Today I Was a Cat

PreS-Gr 3—Channeling Carole King in sound (often) and style (sometimes), Mary Kaye reaches out to younger listeners on her latest album. Lyrics are clever on these dozen original songs featuring several musical styles. Opening with "Rolling Down the Hill," Kaye sings about the joys of tumbling down a hillside in summer. "Little Ghost" is a Caribbean/fusion/spooky song about the problems encountered by some ghouls; this funny number would be perfect to use with preschoolers during Halloween time. "Mr. G.G. Jewel" is a story-song about a cat who is supposed to scare away mice from the jewelry store, but parties with them after closing. Other standouts include "Underwater Wave Parade" (a march), "Bus Ride" (a minimalist, jazzy ride to grandma's house), "Love Factory" (a country-flavored tribute to a loving, giving child), and "Alligator" (a jazzy song about the "king of the swamp"). Perfect to listen to during art time (for inspiration) or during naptime (when relaxing).—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH