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The Twin Sisters leave no fossil unturned as they go looking for our long-lost superbeasts from a few billion years ago on Dinosaurs. Your kids will find this set filled with dino-mite facts about some of the more familiar dinosaurs kids know and love: the stegosaurus, tyrannosaur, and triceratops. The gang takes you to some other creatures as well in "Plesiosaurus, Do You Like to Swim?" and "I Am Stegosaurus," while pointing out in another song that the pterodactyl is not a dinosaur but a member of the group of flying reptiles called pterosaurs. Details, details, details. Perhaps the crowning track is "The Brachiosaurus Rap," a fun tune that even the squarest paleontologist could dig. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Delightful for children and their parents
Ella Jenkins is masterful at engaging children in rhythm, rhyme and musical expression of moods and ideas. This CD is yet another of hers that demonstrates her magic. This album includes well-known, obscure and original songs, most of the call and response type, from a variety of American cultures. The lyrics are printed in the album along with brief notes by Ms Jenkins. This album is a joy to children (toddlers to mid-elemetary) and adults alike--a delightful and educational addition to your child's music collection! You WILL be singing along with EVERY song, and learning some American history and native American and Spanish words in the process! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The original album is MUCH better!
Sesame Street records should have found themselves a good burner and copied the original 1975 release on to a CD to be manufactured. The two new songs were fair, but are no replacement for the tracks omitted from the CD from the original. For one thing, several cast members; Will Lee's Mr. Hooper, Northern Calloway's David, and several others have sadly passed on now, so I was even more saddened to discover the classical "Christmas Story" removed jump-cutting immediately to Ernie and Bert's HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS. Also David's beatnik NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ON SESAME STREET was such a cute tune from the original. Luis and Maria's Spanish Christmas songs SALUDO and ARRURRU were also removed. Why? Probably to add Elmo and all of the new characters in to replace. For instance when Harry incorrectly praises "Wreck the Halls" as his favorite carol he is corrected by David in the original, this time Elmo corrects him.

I am hoping a more definitive version of the CD is released and precisely similar to the original 1975 album. For those of you from the new generation unfamiliar with the original, the tracks were as followed:

1) Sesame Street Christmas Overture

2) We Wish You A Merry Christmas

3) Medley: Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland

4) I Hate Christmas

5) A Christmas Story

6) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

7) The 12 Days of Christmas

8) Medley: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

9) The Night Before Christmas On Sesame Street

10) Saludo

11) Arrurru

12) All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

13) A Christmas Pageant

14) Keep Christmas With You All Through the Year

15) We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Reprise)

OK, the songs that are still there are all great, but even more problematic is the CD cover isn't equivalent at all to the original album design. If a definitive version of the CD is released, the artwork from the album's centerfold and linear notes should be included as well. Would this not make a more affectionate tribute to this Holiday gem?

Save your money and wait to see if the original comes back. If you own the album, find your old phonograph and play for Christmas. I never understand why people bother to tamper with the originals, as they are always the best.

Oh the Memories
I had this on record (you know, those round things that had music on them before CDs) as a kid and loved listening to it every Christmas. When I found the CD, I had to get it.

I have noticed some changes they've made since the record days. Generally, these were made to reflect changes in the cast of the show over the last 25 years. For instance, they have included Elmo in several songs while deleting things that included people no longer on the show. While I miss them, it's minor.

The joy and fun of this project still comes through loud and clear. Whether it's Herry butchering carols ("My favorite carol, Wreck the Halls") or the special version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" this CD is filled with fun moments. I also enjoy "All I Want for Christmas" sung by (who else?) the Count. And watch out, or you'll get Oscar the Grouch's contribution "I Hate Christmas" stuck in your head. Trust me; you don't want to be caught singing that around the house. I was glad to see they left in "A Christmas Pageant" where Bert gets to be the star of the show. The one new (to me) song is the fun "A True Blue Miracle." It also includes the Sesame Street classic "Keep Christmas With You."

As an adult, I may only listen to it a couple times a year, but it's worth having to bring those memories flooding back. Today's kids will love having their own Christmas CD with songs by their favorite characters just as much as I did when I was a kid.

Christmas Fun for Everyone
I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this CD. It's become a Christmas staple for our house. Although it's a bit short (only 32 minutes) and it repeats a few songs I still can't get enough. My favorites are A Christmas Pagent that's just like having the show in audio form and the Keep Christmas With You (All Through The Year) which I've been singing ever since I first heard it on the show years and years ago. If you like Sesame Street, you'll love this CD.

1. Sesame Street Christmas Overture - The Sesame Street Festival Orchestra

2. We Wish You A Merry Christmas - The Company

3. Deck The Halls/Jingle Bells/White Christmas/Winter Wonderland - The Company

4. I Hate Christmas - Ocsar the Grouch (who else?)

5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Bert & Ernie

6. The Twelve Days of Christmas - The Company

7. A True Blue Christmas - Hoots the Owl, Bob, Elmo

8. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas/Silver Bells/The Christmas Song/Santa Claus Is Coming To Town/It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (reprise) - The Company

9. All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - The Count

10. A Christmas Pagent - Bert, Ernie Prairie Dawn, Harry, Grover and Cookie Monster

11. Keep Christmas With You (All Through The Year) - Susan, Gordon, Big Bird, Luis, Hoots the Owl, Bob, Prarire Dawn & Ernie

12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (reprise) - The Company

The definitive Christmas album for my kids!
Now that I've found that this album is on CD, I'm going to buy a copy for each of my three kids who are now adults. They LOVED this album... and so do I. The music is so very light and happy. Many of the songs and stories on it tell of the spirit of Christmas and show what it means to give to others at this time of year and throughout the year. All the Sesame Street characters from the early years of the show are included. It's a nostalgic trip back to more innocent times. ... Read more

Album Description

"Animals At The Zoo", is a collection of original easy-to-learn songs that teach children ages 2-8 about animals they may visit at the zoo. Since children have an affinity for animals and musical rhythms, songs are excellent vehicles to educate children, in a fun way, about some of the animals that live in their world. The collection also creates an appreciation for different species, and evokes self expression, feelings, and imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The Most Original Songs About Animals For Young Children
I have taken my nursery school classes on trips to the zoo for years now. We read books about the animals, draw pictures of them, and sing lots of songs about them. Of all the collections of animal songs, this one is in a class of its own. The songs are the most catchy, and very easy for the children to learn. This helps the children understand more about the animals, the lesson each song beautifully conveys, and maintains a high level of interest and excitement. The music is absolutely great, and it's so original that it gets the adult's attention as quickly as the children's. These original animal songs by Bobby Susser are priceless.

Bobby Susser Is A Great Musical Zookeeper
The children in my kindergarten class are always lifted in spirits when they hear these songs. In addition to that, they always learn something from these intelligent songs. The stories teach important lessons and are conveyed through easy to learn songs with infectious orchestrations that are brilliantly sung so each message comes across to the children loud and clear. Susser has a way with each song so as to draw the children in and keep their level of interest high. There is not one failure in this entire collection of songs. Another teacher recommended this CD to me and I recommend it to any teacher, parent, or person who wishes to see children have an enjoyable, educational, and exciting experience at very special zoo where Bobby Susser is the most pleasant zookeeper.

The Most Magnificent Animal Songs For Young Children
The first time the children in my first grade class heard these Bobby Susser songs, I knew this CD was magnificent. The songs are so exciting and invite the children to sing along and learn about the animals. The songs are easy to learn and the musical arrangements are also magnificent. Each song makes the children feel the particular animal that is being sung about. This is done through the lyrics and the performances of the singers, as well as the sounds of the instruments. There is a great variety of musical styles and each style was chosen very appropriately for the particular animal being sung about. If you are in need of a collection of animal songs for young children, don't pass this one by. It's sure to be a great success as it is with my class of first graders.

The Most Intelligent Collection Of Animal Songs
Every song on this album is fun, easy to learn, gives my 1st grade class a great deal of feeling and understanding about each animal, and keeps the children interested. This is the most intelligent collection of animal songs we have ever had in our school for young children. The songs have great lyrics that tell great stories, the beat of the music is something the children can't resist, and the melodies are outstanding. You cannot go wrong with this collection for young children. I've been teaching young children for 11 years, and I would say that this collection of animal songs and activities is impossible to surpass.

Favorite Songs About Animals At The Zoo
My kindergarten class has been introduced to exercising, the seasons, character building, and other subjects through songs and activities by Bobby Susser. This CD takes my children straight to the zoo with the best and most fun songs about animals at the zoo. I can say that "A Joey", or "A Parrot Can't Keep A Secret", or "A Turtle Named Tommy", is the favorite song on this CD for the kids. But the reality is that every song is special, different, easy to learn, and truly phenomenal. So, all the songs on this CD are favorites about animals at the zoo. It's a perfect collection for young children. ... Read more

Album Description

Relaxed. Refreshed. Renewed. Peaceful ocean waves are blended with our original soul-soothing instrumental compositions. Imagine yourself unwinding at the ocean's edge. Ideal for calming the nursery, classroom, mealtimes, even the office! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

love it!
My parents bought this tape for my little brothers when teye were 2 or 3 and we used to listen to it all the time in the car. It was really great for them! Just a couple weeks ago I found myself driving in the car and I found this tape and pulled it out and started singing along, and I'm 18! The music is fun, the lyrics are sweet, and I think it's my favorite kids' album ever! Even though its 'sleepy time' songs, they're not all slow, many are upbeat and the whole tape (or CD) is really just great.

Excellent wind down music
The CD is so sweet and NOT annoying which so many baby CDs are. The first two songs are a bit more upbeat then a standard bedtime CD, but the rest is so mellow and loving. It's not quite as soothing as most lullaby CDs, but keep in mind, the songs are song by the Sesame Street characters. That said, hearing Snuffy or Kermit sing is somehow so relaxing. I don't know if it brings back good childhood memories for me, or what, but it just feels like someone giving me a great big bear hug.

In general, I'd say the disc is better for winding down the kids then absolute bedtime music. But my 9 week old seems to love it anyway. She even falls asleep to the very loud and upbeat Sesame Street Platinum CD. I guess it's just feel good music regardless of the tempo.

I Don't Want to Live on the Moon...
I agree completely with the other reviewer! This CD is as gentle, loving, and comforting for rocking a baby to sleep as it gets! These are the kinds of songs a little one will always carry with them as a memory of their mother (or father's) caring embrace and that they will find themselves singing to their own children someday. Trust me, I know from experience! My mom played "I Don't Want to Live On the Moon" (on the TV - there wasn't a CD of it back then) and sang along to it when I was 3 years old, crying, achy, and sick one evening - and the tenderness of the song never fails to bring tears to my eyes in fond remembrance whenever the little ones in my life watch it today! And just to illustrate the sheer beauty of the song, regardless of MY memories, my dad even admits to being choked up by it! (not an easy feat, by the way!)

That's not to say this CD is a downer, of course! Not by any means at all! There are mildly upbeat little tunes like "Dance Myself to Sleep" and "If Moon Was Cookie" that are equally as adorable and memorable as my personal tearjerker favorite: I Don't Want to Live on the Moon.

It really is amazing what an incredible gift Jim Henson had. God bless his soul for all of the gentle beauty and love his work was full of. There is something so honest and pure about his Sesame Street songs that you really won't find anywhere else. I highly recommend this beautiful collection of lullabies and hope that I'm correct in assuming this will be a treasured collection of songs to sing babies to sleep to for many generations to come!

delightful!
This is by far my favorite Sesame Street album. The songs are not likely to lull anyone to sleep but the lyrics are so loving, tender and unforgetable you will find yourself singing duets with your small fry very often! ... Read more

Album Description

Becoming an astronaut is an exciting dream! Children will learn that getting along with others, being in good physical shape, and studying hard in school are important in becoming an astronaut. Through 12 sing-along songs. Children will learn about weightlessness, the history of space travel and the possibility of living in space someday.Critiqued by Dr. Lynn Bondurant, NASA's Educational Program Officer, this CD will provide hours of factual and fun entertainment! (Lyrics included.) ... Read more

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As part of an ongoing series of educational CDs from Twin Sisters, Oceans explores the watery underworld of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and other creatures. No, there isn't any"Octopus Garden" here, but there is a nice little ditty about the "Shy Octopus," with a wealth of information about the scary looking but rather gentle eight-armed sea curiosity. Other songs look at the world of sea otters, the fearful but helpful great white shark (who keeps the ocean clean by eating "dead and dying fish"), and the walrus ("They're Really Blubbery"). But perhaps the most fetching and lovely homage and insight into a truly endangered sea creature is the "Manatees Are Lovable Huge Things." With kid voices blending together in song, even a crusty old landlubber could go for the lines and sentiments about the forlorn and endangered prehistoric manatee. --Martin Keller ... Read more

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Both seasoned troubadours, Tom Chapin (Harry's brother) and Virginia banjo and dulcimer player John McCutcheon have done many shows together in recent years. Two of those shows were taped last December and edited into Doing Our Job. Rather than reprise their best known songs, the duo unveils a dozen new compositions as well as new arrangements of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie numbers. McCutcheon's title song was inspired by Cal Ripken Jr. and his "I Don't Care" is a Tom Paxton-like satire on celebrity. Chapin cowrote two songs with Si Kahn about honoring the past. The results are sometimes too earnest and cheerful for their own good, but saxophonist Bobby Read and bassist Michael Mark flesh out the sound. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (6)

it was a great show!
i relocate a great deal with work and had the rare (for me) opportunity to see john and tom in concert when they recorded this cd while i was home (wichita) for christmas...i've heard a lot of good music in my travels but john's music continues to be one of my staples...
maybe i'm partial cos i loved the show, but i think the cd is great!

Can't go wrong!
You can't go wrong with any John McCutcheon CD or tape. His whit, humor, and heart-felt words make him a singer for all ages. His concerts are 10 stars!

A Delight!
I heard a cut from this CD on public radio. I couldn't wait to get home to order it. Tom Chapin has been a favorite of mine for years, but through this CD I've jumped on John McCutcheon's bandwagon. I listen to it over and over! A real find!

One of the best live recordings of either John or Tom...
I had the treat of not only attending the concerts these songs were recorded at, but I also engineered the live concert sound at the Arkansas City, KS shows. Unlike most "live" recordings, Doing Our Job is an honest representation of what the audience heard... And the power and emotion of "Dead Man Walking" is palpable on the track. The fun of "The Older I Get" and "I Don't Care" are real, and by listening, you are a part of that performance.

Another plus is the song order; the CD plays just like the show ran. It's an honest piece, with very little in the way of overdubs or punch-ins. What you hear is pretty much the way the audiences in St. Louis and Arkansas City heard John, Tom, Michael, and Bobby play it.

I second Music Fan from Ohio!
There's nothing I can add to Music Fan's review - This is a real standout piece of work. I only wish I had been at the concert....But the McCutcheon/Chapin quartet never comes to California. (sniff) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

great song to get kids to eat more vegetables
Captain vegetable encourages kids to eat more vegetables. Just teach them the words and watch what happens when you give them carrots and celery...totally magic. Sing the song to them and watch them complete the verses while they eat healthy vegetables. Bravo sesame street and captain vegetable!

Boogie Woogie Piggies rule
What a great way to keep kids humming during an 8-hour car trip! And the songs are clever enough to involve adults, too. My personal favorite is "Monster in the Mirror."

Very funny and only slightly educational!
Sample lyric from "I'm Proud To Be a Cow", written in the style of an old English music hall number: I'm proud to have an udder/ like my father / No - my mother. I think this is very funny, even after my two year old (who certainly doesn't get the joke) asks to here the "Cow Song" for the tenth time in one afternoon. Like all of the best Sesame Street humor, these songs work on two levels -- one for little kids, and one for their parents. ... Read more

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If chemistry were as fun and easy as it sounds on the Twin Sisters' Chemistry, we'd all be throwing over our day jobs for the white coats and test tubes. Of course, the goal with this album is to get kids to think about how the world we live in is really one big (organic) chemical factory. Through a dozen sing-alongs, grownups and kids explore what a chemist does, what chemistry is all about, and how experiments work. Specific tunes ask "Is It Sugar, or Is It Salt?" and "What Is the Smallest Part?" (a smart crash course on atoms) and songs talk about the magical ways of water and the building blocks of life. Chemistry comes critiqued and approved by an expert, in this case, a real chemist. Moms and dads, start your Bunsen burners. --Martin Keller ... Read more

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Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are no strangers to children's music. On Pillow Full of Wishes, their follow-up to Blanket Full of Dreams, they prove again that they're also no strangers to the waking or sleeping dream worlds of children. Framed with a simple variety of acoustic instrumentation and a handful of memorable musical genres, Fink and Marxer's fanciful concept album trades on wishes, daydreams, lullabies, night dreams, and, of course, the imagination. The pair deliver such ditties as "There's a Fairy in My Pocket" and "The Banana Wish Song" alongside such gentle fare as "Hush" and "Sailing." And in a particularly moving moment, they offer "All Around the World," wishing kids good night in many tongues and extolling the child and parent's universal birthright to dream and wish together, even though they may be separated by distance. Taking all 14 songs together, Pillow Full of Wishes is a soothing song cycle that restores as it entertains and inspires. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An Enchanting Collection
I found this CD in our local library and rushed to get copies for my son and for several other lucky children on our Christmas list. I've always associated bedtime with the mystical magic of the moon and stars, with dreams where anything can happen and wishes come true. The songs presented in Pillow Full of Wishes beautifully depict the sweetest moments of childhood. The first night I played this CD for my son, he fell asleep long before it ended. I, however, stayed by his side not wanting to miss the rest of the music. The last song, "Moonlight," is so moving and meaningful, you may find yourself reaching for the tissues.

Pillow Full Of Wishes
Awesome a babies must have. Lul to sleep ... Read more

Album Description

Here is a restful alternative to our fast paced electronic age.This collection of all original instrumental music features the natural sounds of acoustic instruments such as harp, violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, basoon, clarinet, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, piano, and french horn.These beautiful serene melodies played with the soothing sounds of a chamber orchestra will appeal to listeners of all ages in a variety of situations.Children will become familiar with the sounds of the instruments of the orchestra while resting during nap time.The music is also valuable for accompaning slow stretching, and yoga. Put this recording on to calm students in the classroom... play it for yourself in the car to relax during evening commute... then use it for background dinner music to provide an aura of peace and calm for the whole family. ... Read more

Album Description

Gentle, flowing piano arrangements in a 3-CD Set of 102 classic hymns and favorite gospel songs. Over three hours of beautiful music on three CDs. Wonderful for personal meditation, relaxation, home entertaining, and church events. ... Read more

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It's a bug's life on Insects and Spiders. Great for introducing your 4- to 9-year-olds to the creepy crawly things in the world, Insects looks at how cool the land of entomology really is. With titles like "Ants in My Pants," "Pass the Honey, Please," and "Fireflies, Won't You Come Out Tonight?" (sung to the tune of "Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight?"), Insects does a good job of explaining "What Is an Insect?" and notes the differences between "Millipedes and Centipedes." A clever song about butterflies ("What a Change") and one about mosquitoes ("What Kind of Mouth Do You Have?") do the insect world proud. And there's even one tune about the spider, to help nip any arachnophobia in the bud. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Album Description

Learning multiplication facts is as easy as singing your favorite song! Important rules and strategies are taught with upbeat music,rhythmic singing,sweet harmonies and a clear presentation of facts from 0-12. "You Can Multiply" presents the facts "slowly" forbeginners and then at a faster tempo for the advanced learner! After you become a "Multiplication Expert," try our Multiplication Rap song that drills the facts 0-12 and then again without the answers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ugh---Hard to Listen To
I bought this for my third grader because he is struggling to memorize his multiplication tables.Of all the CDs at the teacher supply store, this is the one the staff there recommended.I cannot imagine why!This CD is pretty awful.I know it's partially my own musical taste, but the music & vocals are mediocre and repetitive. My biggest complaint---the songs for the actual multiplication tables are the same tune and lyrics over and over and over and over....you get the picture.I don't see how this could help anyone memorize their multiplication tables, because it gives nothing to associate the different numbers with.It all sounds the same.My kids didn't seem to mind the music, but I saw no educational advantage to it, and I can't stand to hear it.The songs that do not contain the actual multiplication tables are pointless and teach nothing.

I'm going to check out some of the other multiplication CDs, specifically the hip-hop ones---maybe they will actually have more than one tune on them.

Avoid this at all costs! ... Read more

Album Description

Did you know that the cuddly-looking koala is not a bear? In fact, koalas are not even related to bears! Kids learn all about what makes a reptile a reptile and how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. Through 12 catchy, informative songs, kids learn how a tadpole changes into a frog, why snakes stick out their tongues and that lions are cats that cannot purr! Critiqued by Dr. Peter Niewiarowski, a zoologist, this CD will provide hours of fun and factual entertainment! (Lyrics included.) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Buy this at your own risk!
This is one of the worst recordings I have ever heard. The lyrics sound as if they are straight out of the encyclopedia, without a shred of artfulness. The musical settings of the lyrics are awkward and there is very little here to hold my attention. I want my money back! ... Read more

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Can you recall the joyful abandon with which you embraced music as a child? Do you remember the power and the sheer pleasure of clapping your hands, banging a drum, and joining your voice with those of equally celebratory friends? If not, Ella Jenkins's Call-and-Response will bring it all back. In the mid 1950s Jenkins, a pleasant young woman with both obvious talent and a deep respect for our smallest ones, gathered with and led schoolchildren in making music, which she likens to playing "follow the leader." This recording of simple, percussive African, American, and Hebrew chants and songs began Jenkins's bright and lengthy career as advocate for, performer with, and educator of young children. Call-and-Response still sparks fresh for the enthusiastic elementary-age child and may inspire parental participation from even the most music-shy of adults. --Paige La Grone ... Read more