My baby is now a preschooler, but stick around for video and written reviews of the best baby, toddler and preschool products out there. Because even when as they grow up they're still our babies! And if you're a new Mama, check out my archive for fun and funny video reviews of the baby products that saved my life in those early months at home with a wee one.
Did your kids start school today? I know that lots did.
However, and not that I’m gloating or anything, our summer vacation kicks off on Saturday. Here in the ci-tay my little Bean doesn’t return to preschool until mid-September, and late summer, even early fall, is absolutely my favorite time to go on vacation. Still warm. Still summery. So much less crowded.
So come Saturday morning we’re loading up the old-man station wagon and heading for the beach. iPod in hand. Kids music loaded.
I’ve written a lot this summer about road tripmusic. Don’t get me wrong, Bean and I rock out all the time directly in front of the air conditioner in our apartment. But there’s something about piling in the car and turning on some sweet tunes that just makes you feel like you’re flying down the New Jersey Turnpike. And I’m counting on the new album “Time Out to Rock” and a nice cold frappuccino to carry me from the Lincoln Tunnel all the way to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
“Time Out to Rock,” the hot new CD from the Seattle-based kids band The Not-It’s is totally “It.” The lead singer, Sarah Shannon, was, in her pre-Mama life, the lead singer of the ’90’s indie-pop sensation Velocity Girl. The band has an upbeat, alternative pop sound and substantive lyrics that deal subtly and gracefully with everything from bullies, to going to a new school, to not-being afraid to be different, to just having fun. We were sent a copy to preview and my little Bean is especially obsessed with “Accidentally,” a clever tune about handling accidents and mistakes among friends. She calls it “The Bump Song.” I’ve got a soft spot for “Cheetah the Buffalo” who “broke out from the herd” of ordinary buffalo by proudly sporting spots. Lyrics I can totally get behind and a melody I always find myself singing. As I will be on Saturday. When I’m on vacation. Finally.
“Time Out to Rock” by the kindie rock band The Not It’s is geared for kids ages 3 - 7 and is available online at the Not-It’s website and cdbaby.
A few weeks ago I wrote that “We’re Not Kidding”, the two CD collection of songs by Barry Louis Polisar was exactly what you needed for a long summer roadtrip with the kids. So then I heard “The Final Funktier” by Recess Monkey…when you’re getting the iPod ready for the 14 hour trip to Myrtle Beach you gotta load up this CD too. Especially if you’re traveling with a car full of boys. Trust me, they will love this space themed, burp-laden, funky, fantastic disc.
That this trio of elementary school teachers turned kids rock band are geeks could not be more clear. Which makes me adore them. That they are brilliant songwriters and musicians has been acknowledged by everyone from NPR to Time Out New York Kids to Real Simple and beyond. That they will make even your girly almost-three-year old don her pink tutu and rock out to “Beat-Box-a-Robot” I can vouch for. And then she’ll ask to listen to it again. This cd is funky, funny and toe-tappingly hip. Gentlemen…and Mamas…start your engines, fire up your rocket boosters, and get ready for the best summer road trip ever. Cuz with this cd, you’re not just going to Grandma’s…you’re putting on your “Moon Boots” grabbing your “Ukulalien” and blasting off into space!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Recess Monkey for review. All thoughts and opinions about the disc are totally my own and not reviewed by anyone before posting.
The song titles from the super fun album “We’re Not Kidding” speak for themselves. This 2 cd collection of Barry Louis Polisar’s rocking, rollicking and hilarious children’s music is exactly what you need for this summer’s roadtrip. The songs are funny and irreverent and cheerful and quite honestly…endless! This 60 tune collection will take you from Maine to South of the Border and keep you laughing the whole way. Some are sweet, like “With a Giggle and a Hug and a Tickle and a Kiss” (my favorite). Some are a little scary like “When Suzie Sneezed.”
So how do I know this guy…? you’re thinking. If you’re over 40, you may remember his songs from when you played his 1975 record, “I Eat Kids and Other Songs for Rebellious Children ” on your own Fisher Price record player. But lately, he’s best known for his song “All I Want is You” which played over the opening titles in the fantastic Oscar Nominated movie, “Juno.” Barry Louis Polisar is one of those 35 year overnight sensations. I’m hoping to be one too. He’s been honored with Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Music Web, and this tribute album shows why. I love it. It’s eclectic and surprising. You will make yourself three mix tapes from this collection alone.
Order his books, cds and more from his website (which you should just check out because it’s vast and fascinating and full of free music to listen to) or check out iTunes, CD Baby or Amazon.com where you can buy “We’re Not Kidding!” and much more.
And here in the spirit of “We’re Not Kidding” is my little Bean doing a very serious ballet dance to “Diaper Rash.” Her idea. Not mine.
One of the best perks of writing this blog is that I get to preview so much amazing music for kids! In my efforts to expose the Little Bean to as much music as possible over the last two and a half years, I have become acquainted with the world of “kindie music” — independent music for kids that is being creatively, intelligently and lovingly created outside of the studio system (ie. Nickelodeon and Disney) around the country. According to my kindie rock friend Ashley from The Jimmies, kindie music is more of an organic, grassroots approach to childrens’ entertainment that results in much more creative music because the music makers aren’t bogged down by research and development teams and ad execs. Love it! And from what I’ve listened to, the variety of music out there is just as expansive for our kids as it is for grown-ups!
I’m so happy to pass on four more cool CDs for kids to you–each one as unique as the artists who made it. And stay tuned, there’s a chance for you to win these four wonderful offerings at the end of the post!
Since I Gave My Heart Away by Meg Boscov - Meg Boscov’s whimsical cd mingles the world of Winnie the Pooh with sweet standards to create a delightful musical experience. Full of fancy, “Since I Gave My Heart Away” has a playful buoyancy perfect for a sunny Spring day. Whereas many of the kids CDs I’ve heard so far mix folk and rock sounds for the short set, this album has more of a light classical sound. Many of the lyrics come from A.A. Milne, and they have the sense of wonder and mystery in growing up that we all remember from the Hundred Acre Wood. “Since I Gave My Heart Away” will add wonderful variety and depth to your kindie music mix.
Wake Up Songs by the Flannery Brothers - I became a fan of the adorably nerdy brothers from Maine after listening to their debut CD, “Love Songs for Silly Things.” Their latest offering, “Wake Up Songs” is a fantastic counterpoint to all those lullaby CDs in your collection. If you’re anything like me, when your toddler wakes you up at an ungodly hour, you fill their bowl with chocolate cheerios and plunk them in front of “Sesame Street” while you sneak another hour of sleep on the couch. I guarantee you that “Wake Up Songs” will have you whistling while you cook up fair trade coffee and whole wheat pancakes for you and your wee one. Well, maybe not really…but it sure will put a smile on your face as you pop that frozen waffle in the toaster. I said it before and I’ll say it again, the Flannery Brothers remember what it’s like to be a kid. From fascination with the “blue sky moon” to loving to ride your bike, they have a handle on what kids find fun.
I’m a Rock Star by Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights - This is a CD with a sense of humor and I love it. The Little Bean decided she wanted to be a rock star after listening to the title track, and when it comes on, she grabs the first thing she can find (even, on occasion, a magic marker) and turns it into a guitar. And, “More Cowbell,” inspired by the SNL skit starring Christopher Walken, is genius. “I’m a Rock Star” has charm and chutzpah and makes me smile. Cool bonus — in the CD insert, after each set of song lyrics is a little suggestion for parents and teachers for additional activities or discussion inspired by the song. Very nice.
Mama Mac by Mama Mac - Mama Mac is the most recent addition to our music library, and I gotta say she’s perfect for rainy day indoor dance parties. I love that the name Mama Mac comes from lead singer Amy Elkins’ volunteer role as the purveyor of Mac and Cheese to her childrens’ preschool. The songs are eclectic and cheerful and incredibly singable. The Little Bean is a big fan of the opening track “Bongo Baby” and has taken to calling the entire album the “bongo CD.” The second track is a sweet and really practical song called “Bye Bye Boo Boo” that teaches kids to make a butterfly with their hands and send boo boos flying when they come around. And “Family” (lyrics: “I love my family. I love my fam-i-ly….”) is the Bean’s new anthem. Mama Mac’s songs are active, encourage creative movement and will be a hit for boys and girls alike. Just a neat assortment of tunes from a woman who was a Lilith Fair finalist.
You can buy each of these CDs at the links provided above, but one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win all four! Want to enter? Read on!
To Enter the March Kindie Music Roundup Giveaway
MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Leave a comment on this post sharing a favorite song you listened to as a child! That’s it! Entering is that easy!
***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did! Maximum of seven entries per person.
Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway just cut and paste): I just entered the @BabiesGottaHavT Spring Kindie Music Roundup Giveaway. http://tinyurl.com/ykgg8xe
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left sidebar
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook. Click HERE!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart
Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Tuesday March 16th and ends on Tuesday March 30th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Wednesday April 1st, Random.org will select the winner, and I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!
Disclosure: These artists provided me with review copies of their CDs and copies for the giveaway winners. I was not compensated monetarily, and all views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.
Update! We have a winner! Random.org says “ 28″. Congratulations Mary Beth I! Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
Kids love music. Music turns long winter afternoons indoors into dance parties. I’ve been lucky enough to have been sent some amazing music to preview in the last few months and I just want to share a few titles that are worth looking up this holiday season and beyond!
Mama Doni’s “Chanukah Fever” Happy Chanukah Everyone! Okay, this CD is a hoot! The Little Bean and I have been dancing to this upbeat, funny, and festive CD since we got it a few weeks ago. Who is Mama Doni? She’s a Montclair, NJ mama of two who has written and recorded the most hilarious and fun music for Chanukah! Her music has been called “Wacky Jewish Indie-rock for kids,” and she herself compared to Weird Al Yankovic (for the hilarious and surprisingly insightful lyrics) and Sarah Silverman (but much cleaner and only the parts of her show where she innocently sings her heart out) by KIWI Magazine. I think she’s a trip, and her music would make a wonderful Chanukah gift or addition to this year’s Chanukah party. Watch the hilarious kids music video “Funky Gold Menorah” on the homepage of her super fun website! Enjoy!
“Rockin’ Rollin and Ridin’” With Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck If you loved the music of the 80’s you and your kids will rock out together to “Rockin’ Rollin’ and Ridin’”. Rebecca Frezza is another Mama from Montclair (maybe I should think about movin’ to Jersey too!) who, with her seven piece band, Big Truck, has written and released a fun, boppin’ CD for kids that will have you and your kids dancing around the family room in no time! The pop sound of some of the songs is mixed with Big Truck’s signature bluesy rock sound and a fun song called “Hey-O” featuring Roscoe Orman (Sesame Street’s ‘Gordon”). “Hey-O” is a catchy song that you and your kids will be singing along with at the very first hearing! No joke! Though my toddler loves the music, it’s really designed for elementary-school aged kids who are too old for preschool music but too young for mainstream adult “pop” music. I’d say she’s totally hit that mark with this CD. Click here to sample a few of the tunes on this CD, and here to buy it just in time for the holidays! You’ll be glad you did.
Bari Koral “Rock and Roll Garden” Okay so this is one you won’t be able to get until January 14th. But we got a sneak listen to “Rock and Roll Garden”, and the Little Bean absolutely loves it and frequently requests it by name (totally adorable when she does, by the way). Bari Koral has been compared to Jewel, Nora Jones and Joan Osborne. This kinda seals it for me. Her voice is butter. Oh, and she was featured in the New York Times. That’s not uncool. She released three albums for grown-ups before beginning an amazing and very successful journey into Family Music. Check out her website to hear a sample of her tunes (click on the little recorder icon on the right side of the home page) and links to purchase all of her other albums on Amazon. While you’re at it, Preorder “Rock and Roll Garden” today!
“Trying Funny Stuff” New DVD from The Jimmies No discussion of kids music would be complete without a mention of my gal Ashley Albert and the amazing Jimmies! I love love love this group and so will your kids. Click here to hear a sample of their tunes and invite me over to hear my two year old sing along with them. My elementary age neices and nephews love them. And so do the kids across the country who hear them on xm kids. How awesome is that? This DVD contains six hilarious music videos, a 45 minute concert performance, sing-along tracks, “Behind the Scenes” featurettes, and an audio CD of the concert. The music videos are fantastic–beautifully done, fun, and funny. And even better, sure you can order the DVD on their site, but you can also just walk into Barnes and Noble…and BUY IT! I love love love this as a holiday gift for the kids in your life. Totally unique. Totally affordable. Totally fun.
So do it guys! Get your kids some new music for Chanukah and Christmas! It’s the holidays! Rock on!
Disclaimer, I was sent each of these CDs and DVDs to review at no cost. The opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not approved or read by any of the groups involved before posting.
People from Maine are a little crazy. They love their state just as much as Texans love Texas. They’re just a lot quieter about it. I lived in Texas. I have family from Maine. I know. The mosquitoes were particularly horrendous in Maine this year (as they were all over the East Coast), and did a number on the little Bean when we went up in August. But still, I have to admit to having a bit of a love affair with the Pine Tree State. So when the cute as can be Flannery Brothers from Hampden, Maine contacted me to review their CD for kids, “Love Songs For Silly Things” I swooned at the chance.
I fancy myself a bit picky about kids music. I’m a snob, I must confess. The CDs I have recommended on this site, are really really good. And this one is no exception. My two year old loves it. She calls it the “new CD” or the “blue CD” and despite the fact that it’s upbeat and cheerful, enjoys listening to it during her naps. Go figure. These guys have their finger on the pulse of what kids like.
Let me tell you about my two favorite songs on the CD. The first is ‘Blue Sky Moon” — about just that. That mysterious, beautiful, puzzling moon that shows up in the blue sky in the afternoon. I can so remember staring up at it as a child and wondering if it was the same moon that came out at night and why it was there sometimes but not always. I’ve sort of forgotten the wonder of the Blue Sky Moon. The Flannery Brothers haven’t. They think like kids, it seems.
I also love “Farmer’s Market”. People in Maine are a step ahead of the rest of us in the slow food movement. They’ve been shopping locally for years and we city people are just catching on. But this song is catchy and super fun and I find myself singing it to the Bean every Thursday when we take our tote bags and head to the local Green Market. Want to get your kids excited about vegetables? This is just one of the songs on this CD designed to encourage adventurous eating.
It’s not too early to start thinking stocking stuffers for the grandkids or unique gifts for the neices and nephews and godchildren. Heck, a collection of amazing CDs is one of the most wonderful and unique baby gifts you can give. Pair “Love Songs for Silly Things” with a soothing lullabye CD for a truly wonderful present that will keep on giving long after the 3 month onesie has been passed along to another dear baby. This CD was created for kids ages two to six and has been recognized by The John Lennon Songwriting Conest. Cool, huh?
So here’s your chance! Thanks to the aforementioned super cute Flannery Brothers, one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a copy of “Love Songs for Silly Things”! Want to enter? Read on!
MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Do yourself a favor. Check out the totally fun Flannery Brothers website and enjoy their tunes. Then come back and leave me a comment sharing the music you loved most as a child Entering is that easy!
***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did! Maximum of seven entries per person.
Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): The Flannery Brothers “Love Songs for Silly Things” CD is rocks my kids world! Enter to win one @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/y8az9f7
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart
Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Thursday November 5th and ends on Thursday November 19th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Friday November 20th, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: The Flannery Brothers sent me their CD to review and they provided a CD for the winner of the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.
Update! We have a winner! Random.org says “5″ ! Congralutaions Katherine Puma!!! Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
And to celebrate, we are going to shower you and that sweet baby you’re dreaming about, loving from afar, or holding in your arms right now! You’ve seen the videos. You’ve drooled over the products. Today is the day to enter! I’m so glad you’re here.
Talk about the best of both worlds…a baby shower with hundreds of dollars worth of wonderful products, but no silly games. I do wish I had some cake though…
I just want to say a big thank you again to all of the wonderful companies that have contributed items to the first ever Babies Gotta Have It Online Baby Shower Giveaway.
Here again, is everything that the winner of this unbelievable giveaway will receive:
MANDATORY ENTRY #1: First, watch all of the videos featuring the products included in the giveaway. When you’re done, return to this post and leave a comment telling me 1. Who is this baby that you want to shower with beautiful things and why & 2. Which product you are the most excited about winning and why. This is a huge prize package, so entries that don’t provide complete answers to parts 1 and 2 will be discounted. And it’s absolutely wonderful to want to win this for your very own baby! One who is here or one who is on the way! Tell me a little bit about you and your babe!
***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did! Maximum of seven entries per person.
Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): @BabiesGottaHavT is hosting an Online Baby Shower! Enter to win today! http://tinyurl.com/mfdmwl
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart
Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Sunday August 9th and ends on Sunday August 30th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Monday August 31st, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my baby called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my baby, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!
Update! We have a winner! Random.org selected number 249! Congratulations Danielle Donohue! Hope you and your baby love being showered! Thank you so much to everyone who entered!
Welcome to the 5th and final installation in the Babies Gotta Have It Online Baby Shower Video Series, “Playing With My Baby.” It’s time to have some fun with your little one!
The first time I played the educational music DVD (or “DBDB” as my baby calls them) “Trebellina” my daughter watched the entire thing from start to finish. The DVD ended, and she said (and I am not making this up) “More? More music?” Except she actually said, “More mugic?” because that is the incredibly cute way she says music right now, and I can’t bear to correct it. Or “DBDB.”
I also watched “Trebellina” in its entirety. This video music lesson features the characters Trebellina, Rock Bassey, Rhythmo and an assortment of colorful dancing music notes. Oh and a little “rest” character. He scurries around like a crab and is kind of cute. I can’t say I loved the animation. Didn’t totally appeal to me. But I’m pretty sure I’m not the target audience for this DVD.
My daughter, however, is. “Trebellina” is designed for kids ages 1 - 4, and the content, to me, seemed appropriate for those ages. I am not a professional musician or music educator, but I play piano and read music and sing some, and I appreciated the attempts this video makes to familiarize children with basic musical concepts. Without becoming too complex, the video sets out to introduce the treble staff, the notes on the staff, and the letter names of those notes. It then goes on to show in a very clever way how those written notes correspond to notes on the piano. In between the introduction of the notes, several instruments are introduced, accompanied by a brief sample of the sounds that they make. There is also a segment in which the little purple tornado-shaped character, Rhythmo, urges kids to get up and dance while counting 1-2-3-4 to the music. The soundtrack is simple but effective–basic melodies (some of which I recognized) played on real instruments, not synthesizers.
Babies will enjoy the interludes in which music is played accompanied by moving toys and children dancing. Older kids can begin to to use the note identification as an opportunity to learn the notes on the staff and how to match pitch when singing. My daughter, when presented with five DBDBs today, all spread out on the floor, two of which feature a very beloved furry red friend, chose “Trebellina.” No kidding. And as I was making dinner in the kitchen I could hear her saying letter note names back at the TV. So clearly, something is working here.
Printed on the DVD case are the slogans: “Discover The Language of Music” and “Great Minds Think Differently.” I can totally get behind both of these sentiments, and I think “Trebellina” endeavors to encourage both.
And the Bean keeps saying “DBDB? Mugic?” Which is all I need to hear.
My baby got a lot of Baby Einstein DVDs as gifts. Honestly, she was never really crazy about the infant ones–the vids in which trains go in circles and sparkly things bounce around while tinkly versions of classical music play. She just didn’t dig them. She did however, and I am so not just saying this, always like the “Baby Shakespeare” one. It had words and puppets in addition to the music, and from the first viewing she really responded to it. That said, my nieces and nephews were HUGE Baby Einstein fans and I have seen them sit happily in their bumbos for a nice long while watching marbles roll down chutes while their parents and I ate canapes.
Let me also say, that what I have written thus far is in no way about me being a TV snob or not liking my child to watch TV. I am a TV junkie (and if you are not watching the NBC show “Friday Night Lights” you should be). I will go on record that I do let my baby watch some TV pretty much every day. I am very selective about what she watches, and I did not start this until she was about nine months old. But The New York Times and Harvard recently said it’s okay for babies to watch some TV. They claim, however, there are no particular benefits to the babies from watching “educational” TV. They do acknowledge the benefits to moms from having babies watching a little bit of TV, and I definitely see eye to eye with them there. So I’m glad about that too.
All that said, I was definitely excited to see the newest offering from Baby Einstein: The World Music DVD. Thanks to the lovely folks at Mom Central, my baby and I were able to get a sneak peek of this video and I gotta say, it was a hit.
I am pretty much on board with any CD or DVD that exposes our kids to music from around the world. I believe fully that listening to music is an important part of babies’ development, and I love the idea that my child has access to instruments, melodies, and rhythms from other cultures. She is growing up in a new world where the internet and availability of travel will make contact with other cultures increasingly easy and necessary. The world is far bigger than our little neighborhood. I think it’s wonderful for my child to become aware of that.
So we tried the DVD out! One of the neat features of this Baby Einstein DVD is that it has several modes of play. You can choose to “select-a-segment” and watch 5 - 10 minute chunks of your choice. And you can also choose one of two viewing modes: either the standard mode or “Grow With Me” mode in which spoken words, printed words and additional content more appropriate for older babies are included in the viewing. I chose this mode since my baby is 19 months old. And she totally dug it.
Jane the monkey guides the viewer on this trek around the world through a series of puppet show segments (which my gal thought were a hoot and a half). Jane travels the globe in her airplane and then interacts and plays the drum with a puppet friend from each continent. Then, we see video from each location, accompanied by music of each culture. The video features the landscape, animals and people of the continent, and in each continent we are introduced to a traditional instrument. In the “Grow With Me Mode” that instrument is named and demonstrated. Honestly, it’s pretty cool.
I was less impressed with the World Music CD. In general, I’m not a big fan of the Baby Einstein versions of classical music. I understand that they are making the music in some ways simpler to be more accessible and palatable to an infant’s ear. But honestly I’d rather have my kid hear the actual composition. This world music also feels a bit watered down. But I’m no music expert and I can see that this music would work well to soothe your little tiny infants. I don’t, however, think I’ll reach for this CD for my toddler outside of nap and quiet time.
So, baby’s bottom line? The Baby Einstein World Music DVD was a hit in my house. I like the message. My baby liked the content. The CD? Not my fave, but again, for your teeny tiny infants it might be a nice choice. Both together make a lovely baby gift or baby shower gift. Thanks so much Baby Einstein and Mom Central! We had a great time checking this product out!
and much more.
today!
