This is a continuation of my series on music and movement in children’s programming – if you haven’t checked out my first post in the series, in which I share some of my favourite movement picture books, definitely check it out!
Today I’m going to be talking about some of my children’s musicians and performers. While I personally prefer singing in my storytimes (repeat after me – it doesn’t matter how well you sing, just how enthusiastic you are!), there are definitely times when you might want to put on a CD and have yourself a toddler dance party or a preschool jam session in the library.
Now, there are a handful of children’s performers that really need no introduction – Raffi, Fred Penner, Charlotte Diamond, and Sharon, Lois and Bram are long-time and well-known favourites who have delighted generations of children (and probably driven generations of parents bonkers with their repetitive refrains). Today I’m instead going to share a few children’s performers that you might not be familiar with, but whose CDs will likely be available at most public libraries.
Personal confession time – one of my dreams as an author is to have Emily Arrow one day write a song based on one of my books. A person can dream, right? Ms. Arrow writes incredibly catchy songs inspired by children’s literature – my goodness, what more could a children’s librarian want out of a performer? She’s a songwriter, an illustrator, and a passionate picture book lover who shares her love of books through her music.
Example CD – Storytime Singalong Vol. 1
Caspar Babypants (real name Chris Ballew) writes simple, engaging acoustic songs that both little ones and their parents are sure to love. He’s also very prolific, which is a definite benefit for entertaining kids on long car journeys and appeasing young fans’ requests for more, more, more!
Example CD – Sing Along!
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Now, this grammy-winning band’s sound is deceptively cool – so much so, that a bunch of their songs could easily be playing in the background of your favourite hipster restaurant and no one would be the wiser. So, fear not, Millenial parents and librarians, – blasting children’s music need not dent your coolness factor. All joking aside (don’t worry, I’m a Millenial too), this LA-based group often includes Spanish language and Latinx cultural references in their music, as well as elements of jazz, zydeco, the blues, and a whole range of other musical elements. One of my favourite songs of theirs is Pinata Attack which is mostly in Spanish, but which features the delightful refrain “whack whack whack whack”, which all kids can get into.
Example CD – Fantastico!
Berkner is a kiddie music superstar, and several of her mega hit songs have been given the picture book treatment. Berkner has been compared to Fred Rogers, which is pretty much the highest compliment one can receive, at least as a children’s entertainer. She’s also hailed as one of the first artists to help launch the “progressive ‘kindie rock’ movement – i.e. less saccharine, more rocking music that is not dumbed down for children.” This is cool, family-friendly music that the whole family will enjoy listening to over and over again (thank goodness, knowing the listening habits of young children).
Example CD – The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band
Ella Jenkins is an absolute musical treasure who has been loved by generations of children for her call-and-response songs, and while she’s been writing and performing since the 1950s, many listeners are most familiar with her 1966 release You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song, the titular song of which is a story time staple for countless librarians. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Example CD – You’ll Sing a Song, and I’ll Sing a Song
Banjo-playing Jim Gill gives his movement songs a fun and fantastic beat, creating tunes that will get kids moving and shaking and have adults tapping their toes. Gill is very dedicated to early childhood development (he fills his albums with “sing-alongs, clap-alongs, jump-alongs and finger plays”), and his music is clearly written with more than just education in mind, but don’t let that fool you, these songs are just as much fun as they are educational!
Example CD – Jim Gill Sings : Moving Rhymes for Modern Times
Elizabeth Mitchell is a folk singer and songwriter who crafts beautiful acoustic music for audiences of all ages. Her most recent album is a collection of children’s songs in Spanish, which many children’s librarians might find very valuable when serving families in their communities.
Example CD – Tu Eres Mi Flor
I could go on and on – there is such an incredible range of talented children’s musicians creating beautiful, engaging and educational music for children and their families. Any one of these musicians would make a brilliant addition to your children’s events.
Who are your favourite children’s musicians? I’d love to hear your suggestions! And be sure to check in soon for the rest of this series on music and music in children’s programming!
I love all the Sandra Boynton songs! I use them in programming frequently. All kinds of music types and artists who contribute. Many of which also have corresponding board books!
I love songs with board books that I can use together!