Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project (Easton Studio Press, May 2012) includes a book of illustrated poems/lullabies, two CDs of the songs, and an e-book. Actress Kate Dawson developed this project to honor her cousin, who died of breast cancer. For Kate, lullabies were a way of connecting with her cousin’s young children after their mother’s death. She wanted to create “a collection of original lullabies, composed and performed by members of the Broadway community” with profits benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.

Dawson and co-creator Jodi Glucksman brought together some of the biggest names in musical theater and children’s book illustration for this one-off compilation. The composers/lyricists include Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim, Tony Kushner, and Sammy Cahn. Singers such as Vanessa Williams, Audra McDonald, Anika Noni Rose, and Michael Cerveris lend their vocal talents. Artwork from illustrators such as Sean Qualls, R. Gregory Christie, Wendell Minor, Marc Simont, Richard Egielski, Paul O. Zelinsky, Javaka Steptoe, Melissa Sweet, Jon J Muth, and Peter H. Reynolds accompanies the lullabies, and an illustration by Jules Feiffer graces the cover.

The songs’ topics are diverse, as are the musical styles, though all are relatively soothing and slow as befits lullabies. One song, “Yolanda” (about a “gypsy queen”), doesn’t fit lyrically, but Judy Kuhn’s masterful vocals and the calming orchestration still connect this piece with the rest of the collection. Many of the songs rely on guitars, bass, and percussion, but the occasional accordion, cello, cittern, or bass flute adds variety. Two instrumental tracks called “First Sonogram” and “Winding Down to Sleep” are some of my favorites to listen to repeatedly.

One drawback: the book and CDs don’t match up. The CDs’ nine additional songs and different sequence make it difficult to follow along in the book as you listen to the music. Given the artists involved — including Emily Arnold McCully, Betsy Lewin, and Lauren Castillo — I would have loved to look at the illustrations for these additional songs while I listened. A deluxe e-book edition (unseen) does include the entire collection of songs and may be the best choice for ease of reading along. According to the project’s website, a documentary about The Broadway Lullaby Project is also in the works. (The website features several sample songs and behind-the-scenes pictures and video as well.)

When I first saw this collection, I thought it might contain songs from Broadway shows that would work as lullabies. I was equally satisfied to discover that these were original songs created specifically for this noteworthy project, but I’m still intrigued by my initial idea. What Broadway songs do you think would make great lullabies?

The post Over the moon for Broadway lullabies appeared first on The Horn Book.

The songs (some original, others renditions of classics) on the included CD are incredibly varied, with styles ranging from rock-and-roll to acoustic folk; the book itself contains the lyrics alongside Ryan O’Rourke’s illustrations and suggestions for paired activities and games. There’s even a recipe for a coconut cream dessert to go with the song “I’m a Little Coconut.”

Looking for a kid- and parent-friendly distraction on your next family road trip? Your old pal Lisa’s got you covered with this catchy, funny, participatory sing-along romp.

The post Lisa, we missed you. appeared first on The Horn Book.

As you may recall, I’ve got a bit of a crush on author Neil Gaiman. Today I’ve been obsessively listening to “Nighty Night” by 8in8, the self-described “world’s least super supergroup” (comprised of lyricist Gaiman with musicians Amanda Palmer, Ben Folds, and Damian Kulash). The album was written, recorded, released for download, and performed live—all in about 24 breakneck hours for Berklee College of Music’s Rethink Music conference. It is actually pretty super, with six fabulously quirky songs on such varied topics as origami, Nikola Tesla, and squirrel suicide. Neil Himself sings the final track, “The Problem with Saints,” in which a resurrected Joan of Arc causes a ruckus in the park. Proceeds benefit Berklee City Music Network; set your own price/donation to download here.

The post He sings, too? appeared first on The Horn Book.

The post Squeak by growl appeared first on The Horn Book.

I remembered that I’d promised Katie I’d write something about the damn book. The trouble is, as much as I love the show (or loved the show—I think it’s lost its way) and the characters, I can’t get past the first few pages of the novel. Exhibit A:

I rest my case.

The post Newbery shocker! appeared first on The Horn Book.

I was relieved to discover that this collection of family-oriented holiday stories ranges from silly to thoughtful, with just a hint of subversion. Binder explains his inspiration for the song “We Wish You…” with the story “The Little Drummer Boy Medley,” in which he and his Christmas-abstaining family suffer through a seemingly never-ending Xmas muzak medley — on the day after Thanksgiving. “And they didn’t even do the David Bowie and Bing Crosby version!” Some tales (like “The Gold Coins”) have a traditional feel about them; others (e.g., “The Boy Who Hated Potato Latkes”) are clearly Binder originals. Plenty of wacky voices and places to chime in will engage little listeners. Just as important: adults can listen with kids without being hit over the head by morals or contracting deadly Raffi-itis.

Binder says, “One of the things that we do around the holidays is — in order to keep warm — we tell stories, because stories fill our minds and spirits.” Having grown up in a family whose Thanksgiving celebration always includes Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”, it feels like a good combination to me. But even if you don’t normally make storytelling a part of your Festivus festivities, A Holiday Present! does make a nice break from “The Little Drummer Boy.”

The post Merry Christmakwanzukkah! appeared first on The Horn Book.