The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2012
By Lisa Loeb; illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke
Hardcover: 24 pages
Age Range: 4-7
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (April 2, 2013)
What to expect: Music, Movement, Lyrics
Children and parents alike should get ready to dance their little patooties off to this book and CD combo.
The collection of five songs, both classic and new, by Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter and actress Lisa Loeb (well known for her platinum-selling No.1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You),”), is upbeat and loads of giggle-filled fun. The book boasts wonderful retro inspired illustrations prepared using oils and acrylic on illustration board and wood, with some help from Photoshop and Illustrator. The typography and layout lend themselves beautifully to the detailed activities and choreography that go with each individual song. Children are encouraged to play “air” instruments and Loeb shows her personality with side notes that have her reminiscing about playing in a pretend band with her brothers and sister. “A tennis racket makes a great guitar!” From playing in a pretend band to playing a hand-clapping game to scaring away monsters to practicing the yogi favorite sun salutation, kids are more than encouraged to move, shake, groove, and breath deeply while appreciating the day.
This is a party in a book just waiting to be shared with friends and family, one on one, in large groups, or in the car (make sure seatbelts are secured tightly!). As Loeb’s opening note states: “[T]his book [was] written to make you get up out of your chair!”
Songs include:
Turn it Down (The Air Band Song)* • Father Abraham • Miss Mary Mack • Monster Stomp* • Going Away* • Do Your Ears Hang Low? • Everybody Wake Up* • Hello, Today* • Peanut Butter and Jelly • Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.
(*original song)
Add this book to your collection: Lisa Loeb’s Songs for Movin’ & Shakin’: The Air Band Song and Other Toe-Tapping Tunes
For more information, visit: lisaloeb.com
Follow her on Twitter: @LisaLoeb