Michael Ford (10) (1953–)

This hardcover book comes with a CD recording of the songs, like Boynton's previous "Philadelphia Chickens". The book isn't too great on its own - the music is really the fun part. These are excellent recordings by fine musicians, with full "real" instrumental arrangements - no synthesizers like on some cheap recordings for children. Boynton's words are fun, and many songs have catchy rhythms and repeated hooks that really appeal to kids. Boynton's likeable cartoon animals illustrate the crazy songs and add to the appeal for all ages. Our family didn't like this recording when the kids were preschoolers - it was a bit too complex and demanding to listen to. Now at age 7 our kids love it, and want to play the music and read along in the scores, and they love the jokes. We parents find it very funny too, with many good parodies of Broadway show songs, rock and blues and other popular genres. Favourites include "Dog Train", "Cow Planet" and "Pots and Pans". A winner for kids from kindergarten to grade 4 or so.… (plus d'informations)