Play Date

PreS-K—Gabe Hutter (Mr. Gabe), a stay-at-home dad, sings 14 songs—eight originals, four covers, and two traditional numbers—in a pleasant baritone. There's a variety of musical styles, including folk, country, bluegrass, reggae, rock, hip hop, and pop. Vocal and instrumental performances on guitars, bass, keyboard, and bass are excellent. "Sambalelé" includes participatory movements. "Joy Ride" and "The Itsy Bitsy Jig" are instrumental pieces. "At the Pool" is a take-off on the classic rock song "At the Hop." The family in "We All Turned Back" keeps forgetting to pack things for their trip to the zoo, so they end up staying at home and watching a movie. The other tunes include "Play Date," "The Motorcycle Song" (Arlo Guthrie), "I Won't Eat That," "Five Little Monkeys" (very energetic), "It's Okay," "Mr. Sneeze," "Pirates," "I Want a Puppy," and "Good Day." A fun and enjoyable album.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX