One Earth So Green and Round: Songs of Nature

PreS-Gr 3—A variety of animals and environmental issues are the topics of these 14 original songs presented in ragtime, Latin, country, bluegrass, and folk musical styles by Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers. The pleasant vocals are accompanied by accomplished instrumental performances by John Guth and Davis. The songwriters are a little heavy on the scare tactics in "Think about the Ocean," with lyrics like "The air we breathe is dying." The lyrics for "Sticks" don't make clear what kind of animal is the topic of the song. But a check of the website indicates that the song is about a painted turtle. "Reptale" (sic) tells of a couple who buy a small water monitor lizard at the pet store, which soon grows very large and wreaks havoc in their home. "In Alaska" claims that sled dogs are being stranded by melting ice due to global warming. The rest of the upbeat and cheery songs include "Shy Raccoon," "Oh, Mr. Crab," "Chameleon," "My Favorite Dragon" (bearded lizard), "I Am Snake," "Be a Bumble Bee," "We Study Frogs," "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road" (to lay their eggs), "Anaconda," and "Song of Life." A good album for the classroom or home.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX