Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

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.

50 comments:

Mysharona said...

It would be about meatballs

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I would write a song about eating clean green fruits and veggies. Apples and strawberries are covered with over 12 different pesticides, and I think its important for child to know which fruit and veggies should be eaten green.

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I follow vie email. joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

following you on twitter jgnp I tweeted this giveaway http://twitter.com/jgnp/status/4516040112

Bonita12 said...

It would be about yummy mac and cheese.

Bonita12 said...

follower

Bonita12 said...

Entered LJBW Cloth Block giveaway.

Melissa G said...

I would write a song for my 3 year old about trying new foods. And add a couple of his favorites in as well to make it fun!

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I subscribe in google reader

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Donna said...

I'd probably write a song about peanut butter and jelly!

annies home said...

well since strawberry and meatballs has allready been a hit I would say biscuits and gravy
shopannies@Yahoo.com

annies home said...

following
shopannies@Yahoo.com

annies home said...

following on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/shopannies/status/4581445107

shopannies@Yahoo.com

Aileen said...

I would write a song about banana splits.

arobimom(at)gmail(dot)com

janetfaye said...

I would write a song about ice cream.

janetfaye@gmail.com

Eli's Lids said...

I would write a song about candy and fruit... the only things I would eat if I could!

Eli's Lids said...

I entered the Asheba's In The Kid Zone giveaway!

Eli's Lids said...

I entered the You Can Make This Giveaway!

Eli's Lids said...

I entered the Hand Sanitizer giveaway!

sunnymum said...

My food song would be about pancakes, since they're my favorite food. I'd have verses about all the things you can put on top and inside pancakes and then maybe a bit about crepes too!

sunnymum said...

I also entered the First Juice giveaway.

sunnymum said...

I also entered the YouCanMakeThis.com giveaway.

Renee said...

My song would be about either ice cream or refried beans because those are my favorite foods! Maybe it could be about BOTH ice cream and refried beans....

Renee said...

also entered the first juice giveaway.

Renee said...

also entered Asheba cd giveaway

Renee said...

also entered the Infectiguard giveaway

Renee said...

also entered the YouCanMakeThis.com Halloween Bundle giveaway

Mary512 said...

hmm thats a good question I guess I'd write a song about Italian food since its my fave. thanks!

Mary512 said...

I subscribed via email.

Mary512 said...

Posted a link to this giveaway on twitter http://twitter.com/512kidz/status/4876851040

Sheila Hickmon said...

It would be about Peaunt butter and pickle sandwhiches! :)
Thanks for the chance!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I follow your blog! mom2anutball

hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I entered your In The Kid Zone CD giveaway!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I would write a silly song about chocolate cheese. So it doesn't exist... but it would be fun to sing about! ;)

Julie said...

I would write a song about pizza-my favorite food

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Kathy P said...

cheesecake :)

Kathy P said...

following your blog as klp1965 kathy pease

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/4947512891

Kathy P said...

entered Giveaway: Asheba's In The Kid Zone

Candie L said...

There is a book from Todd Parr that talks about differences in people. There is a line in it that talks about it being okay to eat Macaroni and Cheese in the bathtub. Know that would make a fun song. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Candie L said...

I am following your blog. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

It would be about pizza!

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4951783437

follow on twitter and tweeted

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

follow your blog

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

chaipo said...

I would write a story about Rhubarb. What a funny word!

Chaipoak@gmail.com

chaipo said...

following via google friend connect.

chaipoak@gmail.com

chaipo said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/chaipoakgnr/status/4953292669

chaipoak@gmail.com

dvice12 said...

It would be about pickles

dvice12 said...

I'm following your blog

Unknown said...

I would write a song about Lemon Meringue Pie, my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

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