Children's Music: What's Hot Now: Top 10 HSM Songs

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Top 10 HSM Songs Oct 1st 2011, 10:12 Alright, High School Musical fans, it's time to reflect, recap, and revisit the Top 10 High School Musical songs. The High School Musical Soundtracks weren't wall-to-wall songwriting gems, no doubt, but there were a few highlights among the three CDs. Go Wildcats! 10. "Right Here, Right Now" from 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records This power ballad celebrates teen love while casting a wary eye at life changes brought on by the upcoming graduation. Listen to a sample of "Right Here, Right Now" Read a review of 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' 9. "Get'cha Head in the Game" from 'High School Musical Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records A thumping, sneaker squeak/basketball bounce-infused R&B tune about the distraction of a new crush. Listen to a sample of "Get'cha Head in the Game" Read a review of 'High School Musical Soundtrack' 8. "Stick to the Status Quo" from 'High School Musical Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records This full cast performance amusingly warns about straying from established cliques. "Stick to the Status Quo" actually sounds like something you might hear if you went to a Broadway show for kids! Listen to a sample of "Stick to the Status Quo" Read a review of 'High School Musical Soundtrack' 7. "Scream" from 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records "Scream" begins as a quiet ballad, then transforms into a fuzz guitar-fueled rocker. It's one of the more interesting and appealing songs on High School Musical 3, just because it doesn't sound like everything else. Listen to a sample of "Scream" Read a review of 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' 6. "Breaking Free" from 'High School Musical Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records "Breaking Free" is a pop rocker that celebrates exceeding the expectations of peer groups. Listen to a sample of "Breaking Free" Read a review of 'High School Musical Soundtrack' 5. "Just Wanna Be with You" from 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records The radio-friendly pop tune "Just Wanna Be with You" is an ode to eternal friendship. Listen to a sample of "Just Wanna Be with You" Read a review of 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' 4. "What I've Been Looking For" from 'High School Musical Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records One of the most Broadway musical-like tunes on all the High School Musical Soundtracks, "What I've Been Looking For" is a jaunty piano-driven ditty about newly-discovered feelings. Listen to a sample of "What I've Been Looking For" Read a review of 'High School Musical Soundtrack' 3. "We're All In This Together" from 'High School Musical Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records "We're All In This Together" is an exuberant, full cast, Drumline-like tune about school spirit and individual uniqueness. Listen to a sample of "We're All In This Together" Read a review of 'High School Musical Soundtrack' 2. "You Are the Music in Me" from 'High School Musical 2 Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records From an otherwise blah soundtrack, "You Are the Music in Me" is the song you've most likely heard, a genuine tween pop hit about young friendship/love. Listen to a sample of "You Are the Music in Me" Read a review of 'High School Musical 2 Soundtrack' 1. "High School Musical" from 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack' Courtesy Walt Disney Records The superpoppy "High School Musical" encapsulates the sentiment behind this popular Disney series, as the kids cherish their Wildcat memories but look forward to the future. Listen to a sample of "High School Musical" Read a review of 'High School Musical 3 Soundtrack'

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: The Tiger Rising

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The Tiger Rising Oct 1st 2011, 10:04 The Tiger Rising, a National Book Award finalist, has a darker tone than Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, a 2001 Newbery Honor Book. The characters are dealing with some weighty issues: grief, anger, and isolation. Twelve-year-old Rob Horton and his father moved to Lister, Florida six months ago after the death of Rob's mother from cancer. They are barely eking out a living at the Kentucky Star Motel where Rob's dad works and they both live. Since the day of his mother's funeral when his father slapped him for crying, Rob has tried to suppress all his feelings. "He imagined himself as a suitcase that was too full, like the one he had packed when they left Jacksonville after the funeral. He made all his feelings go inside the suitcase; he stuffed them in tight and then sat on the suitcase and locked it shut." Rob's life consists of running from bullies at school, scratching the rash that has developed on his lower legs, and keeping a lid on his emotions. Willie May, the motel's housekeeper warns Rob, "You keeping all that sadness down low in your legs. You not letting it get up to your heart, where it belongs." His father is so consumed by grief, he can't even say his wife's name. Into Rob's life comes something extraordinary that will change everything. Out in the woods, he discovers a caged tiger. Shortly thereafter, he meets Sistine, a girl whose parents' recent divorce has led her mother to return to Lister with Sistine. Sistine is consumed with anger, which she freely expresses. Where Rob runs from bullies, Sistine fights back. She is overflowing with emotions, in sharp contrast to Rob. The caged tiger becomes a metaphor for Rob's suppressed emotions. The story of how the two children free the tiger, with shocking results, and free Rob to grieve, is bittersweet. This is a book that, once started, is hard to put down. Once again, Kate DiCamillo has done an excellent job in creating realistic and engaging characters. I would recommend it for ten to thirteen year olds. (Candlewick Press, paperback edition, 2002. ISBN:9780763618988)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Day of the Dead in Kids Books

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Day of the Dead in Kids Books Oct 1st 2011, 10:04 The Day of the Dead (El Dia Los Muertos) is celebrated in Mexico and many Mexican-American communities. It is a time to remember loved ones who have died. These picture books provide a look at preparations for and the celebration of the Day of the Dead, as well as the meaning behind many of the Day of the Dead rituals. 1. Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books Photojournalist George Ancona does an excellent job of introducing El Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, to 7-11 year old readers in Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead. In their village in Mexico, Pablo and his family prepare for and celebrate the Day of the Dead. Through full-page and small color photographs, accompanied by explanatory text, Ancona tells the story of how one Mexican family honors their deceased relatives by participating in El Dia Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) fiesta. (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1993. ISBN: 9780688112493) Read Review 2. A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead / Un regalo para Abuelita Luna Rising, An Imprint of Rising Moon A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead / Un regalo para Abuelita: En celebración del Dia de los Muertos is the bilingual story of a young girl's search for comfort after the death of her beloved grandmother (Abuelita). Her grandfather suggests that Rosita make her grandmother "a gift for when she visits us on the Day of the Dead." While confused about what a visit means, Rosita braids a cord as a gift, and when she take it to her grandmother's grave, she feels her grandmother's love surround her. Artist Robert Chapman used mixed media on cast paper, with the result that each illustration looks as if it is heavily embroidered. I recommend the book for 7-11 year olds. (Luna Rising, 1998. ISBN: 9780873586887) Read Review 3. Day of the Dead Voyager Books, Harcourt, Inc. Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston is a small book that tells the story of a Mexican family's elaborate preparations for the Day of the Dead. The striking acrylic paintings by Jeanette Winter are a joy. With vibrant colors, imaginative borders and fanciful folkart-style pictures, the illustrations greatly complement the story about a family's enjoyment of holiday preparations and activities. While the book will appeal to 6-9 year olds, the delightful illustrations and the joy the family finds in the celebration will appeal to all ages. (Voyager Books, An Imprint of Harcourt, 1997. ISBN: 9780152024468)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Oct 1st 2011, 10:04 Amulet Books, An Imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is the fourth book in Jeff Kinney’s humorous series of books about middle school student Greg Heffley and his trials and tribulations, most of which are of his own making. Once again, as he did in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, Jeff Kinney has created, in words and pictures, an amusing “novel in cartoons,” although the summer setting does not allow for the scope of humor that a school year middle school setting does. As in the other books in the series, the emphasis is on the general goofiness that comes with being a self-centered adolescent and the often unexpected (at least, to Greg) results. The Format of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days The format of Diary of a Wimpy Kid has remained consistent throughout the series. Lined pages and Greg's pen and ink sketches and cartoons work together to make the book seem like an actual diary, or as Greg would emphasize, “a journal.” The fact that Greg has a somewhat goofy outlook on life and is always trying to work everything out to his benefit and justify his actions makes the diary format particularly effective. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days: An Overview of the Story Each of the earlier books in the series focuses on Greg's daily life at home and at school. Each book also tends to focus on a particular family member and Greg's problems with them. In the first book, it's Greg's little brother, Manny, who "never gets in trouble, even if he really deserves it." While Greg also complains about Rodrick, his older brother, Rodrick doesn't take center stage until the second book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. In the third book in the series, the conflict between Greg's father's expectations and Greg's wishes is emphasized. It's no surprise, then, to find Greg and his mother at odds in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, but there are also some major conflicts with his dad. What is a surprise is to find all the action set in the summer rather than during the school year. According to Jeff Kinney, “I’m very excited about Dog Days, because it takes Greg out of the school setting for the first time. It’s been a lot of fun to write about the Heffley summer vacation.” (7/23/09 media release) However, I think the book loses something by not being set during the school year and not including the usual interaction between Rodrick and his brother. It's summer and Greg is looking forward to doing whatever he wants, with an emphasis on staying indoors and playing video games. Unfortunately, that is not at all his mother's idea of summer fun. The difference between Greg's vision of the perfect summer and the reality is the focus of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Guide Recommendation Like the other books in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days will appeal to tweens and teens, in the fourth through eighth grades. Reluctant readers have also found the series very appealing. What makes the series so popular? As I have mentioned before, “I think it’s the emphasis on concerns that tweens and teens actually have, presented with hyperbole and a very funny perspective, that of the main character, Greg Heffley, who narrates the story through his diary entries. Kids really identify with Greg, a goofy, self-centered and funny middle schooler who deals with a variety of problems, many of his own making.” While Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is not the strongest book in the Wimpy Kid series, I think it will appeal to fans of the series. Kids reading the series know that Greg is over-the-top in terms of being self-centered. They understand the relationship between cause and effect in terms of what happens as a result of Greg's poor judgment and find it amusing. At the same time, Greg's thought processes, while exaggerated, mirror those of many tweens, which is also part of the appeal of the Wimpy Kid series. (Amulet Books, An Imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 2009. ISBN: 9780810983915)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Author Kate DiCamillo

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Author Kate DiCamillo Oct 1st 2011, 10:04 Kate DiCamillo's first children's book, Because of Winn-Dixie, was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book and her second book, The Tiger Rising, was a National Book Award finalist. Kate DiCamillo was awarded the the 2004 Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature, for her novel The Tale of Despereaux. As you read about the author, her approach to writing, her characters, and her books, you may find the perfect book (or books) for your child. The Chat Room Discussion One of the great things about the World Wide Web is the opportunity it provides to meet and visit with people you might never ordinarily have a chance to know. Our About Children's Books community had such an opportunity when Kate DiCamillo visited our chat room. At that time, Kate was the author of two novels for children: Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tiger Rising, which were published in 2000 and 2001 respectively by Candlewick Press. Prior to the chat, I visited with Kate by phone, and we had a practice chat session so she could get used to chat procedures. We decided to have an informal chat, and Kate indicated she'd be happy to talk about both the process of writing and her books. Much of what follows came from our chat. The Writing Process Kate has a degree in English from the University of Florida in Gainesville. At that time, she had been writing daily for the past seven years. Thanks to a competitive grant from the McKnight Foundation, Kate received some financial support while writing her first book, Because of Winn-Dixie. The most frequently asked question at our chat was, "How long does it take you to write a book?" Kate said it took about a year. "I write every morning, or try to, no matter where I am or what I am doing. I give myself a page limit. Two pages. That's all I ask of myself." Kate went on to say that she also did a lot of rewriting. Being a part of a writing critique group has been very helpful to Kate. She had been meeting with the same group of writers for about five years. They meet every other week to read their work aloud to one another and discuss it. The group provides "support and community." The Stories One of the things we were particularly interested in was how Kate got her ideas for stories. We were intrigued by her response to the question, "Your characters are very real to you. Do they come to you already formed or do you shape them?" Kate said that they shaped her by "telling me their stories." She stated, "It's always a challenge to get myself out of the way so that the story can be told." Kate mentioned that twelve-year-old Rob Horton, the main character in The Tiger Rising, first appeared in a short story she wrote. "Rob just kind of haunted me and it took me awhile to figure out the story he wanted me to tell." Although both of her novels share the theme of the loss of a parent, Kate said that as she was writing, it was "a theme I was not even aware of." As Kate DiCamillo told us, having her first book, Because of Winn-Dixie, designated a 2001 Newbery Honor book was "an incredible honor." When you have won such a prestigious honor, what's left? According to Kate, "I just want to tell more stories." In 2003, The Tale of Despereaux was published and in 2004, she was honored with the Newbery Medal for the book. A quirky fairy tale, it is quite different from her previous work, although the excellent writing and several familiar themes are still present. The inspiration for this story came, according to the author, from her best friend’s son, who asked for a story about "an unlikely hero. He has exceptionally large ears." The hero certainly is unlikely; he's a mouse who loves music. After writing three novels for older children, Kate DiCamillo introduced a new, and funny, early chapter book series for younger readers. The Mercy Watson series features a pig with a yen for buttered toast. In addition, she has written several picture books, including Great Joy and Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken. Her latest children's novel, published in October, 2009, is The Magician's Elephant, which I highly recommend. If you and your children have not yet read any of Kate DiCamillo's books, I encourage you to do so. I particularly like The Tale of Despereaux as a read aloud that you and your children can enjoy together.

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Childrens Music: Clap for Love Say Yeah!

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Clap for Love Say Yeah! Sep 30th 2011, 06:22 If you dig Laural Canyon-style music (think Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, etc.), then Little Miss Ann's Clap for Love will be right down your alley. Warm production and personal lyrics make Clap for Love, Ann Torralba's second children's CD,�an intimate and entertaining experience for kids and their families. Little Miss Ann is based in the Chicago area, so try to catch�one of her�performances at The Beat Kitchen or The Old Town School of Folk Music. Read a full review of Little Miss Ann's Clap for Love Image Courtesy Little Miss Ann

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Board / Card Games: What's Hot Now: Best Children's Word Games

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Best Children's Word Games Sep 30th 2011, 10:02 Word games are a great way to help young children learn how to read and spell, or to help older children really fall in love with words. Here are my picks for the best children's word games. 1. Scrabble Junior This game comes with two versions, one for children as young as 4 or 5, the other for children up to 10. For the very young children, they match tiles to letters printed on the board. The game for older children is a basic version of Scrabble with simple scoring. For two to four players. 2. Boggle Junior In the junior version of Boggle, children match the letters on the cubes to what they see pictured on a set of cards. Due to the nature of the game, you may find that your children like to make up their own rules. For one or more players, ages 3 to 6. 3. Apples to Apples Junior The gameplay is similar to the adult version of Apples to Apples, which is a tremendously fun party game. Players are dealt five red (noun) cards and try to pick one that best matches the judge's green (adjective) card. For ages 7 to 12. 4. Taboo Junior It's just like Outburst, except with 200 words chosen specifically for children. Players try to get their teammates to say the chosen word -- but without saying any of the five "taboo" words listed on the card. For ages 8 to 12. 5. Hangman This is the boardgame version of the classic pen-and-paper game Hangman. For two players, recommended for ages 8 and up although some younger players will definitely be able to play.

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