Shine Shine Shine

PreS-Gr 1—Pennsylvania-based Mama Mac (a.k.a. Amy Elkins) writes eclectic indie music for young kids and their parents. The 14 songs on the disc include the opening gospel tune "Climb on Up," an invitation to join the group in the treehouse; the bluesy, soul-filled "Loose Tooth"; the disco-inspired "Dancing Feet"; and a capella seasonal celebration "Summertime." Most of the tunes were composed by Elkins. Each song is carefully arranged, with instrumentation fitting the musical style; "Leaves" is a folksy tune about autumn and features a fiddle and mandolin, while "Snowflake Ballet" is a ballad with sleigh bells ringing in tempo. The title song, "Shine Shine Shine," opens with a chorus of children looking to turn a cloudy day into sunshine. Elkins includes the classic "This Old Man," updated with a country feel and with a pedal steel guitar. The University of Pennsylvania Glee Club sings backup on a couple of songs. With lyrics that will appeal to kiddos and musical arrangements that will please parents, Mama Mac has another winner here.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH