robert Frost
Musical Settings by Various Artists
Illustrated by Peter Koeppen
Edited by Barbara Holdrige
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You Come Too (Favorite Poems for Young Readers)
Poems by Robert Frost
Musical Settings by Various Artists
With Wood Engravings by Thomas W. Nason
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FROSTIANA (Seven Country Songs for Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Voices with Piano Accompaniment)
A Song Cycle of Frost Poems by Randall Thompson
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FROSTINA wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frostiana
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FROSTIANA songs as performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on their album CHOOSE SOMETHING LIKE A STAR:
http://www.amazon.com/Choose-Something-Like-a-Star/dp/B00AIGPAYW/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_title_0
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Robert Frost (1874-1963)
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Robert Frost wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Frost
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Robert Frost on Poets.org:
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/192
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Robert Frost on Biography.com
http://www.biography.com/people/robert-frost-20796091
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Related Posts
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SONGS BY EMILY
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/songs-by-emily/
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LITTLE SONGS, A NOTEBOOK OF SWEET LITTLE SONGS (MOSTLY SINGABLE POETRY) FOR TO SING WHEN YOUR BRAIN FEELS FUZZY
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/little-songs-a-notebook-of-sweet-little-songs-mostly-singable-poetry-for-to-sing-when-your-brain-feels-fuzzy/
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ADVENT CALENDAR
Sing Books with Emily Singable Advent Calendar
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/the-sing-books-with-emily-singable-advent-calendar/
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POETRY SINGABLE POETRY IN COMPILATIONS
An list of singable poems from compilations of poetry for children
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/singable-poetry-a-list-of-poems-that-can-be-sung-from-illustrated-compilations-of-poetry-and-singable-picture-books/
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POETRY, SINGABLE POETRY IN INDIVIDUALLY ILLUSTRATED SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
A list of individually illustrated poems that have been set to music and can be sung
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/poems-individually-illustrated-spb/
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The Circle Game
Words and Music by Joni Mitchell
Illustrated by Brian Deines
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THE CIRCLE GAME
Words and Music by Joni Mitchell
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you’re older must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won’t be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There’ll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
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This Singable Picture Book has snagged a piece of my heart that it will keep forever. It’s the kind of song that once I have the tools to sing it, I NEED to sing it. The words are so beautiful, poignant and universal. The words are universal in a way that I feel the song tells my story and captures wisdom I hope to convey to my children. The pictures by Brian Deines are gorgeous (those colors!) and perfectly compliment the lyrics.
I also can’t help but respond to the carousel, the lyric and the pictures. I’ve written before about my experience running the carousel at the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis and ever since then have strong emotional feeling for and what I can only describe as a rapport with carousels and I have a strong, positive emotional response to the beautiful pictures in this book, especially in tandem with the lyrics and music.
This book does not seem to be widely available in the US, just in Canada. I ordered it from Amazon Canada. This is surprising to me since the book and song are so lovely.
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Addendum 4/20/2013
I have been introducing this song to the children by saying that THE CIRCLE GAME is a song about growing up. The boy in the song grows up and he seems to always be looking forward. Wishing, hoping, dreaming for what subsequent years will allow him to do. But the song suggests that “we are captive on the carousel of time,” and the time is going to keep on moving regardless of our wishes, hopes and dreams. Especially in light of the recent events in Boston, I take this all to suggest that we LIVE FOR THE MOMENT and enjoy every moment we have for what it is. I clearly remember someone telling me as a child that I should enjoy, relish and revel in BEING a child. When book comes out of the Sing Bag, I try to deliver the same message. Enjoy being a kid while you’re a kid. This, NOW, is what you get.
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Joni Mitchell sings THE CIRCLE GAME on her album LADIES OF THE CANYON:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9VoLCO-d6U
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CIRCLE GAME with interviews:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FcgPLCtYwM
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Two page spread of artwork for CIRCLE GAME by illustrator Brian Deines
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The carousel at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
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I read that Joni Mitchell wrote THE CIRCLE GAME after meeting Neil Young and hearing his song SUGAR MOUNTAIN:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVajUY-hBVI
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Joni Mitchell’s webpage for this song, includes lyrics and song history:
http://jonimitchell.com/music/song.cfm?id=39
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Publisher’s press-release PDF webpage for this book (includes images of two-page spreads artwork, link to video interview, and bios)
http://www.dancingcatbooks.com/downloads/pressreleases/The%20Circle%20Game%20Online%20Media%20Package.pdf
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Publisher’s webpage for this book:
http://www.dancingcatbooks.com/titles/thecirclegame.shtml
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Related Posts
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TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/12/teddy-bears-picnic-a-singable-picture-book/
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JONI MITCHELL
SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS OF JONI MITCHELL
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/joni-mitchell-in-singable-picture-books/
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FOLK POP
Fun songs, great arrangements and fantastic vocals combine to create a get-up-on-your-feet-to-dance-and-play Singable Picture Book delight!
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Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’ (the Air Band Song and Ohter Toe-Tapping Tunes)
Words and Tunes by Lisa Loeb, Various Artists, and Traditional
Songs Performed by Lisa Loeb
Illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke
Published by Sterling Publishing
ISBN: 9781402769160
Songs include, listed in book order:
- TURN IT DOWN! The Air Band Song (new, original song)
- FATHER ABRAHAM
- MISS MARY MACK
- MONSTER STOMP (new, original song)
- GOING AWAY (new, original song)
- DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW
- EVERYBODY WAKE UP (new, original song)
- HELLO, TODAY (new, original song)
- PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY
- HEAD, SHOULDERS, & TOES
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Thoughts from Emily (and Eloise, too)
This book is great fun and so well produced.
I love the illustrations by Ryan O’Rourke, including the jewel-toned rainbow color palate and whimsical typography.
Lisa Loeb’s vocals are fantastic. She never over-sings or yells and delivers effortless sounding, intimate performances in the upbeat and slower numbers. Lisa Loeb sings the songs and tells the stories with a sense of fun, but with honesty and authenticity. She never sings down to the children. And, she can be funny, too, like in “Father Abraham” when introducing new movements, letting a little “Oh, Brother!” creep into her voice. Instrument choices are wonderful throughout. I particularly loved the funny sounds chosen for the “blank” spots in “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes.” I found myself laughing right out loud.
It’s also sweet to add in a breather with the yoga in the sweet, sunny song “Hello, Today,” which is a nice break to remind everyone to slow down a little and take a deep breath and enjoy the day.
This book would make a fun basis for a kid’s party. Use the pictures as cues for decorations, invite kids over, gather ‘em ’round and go through the book. Everyone will have fun for sure!
A few fleeting thoughts about the songs:
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TURN IT DOWN! The Air Band Song
Adorable song!
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FATHER ABRAHAM
My daughter Eloise had a fun time demonstrating for me the crazy (and physically challenging) things you find yourself doing as the END of this song!
I remember playing this clapping game, which a friend of mine taught me, on my elementary school playground in Indianapolis, IN. It was fun to discover that my daughter Eloise learned this clapping game, which a friend of hers taught her, on her elementary school playground in Arlington, VA. It’s like a playground meme that crosses barriers of time and space.
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MONSTER STOMP
If you were going to have a party with this book, you could pair MONSTER STOMP with Monster Mash
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GOING AWAY
I particularly loved the blue-grassy feel of this song. It reminded me of Woody Guthrie’s song Riding in My Car
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DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW
I never knew this song had movements and just love that Lisa added them in the book!
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EVERYBODY WAKE UP
This song made me think of Steve Martin’s Late for School
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HELLO, TODAY
I just loved the breather this song allowed and a reminder that exercise can also be relaxing. I found myself thinking about John Denver’s Sunshine on My Shoulders and The Beatles’ (George Harrison’s) “Here Comes the Sun” (if only someone would illustrate THAT for a picture book!). I also really love Dan Zane’s song HELLO HELLO (also a sweet Singable Picture Book, illustrated by Donald Saaf)
Another fun song to remember from being a kid at camp. Lisa Loeb uses a slightly different rhythm than the one I remember. But I still love Peanut Butter and Jelly!
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HEAD, SHOULDERS, & TOES
I used to have “oh not that again” kind of mom dread hearing a song like this in an anthology of songs for kids. Some songs in the public domain, and taken up by acts like Barney (I’m sorry, but it’s true), give me shivers of unhappiness…especially when there are so many wonderful songs out there! These “public domain” songs are low hanging fruit, they are free to produce and often bore me to pieces.
BUT IN THE CREATIVE HANDS OF LISA LOEB, this song has become a funny circus of sounds and a fun way to get a little exercise and have some fun to boot! Wait until you hear the sounds she and her creative team came up with for when the body parts stop dropping out. I went from “oh darn” to OH WOW! I hope she makes a video for this one so kids can see them making some of these zippy sounds.
My daughter Eloise says that the chorus of this song was her favorite part of the whole book!
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Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Author and mom Lisa Loeb:
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Illustrator Ryan O’Rourke’s webpage for LISA LOEB’S SONGS FOR MOVIN’ & SHANKIN’ includes views of two page spreads for 3 of the songs:
http://ryanorourke.com/Lisa-Loeb-s-Songs-for-Movin-and-Shakin-1
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Monster Stomp from Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’
Words and Music by Lisa Loeb
Illustration by Ryan O’Rourke
See larger and more two page spreads of Ryan O’Rouke’s Illustrations for Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’, here:
http://ryanorourke.com/Lisa-Loeb-s-Songs-for-Movin-and-Shakin-1
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ONLINE INFO FOR LISA LOEB’S SONGS FOR MOVIN’ AND SHANKIN’
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Wired.com GeekMom interviews Lisa Loeb about her “Movin’ and Shakin’” project:
http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2013/03/lisa-loeb/
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A Parents Magazine interview with Lisa Loeb about her new book Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’
http://www.parents.com/parenting/celebrity-parents/moms-dads/lisa-loeb-interview/
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Buy Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’ for great price at AMAZON.COM
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Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’ is also available at online retailers like BARNES&NOBLE.COM
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A big thanks to Sterling Publishing for a copy of the book so I could share my thoughts and info!
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Sterling Publishing‘s webpage for Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ and Shakin’
http://www.sterlingpublishing.com/catalog?isbn=9781402769160
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Note to those who might be new to my blog:
I like to think of each one of my posts as evolving exhibits about the song, Singable Picture Book, artists, or subject depicted in the post. So when I find new information or have a new experience, I will add that to the post. That is to say, this is the information, impressions, and experiences I’ve gathered so far. Lisa Loeb’s SONG FOR MOVIN’ AND SHAKIN’ is the kind of book I’m sure will be used many times when I visit classrooms and enjoy the songs, pictures and movements with children and there will likely be much more to share as time goes along.
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Related Posts
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LISA LOEB IN SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/lisa-loeb-in-singable-picture-books/
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Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along (The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs)
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/lisa-loebs-silly-sing-along/
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Get Movin’! MOVEMENTS, FINGER PLAYS AND DANCES in Singable Picture Books
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/get-movin-movements-finger-plays-and-dances-in-singable-picture-books/
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Do Your Ears Hang Low, a Singable Picture Book
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/do-your-ears-hang-low-a-singable-picture-book/
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Peanut Butter and Jelly, a Singable Picture Book
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/peanut-butter-and-jelly-a-play-rhyme-a-singable-picture-book/
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FOOD
Food Glorious Food, a List of Singable Picture Books about Food
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/food-glorious-food-a-list-of-singable-picture-books-about-food/
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Miss Mary Mack, a Singable Picture Book
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/miss-mary-mack-a-singable-picture-book/
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Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, a Singable Picture Book
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/head-shoulders-knees-and-toes-a-singable-picture-book/
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REALLY ROSIE AND NUTSHELL KIDS, SONGS BY CAROLE KING IN SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/a-few-favorite-singable-books-part-24-nutshell-library/
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CAMP SONGS
One of my favorite songs to sing is The Surrey with the Fringe on Top. And, I absolutely love that that my children love to make artwork. AND, just as Martha Graham expressed, it is also important for children to understand that it is the MAKING of the art and the THOUGHT that goes into it that is so much more important than the objective “quality” of it.
With all this in mind, my heart is a-flutter with the picture my daughter Eloise just brought to me, saying that it is a picture of her and me riding in a surrey with fringe on top. She mentioned that the horse is not white like in the song but that she just didn’t know how to draw a white horse and to please notice that the sun is wearing sunglasses. She also said that the picture commemorates our horse and buggy rides through Central Park together.
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The Surrey with the Fringe on Top
Art by Eloise Pauline Gleichenhaus (March 2013)
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The Surrey with the Fringe on Top
Words by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Richard Rodgers
Illustrated by James Warhola
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Related Posts
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MARTHA GRAHAM QUOTE (MY FRIEND JILL AND ELOISE’S BUNNY ART)
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/something-martha-graham-said-and-my-friend-jill/
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SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/surrey-with-the-fringe-on-the-top-a-singable-book/
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SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK CELEBRATING LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/singable-picture-books-celebrating-love-for-valentines-day/
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SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/surrey-with-the-fringe-on-the-top-a-singable-book/
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SONGS FOR SUMMER, A LIST OF SUMMERY SINGALBE PICTURE BOOKS:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/songs-for-summer-a-list-of-summery-singable-picture-books/
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SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS OF RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN SONGS:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/a-few-favorite-singable-books-part-59-rodgers-hammerstein/
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OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY: SING BOOKS WITH EMILY, THE CABARET:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/sing-books-with-emily-the-cabaret/
Two Blues to Make People Happy
Posted on: March 13, 2013
I stumbled over the same idea twice in two completely different places this week.
I’m studying up for an event that I’m getting to participate in early this coming June. The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation is hosting their annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival and I’m honored to have been asked to share Singable Blues related picture books with children at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church, VA. We worked out the song/book list from my existing repertoire, but I am interested in learning more and finding new Singable Picture Books to suit this delightful subject.
This was on my mind when…
On Monday, I got to visit Ms. Campbell’s class and we enjoyed I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog. Two things about the song confuse the kids a little. When the Big Blue Frog is said to have “Rhythm and a PhD,” kids generally want to know what a PhD is. Great to know they are paying attention enough to ask about that! If I were smart (and I plan to get smart any day now) I’d remember to give them a brief explanation of terms before hand). They also want to know about the PHROG. They’ll speak up and want to know what that’s all about. I tell them how in the crazy English Language, PH makes an F sound, and how I think that the reason the songwriter put that into the song is because it gives a second example of how the singer (or narrator of the story) is willing to look at things in a different way. She falls in love with a Big Blue Frog (to which one of the children responded, “and how many people do you know who fall in love with Big Blue Frogs?”) and she spells “frog” PHROG.
The same child said, “Also, I think it’s just to be funny. Sometimes people make things up just to make people happy.” From a child in Kindergarten!
The next day I was searching around for Blues Related Singable Picture Books and stumbled on a video featuring the late night talk show host and comic Conan teaching a group of school children about The Blues and working with these first graders to write a Blues song. Hilarity results, but he begins by telling them the purpose of the Blues as a musical art form, ”Now, here’s what we do. To write the Blues, you write about something that’s making you unhappy. And by singing about something that makes you unhappy, it makes you feel better…”
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7f26d-AIrM
Interesting that in two musical Blues, we get examples of how the existence of it makes us happy! I also like how, though I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog is not traditionally a Blues song, it does fit Conan’s definition in that the song deals with a subject that is painful for some (interracial couples not feeling welcome in their communities) in a way that has the potential to be humorous and to make people happy.
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I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog
Words and Music by Leslie Braunstein
Performed by Peter Paul & Mary
Illustrated by Joshua S. Brunet
ISBN 978-1-936140-37-4
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Related Posts
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THE BLUES, in Illustrated and Otherwise Musically Related Picture Books (yet another list inspired by Nikki)
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Singable Picture Books Celebrating Tolerance and Compassion (another list inspired by Nikki)
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/singable-picture-books-celebrating-tolerance-and-compassion-another-list-inspired-by-nikki/
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AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
A list of Singable Picture Books that celebrate February is African American History Month
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/singable-picture-books-celebrating-african-american-history-month/
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MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr.
A list of SPBs celebrating the life, legacy and January 16 National Holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/singable-picture-books-honoring-the-legacy-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/
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PETER YARROW SONGBOOK
A list of the Singable Picture Books from the Peter Yarrow Songbook series:
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-case-for-singing-with-children-from-peter-yarrow/
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The Folk Process and Peter Yarrow’s Songbook Series
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/the-folk-process/
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Peter Yarrow Songbook Series, the Importance of Singing for Others and the Folk Process
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-case-for-singing-with-children-from-peter-yarrow/
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FUNNY SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
That’s Hilarious! A List of Singable Picture Books that’ll Crack You Up!
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/thats-hilarious-a-list-of-singable-picture-books-thatll-crack-you-up/
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TWO BLUES TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/two-blues-to-make-people-happy/
Videos Reveal Some of the Benefits of Teaching with Songs (including stickiness)
Posted on: March 1, 2013
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A tidbit about the benefits of Teaching with Songs (with Devon Thagard):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2ipFmddFi8
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Another little tidbit about the benefit of teaching with songs, in particular regarding “song stickiness” (sounds kinda gross, but it’s really very wonderful!)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zthUzh0daww
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Related Posts
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EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
A list of SPBs with fun and sneakily educational content. The kids won’t even know they’re learning!
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/singable-picture-books-with-sneaky-educational-content/
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INFO AND THINKING ABOUT SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
http://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/resources-for-inspiration-and-information/
