Lists children's songs that deal with animals, bathtime, birthdays, clothing, farms, gardens, imagination, names, school, teeth, and weather
Developed by a children's librarian when he discovered the lack of a "subject reference index on children's recorded music" to answer queries for music on specific themes, this source will be most useful from day care through third grade. Reid selected approximately 300 recordings based on availability at the national level, the number of songs compatible with the 35 chosen subject headings, and a subjective "kid-testing" at his library. Excluded were Disney and Sesame Street/Muppet soundtracks and anthologies, as well as "all-movement or all-exercise recordings, holiday recordings, and lullaby recordings." Of the 2,400 songs listed, 400^-500 receive annotations that include a song summary, suggested age and grade levels, and tested tips on using the song in programs, storytelling, or classrooms.
The subject listings, the main section of the resource, cover 33 themes from Anatomy to Weather. Hello and good-bye songs receive their own chapters. Songs are listed by title with the artist's name and the name of the recording. The best version to use is usually listed first. Additional songs that fit a particular subject are briefly listed after that subject's annotated entries. Other special features include a discography of featured recordings; the "Robbie Award Hall of Fame" (20 recordings suggested for a core collection); "Short Takes" (a dozen topics Reid does not use but others may find helpful); and "Special Types" (e.g., call-and-response, rounds, foreign language, and sound effects). Appendixes include a select list of children's musical videos and resources. The bibliography lists books to go with the songs and two recent titles on children's musical recordings. An index of song titles completes the work.
With the exception of a few classics from the late 1970s such as Raffi's Baby Beluga, most recordings date from the late 1980s through 1994. Reid's annotations offer great ideas in short, pithy, personal observations that add humor and warmth. Though the Index to Songs on Children's Recordings [RBB Ap 15 94] covers more recordings, it simply lists the songs on each one. It offers no advice on using the songs in a classroom or library setting. Children's Jukebox is for classroom and music teachers, librarians, performers, and parents. Buy an extra copy for the professional and/or circulating collection.
