School Library Journal

March, 2000
by Kathleen Kelly Macmillan

Gunnar Madsen, co-founder of the cutting-edge a capella group The Bobs, brings the same off-beat sensibilities found in that group's work to this solo effort for children. These sunny, kid-centered songs are sure to get feet tapping, from the exuberance of "Summertime" to the litany of poultry found in "Chicken Road." In fact, the most astonishing thing about this recording is its variety. Madsen performs an aria from the point of view of a mosquito ("Tiny Mosquito"), a rock and-roll dinosaur tune ("Born to Chew"), a big-band tribute to a pig's life ("The Evelyn Way"), a concerto of Jurassic proportions ("The Dinosaur Song"), and a wistful tune of flight ("Flying, Flying") without missing a beat. Every song keeps kids' concerns at the forefront. For example, older siblings will smile in recognition at the gleefully mischievous character in "I'm a Little Twerp," and the title tune about a farmer with a hen that wouldn't cackle (but squeaks, quacks, and talks instead) is the stuff of classic children's songs. Like the best of children's entertainment, this album will be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. Music teachers may find this a fun and attention-getting way to introduce various musical styles. A fine addition to children's music collections. PreS-Gr3. Kathleen Kelly Macmillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD