Let's Hear It for the Laurie Berkner Band

PreS-Gr 3—Laurie Berkner's lively music video features 16 participatory movement songs and enthusiastic multiethnic youngsters dancing and moving along to the beat, sometimes dressed in appropriate costumes. Cute sets and props also enhance the songs. Two animated characters, Moose and Zee (a bird), introduce the video and appear in brief interlude vignettes throughout the production. Berkner and her band perform flawlessly on guitar, keyboards, bongo drums, and Irish flute in various musical styles such as folk, folk rock, calypso, country, jazz, a cappella chant, and Celtic. The playlist includes "Victor Vito," the traditional "The Cat Came Back" in a nice jazz arrangement, "Five Days Old," "In the Clouds," "Pig on Her Head," "Rocketship Run," "Magic Box," and more. The special features section offers four animated music videos starring Moose and Zee. While Berkner's fans will love this production, it should also attract new ones.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX