PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MUSIC: BODY ADVENTURE CD-ROM--PART 1 OF 5 By Jessica Baron Turner
TODAY'S TIP: SING ALONG BETWEEN SUNDAYS--PART 4 OF 5 By Jessica Baron Turner Children enjoy listening to the songs they hear and sing at church and Sunday school throughout the week. Three new recordings of Christian music for kids offer families a large selection of new and traditional songs of praise sung by adults and children together.  School Library Journal, July 2000 Music, by Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, King County Library System, WA Alphabet Sing-Along. PreS-Gr 1- This upbeat collection from Kidzup (Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani) includes 25 musical pieces, each dedicated to a different letter of the alphabet, except for x, y and z, which are combined into one piece. The songs are presented as a play, with a cast of 26 characters, beginning with the actual “Alphabet Song”, sung forwards and backwards. The lyrics are cute and clever, and the male and female performers provide pleasing vocals. The accompanying music has a strongly synthesized or electronic sound. The sections are performed using different styles of music, including calypso and jazz. Children’s voices introduce each piece, and each is sung in a familiar children’s melody, including “London Bridge”, “Three Blind Mice”, “Yankee Doodle”, and “Oh Susanna”. The well-known tunes will have parents and children humming and singing along in no time. This collection is especially useful for children who are aural learners, but it is also a fun way for kids to play with the alphabet. Liner notes are useful for parents trying to sing along. A fine purchase for public libraries, or for school libraries to supplement and alphabet curriculum. Health, by Lida Radmer, Northbend Elementary School, WA Body Adventure : The science of your body and nutrition. K-Gr 2-Primary grade classes studying health will enjoy supporting the curriculum with this CD-ROM about body science and nutrition. The six activities are of various levels of difficulty, so that kindergartners can use this as well as second graders. “Clothes Designer”, “Face Designer”, and “Body Parts Game” stress how important our bodies are in our daily life. “The Lunch Line Game” and “Picnic Basket Fun” deal with the need to eat a balanced, nutritious meal. The illustrations are appealing, clever, and relevant. There is a music section where students can listen to or practice singing the songs. The audiocassette includes the songs, and the lyrics are provided in the activity book. The female narrator gives clear directions and lots of verbal encouragement for those who make mistakes during the activities. There is no way of tracking the success of each child. Teacher guidance is not required to do the activities, but pre-instruction on body parts and the food pyramid is necessary for complete understanding. Using the Pc format, the program loaded in a timely manner and allowed for easy printing capability. There is nothing to download onto a disk, and the disk must be in the drive to use the program. Help buttons are readily available and well-labeled. Going from one activity to another from the main menu takes 5-8 seconds. This may be a bit slow for those who want immediate responses-just encourage patience. Teachers can use the activities on the CD and the music on the cassette to introduce a lesson and for sing-alongs; the activities in the booklet can be used for assessment and fun. This package would be a fun supplement to health units. Religion, by Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane, Danbury Library, CT, and Kirsten Martindale, Buford Academy, GA Songs of the Bible.PreS-Gr 3-This energetic, high-spirited collection of traditional Bible songs is inspiring, fun, and entertaining. Twenty well-known Bible songs, sung by a couple of adults nicely balanced with a small group of children, offer an amazing variety of musical styles. “Peter, James and John in a Sailboat”, is arranged to a very effective calypso beat. Jazz-styled “Joshua (Fought the Battle of Jericho)”, and blues-based “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?” offer unique, well-written arrangements. More traditional stylings include “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”, “Silver and Gold”, and a very peaceful “The Lord Is My Shepherd”. Perfect for sing-alongs, Sunday School, and home listening, this is a solid title to add to religious recordings collections. Larger libraries may want to consider multiple copies. Don’t expect this one to sit on the shelf long. Sunday Sing-Along Songs.PreS-Gr-6-Sunday Sing-Along Songs is a fabulous collection of 20 traditional songs of inspiration to introduce young minds and voices to the joys of singing songs of praise. This lively collection includes such favorites as “This Little Light of Mine”, “Children Go Where I Send You”, “Kumbaya” and “God Is So Good.” Each song is beautifully recorded using guitars, keyboards, trumpets and percussions. The pleasing youthful voices of the singers enthusiastically beckon young listeners to sing along. Although a few songs contain references to Biblical figures, there are many which simply offer songs of praise to God, permitting youngsters of all-faiths to participate FAMILY FUN, March 2000
School Library Journal, September
1999 FAMILY FUN, March 1998 Country Kid, Wendy Wiseman & Sari Dajani, ages 3 and up there are plenty of children's records out there whose purpose is to introduce kids to country music many of them performed by moonlighting Nashville stars. Country Kid is something different; songwriters and vocalists Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani have penned seven twangy tunes on topic of general interest to preschoolers ("Body Parts" and "Manners" among them). Interspersed throughout are traditional kids' songs - "Yankee Doodle", "Bingo" - decked out n country style. The duo's freshness and humor are big pluses, too (but the vocals could stand out more). As with all Kidzup releases, a portion of Country Kid sales goes to kids' charities. Moira McCormick
School Library Journal, January 1998 Country Kid. PreS-Gr 3 - The uplifting and fun Country Kid! gets your feet a-tappin' and your voice a-yellin' "Yee haw". Designed as an introduction to country music for younger children , it offers twangy steel guitars and fiddles galore. Thanks to the pleasant singing voices of Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani, this is one fine musical presentation. The tape is packed with countrified renditions of such sure fire hits as "Bingo," "Poly Wolly," and "Yellow Rose of Texas." The performers add their own spin to such classics, even offering a goofy Cockney voice on "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt." However, the best cuts are the original numbers written by Wiseman and Dajani. With wirry and sweet lyrics, they croon about "Country Living," "Body Parts," "the Days of the Weed," and "Manners." The sound quality is good; the entire production is first rate. Buy this for public and school libraries for just plain enjoyment or to use when teaching youngsters line and square dancing - Brian E. Wilson, Oak Lawn Public Library, II
Foreign Languages Hablemos Musica. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 37 min. with lyrics Kidzup Prods. 1997. cassette:$10, CD: $15 (+4.95 s/h) K- Gr6 -These original Sapnish songs are adapted and performed by Mario Lanas. The songs range from lively to introspective, with crisp rythms and interesting melodies. A few seem aimed at a younger audience, byt most have themes more appropriate to adolescents as they speak of technology, empowerment, and social awareness. At times Lanas Seems more concerned with the message than the music, but this is still an interesting collection that should appeal to Spanish-speaking youngsters. - Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School Feederal Way, WA
Rimas de Animales. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 43 min. Kidzup Prods. 1997. cassette:$10, CD: $15 (+4.95 s/h) PreS-Gr 2 - Mariana Carvajal and Mario Lanas sing 19 children's songs adapted into Spanish in this collection of both familiar and less familiar music, Most songs are animal related. Included are such classics as "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider, " " Mary Had a Little Lamb," and "Old MacDonalds Had a farm." Some liberties have been taken withe the traditional melodies and words, but the presentation is crisp and enthusiastic, The accompanying lyrics sheet does not always match up completely with the songs, but most discrepancies are minor. Young spanish listeners will enjoy this nice collection. - Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School Feederal Way, WA
CANADIAN FAMILY, Holiday 1997 Audio: Country Kid Country Kid (Kidzup Productions, 1-888-321-KIDS). The Montreal-based singer-songwriter duo Kidzup (Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani) have released another CD: Country Kid, featuring eight original songs and nine classic numbers ("Polly-Wolly-Doodle," "The Farmer in the Dell," "Bingo"). The ride song about a kid who lives in the city has a telling refrain: "I miss the trees / The clean morning breeze / 'Cause I'm a country kid at heart." Guitars are twanging while the snow falls in "Country Christmas," and beautiful harmonies meld in a homage to the glory of the universe in "I'm Feeling Alright." Kidzup is hosting a national song writing contest for kids under 13, sponsored by Moyer's stores. First prize is a Sony Discman with a complete set of Kidzup CDs, and your song gets recorded on a new Kidzup album. Mail audiotape, videotape or lyrics to: Kidzup Contest, Moyer's, 25 Milvan Dr., North York, Ont. M9L 1Z1. Deadline: November 30. 1997
Billboard Magazine, February 22 1997. TEACHING VIA THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE Lyrics In Spanish Or French Are Music To Multicultural Ears ON PARLE FRANÇAIS Launched just last year is the Kidzup line of five CDs available in both French and English. Children benefit not only from listening to contemporary takes on everything from dance tunes to lullabies but also from the company's contribution of some profits to charity. Due out this month are Spanish versions. Catherine Cella
Billboard Magazine, January 18 1997. Canada's Kidzup Puts Charity First With Its Music UP,UP, AND AWAY: In recent video installation of Child's Play, we profiled Braun Film & Video, which was donating profits from its video project "Let's Explore... Furry, Fishy, Feathery Friends" to the charitable HugsAmerica Fund. Now we'll tell you about a Canadian producer of children's audio that, as part of its design, kicks a percentage of profits from its entire line back to charity. Based in Westmount, Quebec, Kidzup Productions Inc. was founded in 1994 by Montreal area musicians Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani, and Wiseman's husband, Mark Diamond. Forty percent of the company is owned by the trio's Kidzup Foundation, which in 1996 donated $10,000 among the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, UNICEF, the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, and other charities. Kidzup hit the Canadian market this year with five audio titles, geared mostly toward early-childhood demos. "Sleepy Time Rock-A-Byes" includes standards like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Rock-A-Bye Baby," "Hush Little Baby," and "Brahms' Lullaby." "Animal Nursery Rhyme Time" consists of contemporary arrangements of favourite Mother Goose verses. "Rock-A-Tot" includes 14 original uptempo kids' songs; "Bodywise" is an exercise album set to rock, rap, salsa, and dance music. "Let's Talk Music," the sole release aimed at 6-year-olds and up, features original songs about grade-school-age areas of interest like the environment, computers, self-esteem, and saying no. The entire collection is also available in French, sung by Dajani (Wiseman and Dajani perform the English-version lyrics). Plus, according to Wiseman, a Spanish version is in the works. Each titles retails for less than $10. Wiseman says U.S. distribution is being looked into for the Kidzup line, which has sold almost 30,000 units in Canada. A three-tiered, 36-piece retail display is available from Kidzup. Moira McCormick
Booklist, January 1 & 15, 1997 Animal Nursery Rhyme Time is a collection of 20 musical nursery rhymes about animals or insects. Most of the selections are familiar, but less traditional melodies have often been chosen to accompany the lyrics. No musical style is excluded, as heard in the modern, upbeat "Ride a Cock Horse," "This Little Piggy," and others. Sound effects are used tastefully and only where appropriate. Bodywise, as the title suggests, features six songs related to physical fitness. Two of the selections, "Hip to Skip" and "Stretch," provide the opportunity for exercise. Like much of Animal Nursery Rhyme Time the music is very contemporary and cheerful with a well defined beat. The vocalist and composer/ arranger collaborate on both productions. With fine sound quality and distinctive thematic focus, each title will find a perfect niche in the preschool curriculum as well as in public library and home collections. Cynthia Alexa
School Library Journal, January 1997 Animal Nursery Rhyme Time. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 43 min. Kidzup Prods. 1996. PreS-Gr 2 - This delightful production uses upbeat arrangements and a number of different musical styles - including rock, jazz, country, calypso, and rhythm and blues - for 20 traditional nursery songs featuring animals. Among those included are "Old Mac Donald," "Eensy Weensy Spider," "Rabbit Skin," "The Bear Went Over the Mountain," "Kakabura (sic)," and "Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone." "Three Blind Mice" is sung as a round. Wendy Wiseman's rich alto voice adapts with great versatility to each of the different songs and musical styles. The accompanying background music sounds very professional. Occasional animal sound effects enhance the production. The aural quality is excellent. This musical production will be very useful in introducing young children to these songs and the variety of musical styles. Librarians will find it useful in musical story programs. - Beverly Bixler; El Paso Public Library, TX.
Let's Talk Music. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 35 min. Kidzup Prods. 1995. 1996 release. K- Gr3 -Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani have written and recorded a fine collection of ten pop rock tunes. The vocal arrangements and harmonies are the highlights of the project. Wiseman particularly shines on vocals on the title cut. The best tunes include the catchy "Let's Talk Music," the rap-like "I Want a Pet," the witty "Nothing at All," and "Just Say No." This last song avoids sounding like dozens of other "just say no" songs with a cool, swirling, multi-voiced arrangement. Two songs, "Act React Interact" and "The Byte of Life" tactfully stress human interaction over spending too much time with machines, such as computers and televisions. The recording should do well with primary grade children. - Rob Reid, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Rock-A-Tot. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 43 min. Kidzup Prods. 1996. PreS-Gr 2 - Thirteen original songs, plus the folk song "Mama Don't Allow", are aimed at 2-7 year olds. Not all the songs are rock; there are rap, blues, folk and pop styles, too. "Travelling Song" is a catchy rap; "I've Got the Runny Nose Blues" is a blues number; and "In the Park" has a nice pop/folk melody. Vocals are by Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani, who also wrote the songs. Dajani is an especially vibrant singer, clear and rockish without sounding raspy. - Penny Peck, San Leandro Public Library, CA
CANADIAN FAMILY, March 1997 Kidzup: Music for the Child Within An ambitious first-time children's entertainment outing for long time Montreal musicians and friends Wendy Wiseman and Sari Dajani, the Kidzup Collection is a five album package of rockabye lullabies, animal nursery rhymes, children's exercise rhythms and funny, original toddler tunes. The Let's Talk Music album sprinkles environmental messages, computer insights and pathways to self-esteem in a musical package of rock, salsa, rap, hip-hop and country. It's an unpretentious and fine quality family entry.
THE
TORONTO SUN, Friday November 22, 1996
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