Braver to Be Kind

PreS-Gr 3—These 10 original songs by Terry A La Berry (aka Terrence Hall) are all light-hearted with a positive tone. This fifth solo album by the longtime drummer for Arlo Guthrie features pop, calypso, jazz, and rock musical styles. The multi-talented Berry gives excellent performances on all the instruments and is joined by enthusiastic children on a couple of tracks. Berry asserts that kindness is better than cruelty or meanness in "Braver to Be Kind." "Yes Yes Yes" encourages a can-do spirit. "My Little Mind" imagines never-ending summer, parties, and world peace. Berry would rather be active and involved than an "Idle American." "Elephant Walk" is an homage to pachyderms. Mixed breed dogs are praised in "The New Labradoodle Song." Listeners can imagine chasing "Monkeys on the Moon." "Sleep," "It's Gonna Be a Good Day," and "Questions" round out the album. Children will relate to these lively and energetic songs.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX