Love, Cake & Monsters

PreS-Gr 3—Catchy tunes and funky rhythms are the hallmarks of these 10 songs, composed in rock, funk, retro disco, ska, and symphonic styles of music. Princess Katie's (Katie O'Sullivan) vocals have an appealing nasal quality, while Racer Steve (Steve Borne) has a mellow voice. On their fourth album, the duo wants kids to get up, move, and dance. With electrifying performances on guitars, banjo, piano, clarinet, flute, accordion, organ, drums, and percussion, they are joined by the Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra for "Halloween." Three of the tracks are voice-acted skits: "Mr. Stanstiglioni," who wants the baker to make him a "like cake"; "Monster Gets a Job," in which Monster is hired at the library; and "Earn Your Candy," a Halloween skit with an unresolved ending. In "Come on Out!," Princess Katie informs listeners what to expect at one of their concerts. Kids declare that they are no longer afraid of monsters in "Hey, Monster!" Staying up late is not all it's cracked up to be in "Tonight." The remaining songs include "Hug It Out," "Comet Pinky's Love Cake," "I Got This," "Lavender Mint," "Little Skarlett," and "Take It on Over (Timeout)." A high-energy and lively album that will appeal parents and children.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX