Ms. Janis' Music 4 Me!, Vol. 2: Tumbling Fun

PreS-K—New York-based children's entertainer Janis McDonald delivers a fun-filled time on her second album of 14 original tunes. Simplicity of both the tunes and the strummed guitar instrumentation are hallmarks of the recording, making these songs easy to learn and a good choice for classroom use. Overall, the recording falls into place naturally, but there are a few places where words seem forced or final consonants are lost so the lyrics become difficult to understand. McDonald is cheerful and friendly during spoken passages (for example in "Ways We Travel"), making this a personal listening experience. Opening with "Shake a Hand" (a fun get-to-know-you activity), Ms. Janis visits "Grandpa's Farm" (a soft country tune, sung with gusto and a strumming guitar); explores metamorphosis in the ballad "Fly Butterfly Fly"; gets listeners up and moving by doing the "Turkey Dance" (a bluesy number), "Bunny Hop" (an upbeat dance), and "Let's Go" (a great gross motor exercise); and describes different types of weather gear to wear in "Weather Song." An enjoyable album to use with preschoolers.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH