Children's Audio Notes
by Staff -- Publishers Weekly, 7/9/2007
The Kissing Hand, the 1993 tale of a raccoon reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, is now available as a book-and-CD package. The CD contains narration of the story with and without page-turn signals, as well as a new, original tune, “Chester's Song,” performed in a sentimental, lullaby-esque/show-tune style with piano accompaniment by Heather Koren. (Tanglewood, $9.95 paperback-and-CD, 24p ages 3-8 ISBN 978-1-933718-10-1; June)
Aspiring dancers—and fans of any age—can supplement trips to live performance with A Child's Introduction to Ballet: The Stories, Music, and Magic of Classical Dance by Laura Lee, illus. by Meredith Hamilton. The title is packaged with a CD containing 19 selections from such famous ballets as “Giselle,” “Swan Lake” and “Coppélia.” (Black Dog & Leventhal, $19.95 hardcover-and-CD, ages 8-up ISBN 978-1-57912-699-5; May)
For dancing with a less classical bent, happy feet (and fingers that want to play guitar) need only check out The Laurie Berkner Songbook. The paperback title includes 25 of Berkner's favorites, with music and lyrics for piano-vocal-guitar, as well as activity suggestions for parents and teachers—and a helpful backing CD of the songs for which activities are provided. Amsco Publications (www.musicsales.com), $16.95 paperback-and-CD, all ages ISBN 978-0-8256-3544-1; June)
