Review and Giveaway: Putumayo Kids Picnic Playground CLOSED

It is important to me that Nate be exposed to a variety of cultures. This includes music genres, food, and people. I don't want him to grow too comfortable, only fostering friendships with those of a like background. I feel it is important for children to understand that there is no one "right" way of living life. English is not the only spoken language. Chicken fingers and hot dogs are not the only cuisine out there. The world is a big, big place. The more kids are exposed to new sights, sounds and flavors, the more appreciative they will become of these differences. And it's never too early to start exploring with them.

When I was invited to review a new album release from Putumayo Kids, I was thrilled to introduce Nate to some new, eclectic sounds.

Picnic Playground, the newest release from the award-winning children's series from Putumayo Kids, provides a veritable feast of international songs about food, cooking, and healthy eating in a global gumbo of musical styles and languages. Jay Mankita's opening song "Eat Like a Rainbow" sets the tone for the album, and the delectable songs that follow from Australia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Canada and Trinidad add to the exuberant musical smorgasbord. These fun, upbeat songs will help get kids moving and dancing to the rhythms.

Music and food?! How brilliant! Especially for picky toddlers like mine. I was immediately intrigued and couldn't wait to pop it in the stereo.

Track Listing:

1. Eat Like a Rainbow - Jay Mankita (USA)
2. Mes Parents Sont Bio - Pascal Parisot (France)
3. Bolitas de Arroz con Pollo - Jose Conde y Ola Fresca (USA/Cuba)
4. Ice Cream - Asheba (Trinidad)
5. Goutez-les - Franck Monnet (France)
6. Peberpelikan - Safari (Denmark)
7. Beautiful Day - Kheswa (South Africa)
8. Bowl of Cherries - Rhythm Child (USA)
9. Pomodoro - Bomba (Australia)
10. Shoo Fly Pie - Johnny Bregar (USA)
11. Let's Bake Cookies - Maggie G. (Canada)
12. Milch - Donikkl (Germany)

What can I say?! I love this album! Every song makes you feel as if you just popped a happy pill. The lyrics and melodies are imaginative and fun. It's perfect for dining alfresco or cooking together in the kitchen. Even playtime! You can't help but sing along and dance (or in Nate's case, wiggle) to the beats.

Nate's favorite was the bouncy French tune, "Mes Parents Sont Bio", which is about a boy whose parents are so obsessed with organic food that he craves a hamburger. A close second was "Bowl of Cherries", a kid-friendly rendition of the work anthem "Pick a Bale 'O Cotton". He would grin ear to ear and jump up when these songs would come on. My personal favorites were the Caribbean-flavored "Ice Cream", which actually made me crave sweets, and the Laurie Berkner-esque "Let's Bake Cookies". The German closing track, "Milch" , was also a delightful ska treat for the ears.

The fanciful illustrations in the enclosed booklet by Nicola Heindl were beautiful. I liked that the liner notes were written in three languages - English, French and Spanish - and included an overview of what each song was about. There were also two simple international recipes near the back from Barbara Storper, child nutritionist and founder of FoodPlay Productions, a national touring nutrition education organization that turns kids on to healthy habits.

Bottom line: I highly recommend adding Picnic Playground to your basket. It's feel-good world music you and your child won't be able to resist.

BUY IT: Picnic Playground is available on Amazon and on the Putumayo Kids website (ARV $14.98). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to Vitamin Angels, a charity providing essential nutrients to children in the U.S. and around the world.

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win their very own copy of Picnic Playground!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): If you could write a song about food, what would it be about? Super easy and a chance to stretch those creative muscles! Be sure to leave me your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

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Giveaway will end on October 17, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this review and giveaway opportunity after contacting Sugar Mountain PR. I received a free copy of this CD from Sugar Mountain PR to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for my post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. You may have a different experience after listening to the album.