CM Magazine: Alligator Ice Cream

________________ CM . . . . Volume XII Number 2 . . . . September 16, 2005

cover
Alligator Ice Cream - Jelly Delight!

Dennis Lee. Music by Eddie Douglas.
Guelph, ON: Fat Flea Music (18 Beattie St., N1H 8N1, or www.fatfleamusic.ca), 2002. Biblio46
1 CD, 48 min., 55 sec., $19.95.

Subject Headings:
Children's songs.
Children's poetry.

Preschool-grade 5 / Ages birth-10.

Review by Barb Taylor.

**** /4

excerpt:

Annie and Ernie
McGilligan Spock
Pedalled their tricycles
Round the block.
(Stanza from “The Puzzle.”)

Guelph musician Eddie Douglas has put the well-loved lyrics of poet Dennis Lee to music in this delightful CD. Included is a booklet of the lyrics for the 15 songs.

Eddie has a soothing voice, and his musical styles cross and blend many genres of music – folk, jazz and Celtic. While this easy-listening music combined with the catchy lyrics of Dennis Lee are geared to children, I have a feeling parents, teachers and caregivers will find themselves listening to this compilation for their own enjoyment.

And you top shakes a little
And your bottom shakes a lot.
And your middle gives a twiddle
Till your tummy’s in a knot.
(Chorus from “Shake-‘n’-Bake a Jelly.”)

The musical arrangements are also done by Douglas who incorporates a wide variety of instruments – accordion, tin whistle, harmonica, violin, piano and guitars – with melodic background harmony vocals. The relaxing, humorous, sing-a-long nature of this recording would make it ideal for quiet times with children. While some songs, like “Shake – ‘n’-Bake a Jelly,” give themselves to dancing and action, they are lower key than many children’s records which are designed to “activate” children. This CD has a soothing, relaxing quality. As a teacher, I would use this recording when I want a calm environment. I think some of the melodies; particularly the lullaby “Like a Giant in a Towel” would be perfect for nap times in full day kindergartens, daycares or nap times at home.

Creating a CD that is enjoyable, toe-tapping, soothing and appealing to “kids of all ages” is quite a feat. Eddie Douglas is more than up to the task! Alligator Ice Cream – Jelly Delight is a “must-have” children’s CD.

Highly Recommended.

Barb Taylor is a freelance writer and Pre-Kindergarden teacher in Calgary, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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