Animals rock and other wild songs (with CD) written and sung by Beau Young and Shelley Craft

Ill. by Susy Boyer. Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781743810538
(Age: 2-5) Sing-a-long book. This is a sing-a-long book and CD set comprising five songs by the Animals Rock band (they also have an album available called On the Farm). Like many similar book plus CD publications, it relies heavily on the CD. Reading the lyrics aloud or attempting to put them to a tune will be disappointing for most. When played, however, the five original tracks are fun and catchy and should be appreciated by both children and adults. There are a couple of louder and rockier songs but the rest have a laid-back, folky, sometimes even country sound. The first track introduces the members of the Animals Rock band: Lila Horse, Gordo Gorilla, Ginger Giraffe and Leonius Lion. The other four songs each feature a different animal, putting forward a few fun facts about each within the lyrics. While there is not enough detail to make these educational songs, children may discover new things about the animals. Each song is short with a repeated chorus that children will be able to sing. The full lyrics are also inside the back cover. The fun illustrations will give children something to look at while they listen to the music. When used in conjunction with the CD this will be of use to music teachers or can just be used as a fun sing-a-long book for preschool/classroom or home use.
Nicole Nelson