Science and Wonder

PreS-Gr 5—The Montana-based The Whizpops teach about science in each of the 10 original tunes on their second themed recording for kids. Highlights include the jazzy "Dinosaurs" (which is sure to have youngsters join in rapping the creatures' name), the Caribbean-fused "Bugs" (which celebrates six-legged creepy crawlies), the bluesy "Adapt" (where singer Margi Cates channels Janis Joplin), and "The Sneeze Song" (a doo-wop number about allergies). Other topics discussed include: "Penguins," "Family Tree," "Water Cycle," "Watershed," "Rainbow Adventure," and "The Rainforest." The band has a mature sound that belies the short time they have been together. Musical styles are well-matched with the topic of each song. Harmonies and solid instrumentation add fullness to their sound. Lyrics include content about each topic, making this a solid choice to use in the classroom when studying any of the featured topics.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH