Review and Giveaway: William Avery's Learning Buffet

Thank you to Yummy English Snack Productions and William Avery for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Here at Goodie Goodie Gumdrops, our ears love to indulge in melodious treats. From sugary sweet pop to spicy, savory rock, we've sampled many yummy tracks over the past year. But we hadn't discovered the musical equivalent to soul food until we found William Avery's Learning Buffet.

William Avery got his start in children's music while teaching English in Taiwan. A friend asked him to write original poems or chants for class and later, to set them to music. He got such a wonderful response, that it snowballed into something greater. William combines his experience and knowledge to produce his music. He relies on his students for direct feedback, so only the perfect ingredients go into a "Yummy English Snack".

While heavily influenced by hip-hop, William is also proficient in violin and piano, which he uses to express his feelings and moods. After a friend taught him the Jazz C scale in college, he began to interlace it into his own unique style.

His latest release, Learning Buffet is a hearty mix of stories, educational themes and phonic drills, marinated in a variety of genres.

Learning Buffet is 100% cool teaching from the soul. Children of all ages come back for seconds when learning the 50 state capitals, the American presidents, the 8 planets, 206 bones in the body, Mandarin Chinese and more... Served with fresh beats and bottomless imagination, each selection is seasoned with pizzazz and blends a tasty fusion of education and fun marinated in jazz, blues, pop, funk and hip hop. Enjoy a smorgasbord of 32 tasty tunes.

Track Listing:

1. Really (Instrumental)
2. Reading Is Fundamental
3. Trey and Lovely
4. Thank You Mean Ole Dog
5. I Am a Big Boy (Wash My Hands)
6. Snail Is Bored
7. Love My Cat
8. #1 Potion H2O
9. America, the Grand Tour (50 State Capitals)
10. American Presidents
11. 206 Bones
12. Sailing (Oceans and Continents)
13. Twinkle Twinkle Little Sun (8 Planets)
14. My Good Friend (Learn Chinese)
15. What's Your Agenda?
16. ABC Chant – ABC Animals
17. Short Phonics Drill
18. Long Phonics Examples
19. The Y Song
20. Bamalama Phonics Time (OW)
21. Bamalama Phonics Time (OO)
22. Bamalama Phonics Time (PH)
23. Bamalama Phonics Time (OI)
24. Bamalama Phonics Time (AR)
25. Bamalama Phonics Time (NG)
26. Rainbow Stylin’
27. Yummy Tummy Special (Monday - Sunday)
28. 12 Months (January - December)
29. Opposite
30. Flavors
31. Skinny Mosquito
32. Kangaroo

Many children's projects are deemed educational. But only with Learning Buffet are you taught everything from opposites to phonics to human anatomy. Each song has a lesson to be learned. Except you won't mind this homework! With invigorating beats and a hip-hop style reminiscent of the Sugarhill Gang or Run DMC, William Avery is the teacher everyone in school crosses their fingers for.

This album is a welcome departure from traditional children's music. It is unlike any family record I've heard before, which makes me want to hit repeat. I normally can't play hip-hop music for Nate because the content is entirely inappropriate. But that has all changed now thanks to Learning Buffet. The rap rhythms make it easier to remember important facts, like presidents and planets. My personal favorite is "America, The Grand Tour". The instrumentals are hot and the lyrics are catchy. If I didn't know my 50 state capitals, I sure would now!

I was chillin' in
Tallahassee, Florida
I saw an awkward alligator
It was coming at me,
so I headed for the border
Runnin' top speed to
Atlanta, Georgia
Stopped at a restaurant, ordered peach pie
Tasted so good I said "My oh my"
left a big tip for the waitress at the diner
Next
Columbia, South Carolina

I also really enjoyed the funky "206 Bones", which counts and names the bones in each part of our bodies, and cowbell-heavy "Yummy Tummy Special", which emphasizes the seven days of the week. Nate's favorite seemed to be the germ-free, "I Am A Big Boy (Wash My Hands)". I think he may be trying to tell me something. While most of the songs are light-hearted and playful, there are some profound tracks such as "Thank You Mean Ole Dog", which chronicles Avery's near kidnapping at the age of three.

With a whopping 32 tracks, Learning Buffet is one memorable meal. We'll definitely be serving ourselves another heaping spoonful of these delicious vittles!

BUY IT: You can purchase Learning Buffet online at CDBaby.com, Digistation, or Amazon.com (ARV $12.98).

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their own copy of Learning Buffet!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit YESnack.com, listen to the Learning Buffet tracks (or read the lyrics if you don't have a QuickTime plugin!) and tell me which song you like most. Remember to please leave 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 this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Serve your child a hefty helping of educational fun with the Learning Buffet CD @kris10chumley! Ends 9/12 http://bit.ly/ctXHxx

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on September 12, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free copy of this album from William Avery of Yummy English Snack Productions to facilitate my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: All Around Ralph's World

Thank you to Bar None Records and Ralph's World for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event at Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Summer vacation may be over but that doesn't mean we can't still explore new worlds and new places with our little ones. With just a little imagination, it's easy to take flight wherever and whenever you want to go. First stop on our imaginary tour? A little place known as Ralph's World.

Grammy-nominated musician and esteemed playwright Ralph Covert began his career with the critically-acclaimed, Chicago-based indie rock band The Bad Examples in the 90's. He also penned several adult dramas and children's stage musicals, including "The Hundred Dresses" and "A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas", before becoming the kids music sensation he is today. You've probably heard his catchy collaboration from the new Huggies Pull-Ups commercials, "The Potty Dance". (You know, "Do the...*clap, clap*...potty dance...")

All Around Ralph's World is Covert's ninth family release, containing sixteen original songs that run the gamut from rock to pop to country to showtunes. Through Ralph's compelling storytelling, we blast off to the limits of our imagination as we encounter a robot, a dog, and a caterpillar - just to name a few of the endearing characters on the album.

Track Listing:

1. The Great Outdoors
2. My Magic Trick
3. Wiggle Your Lah-De-Dah
4. Easy Ryders
5. All About Bob
6. All Around the World
7. Black Hole Boy
8. Blue Airplane
9. The First Time
10. Pickle Me Juice
11. Sally's Trip
12. Bubblegum
13. The Funniest Joke in the World
14. A Dog Named Bruce
15. The Robot Looked at the Stars
16. I'm Not Tired

All Around Ralph's World is officially our new go-to car ride companion. Its laid-back, free spirit vibe makes it the perfect soundtrack for travel. I love that the music doesn't make my son too hyper like some of our more rock-oriented albums and the track lengths are palatable for the shortest of toddler attention spans. It's a gentle album that will have your little one's imagination soaring to new heights.

The stand-out songs for me were the intergalactic vaudeville tune "My Magic Trick", the effortless soft pop ballad "Blue Airplane" and the silly, bluegrass tune "Pickle Me Juice", which was co-written with Ralph's daughter, Fiona. I also really enjoyed the dreamy, "The Robot Looked at the Stars", which immediately brought to mind U2.

Whether you're looking to escape on four wheels or only in your mind, you'll definitely want to detour to Ralph's World.

BUY IT: You can purchase All Around Ralph's World at most major music retailers and online at Amazon.com or Ralph's World Store (ARV $13.98).

WIN IT: Bar None Records is generously offering two lucky winners a Ralph's World prize pack including the All Around Ralph's World CD, a Ralph's World Rocks t-shirt and autographed goodies!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Ralph's World, have a listen to the playlist on the homepage and tell me which song you like most. Remember to please leave 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 this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

#Win a Ralph's World prize pack w/CD, tee and autographed goodies from @kris10chumley! Ends 9/10 http://bit.ly/aJkK3M

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Ralph's World on Facebook. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on September 10, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free copy of this album from Mark at Bar None Records to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and solely my own. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande

Thank you to Monkey Monkey Music and Waldmania! for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

There's been somewhat of an explosion in the kindie music arena. Musicians are starting to realize that while we parents don't want to expose our kiddos to inappropriate material, we don't necessarily want to sacrifice the music we love in favor of a goofy purple dinosaur. But this can be a double-edged sword. Some artists become so focused on being "sophisticated" for adults that they lose sight of what appeals to tots. But one act is determined to put the "child back into children's music": Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande.

Meredith LeVande is what some refer to as the "Renaissance Woman of children's music". Survivor of a traumatic childhood, Meredith coped with her reality through song. After earning degrees in various disciplines such as Women's Studies, Law and Music, Meredith began her career on the college circuit. An impromptu performance of traditional children's songs before a crowd of families led her to her true calling as a children's musician. It was then the Monkey Monkey Music project was born.

Her 2005 debut children's album, Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande, became an instant hit, designated as a Parenting Magazine "pick" and receiving heavy airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio. Her second full-length children's CD, What Are the Odds?, is due out this month and promises to deliver the same charm and emotional
appeal that makes her intimate live shows so special.

Track Listing:

1. Hello (New)
2. What Are The Odds?
3. Shake It Loud
4. This Way, That Way
5. In The Garden
6. Wheels
7. Air Guitar
8. Frogs Eat Butterflies
9. Circle
10. Turn Your Body Around
11. Bubbles
12. Who's a Knockin'?
13. Silly Animal Friends
14. Guess What I Am
15. Willow Tree in the Wind
16. Goodbye (New)

What Are The Odds? is like preschool in a pint-sized package. Meredith LeVande merges the folk stylings of Lisa Loeb with the imagination and interaction of Laurie Berkner for a delighfully simple yet honest children's record.

From mathematics and dance to animal sounds and knock-knock jokes, Monkey Monkey Music keeps the tone educational but fun. My personal favorite is the clever title track, "What Are The Odds?", which makes it easier than ever to memorize odd numbers ("...one head...three strikes...five fingers...seven days of the weeks...nine planets..."). I also loved "In the Garden", which made me hungry enough to eat a rainbow and the Burt Bacharach-esque game of charades, "Guess What I Am".

Monkey Monkey Music will have your little monkey movin' and groovin'. And expanding that cranium too.

BUY IT: What Are The Odds? will be released on August 31, 2010 and will be available online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com and www.monkeymonkeymusic.com. (ARV $14.99)

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a copy of the album!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Listen to the album track samples and tell me which song you like most. Remember to please leave 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 this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Tunes for your toddler - win What Are The Odds? from Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande @kris10chumley Ends 9/9 http://bit.ly/bK7neI

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on September 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free copy of this album from Elizabeth at Waldmania! to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and solely my own. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: The Okee Dokee Brothers' Take It Outside

Thank you to the Okee Dokee Bros. and Sugar Mountain P.R. for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

It seems like summer just arrived and already it's nearing its end. The kids are heading back to school. Soon, the weather will grow cooler. We'll trade swimsuits for sweaters and the pool for the pumpkin patch. But the spirit of summer doesn't have to fade. You can capture the warmth and wonder of the season year-round with the Okee Dokee Brothers.

This Twin Cities duo aren't actually brothers at all. Childhood best friends Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing first got their start in a bluegrass band, touring the Midwest and fulfilling their lifelong dream of being professional singer-songwriters. Staying true to their folk roots, they tapped into where it all began: their childhood. So, they picked up and moved to Minneapolis to start the kindie band that would become the Okee Dokee Brothers. Following on the heels of their critically-acclaimed 2008 debut album, Kids with Beards, comes their brand new sophomore album Take it Outside. This collection of 13 original songs encapsulates one magical day in the life of a child, and is designed to get kids - and families - on their feet and out the door.

Track Listing:

1. Bluegrass for Breakfast
2. Neighbors
3. Tippy Toes
4. Hero
5. Wash Your Face
6. Lucy and Tighty
7. Water Balloon
8. Antidisestablishmentarianism
9. Auctioneer
10. What We Got
11. The Naked Truth
12. The Extraterrestrials
13. Sweet Dreams

If Sesame Street changed its backdrop to the backwoods of Tennessee, then the Okee Dokee Brothers would be your musical tour guides.

Listening to the album made me flash back to my youthful days, when tire swings didn't make me dizzy, when I loved the feeling of grass between my toes and a film of dirt on my skin and I didn't think twice about jumping into a lake fully clothed. From the time you wake up to "Bluegrass for Breakfast" until you tuck yourself into bed for "Sweet Dreams", you're in for wholesome, homegrown fun.

Each song tells a story or teaches a lesson, with a sense of humor that kids and parents alike can appreciate. Learn the longest word in the English language ("Antidisestablishmentarianism"), boost your vocabulary with words like "lackadaisically" or "introvertedly" ("Lucy and Tighty"), or try to speak fast like an "Auctioneer". My personal favorites are "Neighbors", which encourages the acceptance of differences - even those who "think it's cruel to murder a vegetable" - and "Hero", a country-pop ditty that makes you wonder if you have the "guts or the glory" to be a caped crusader. "The Naked Truth", about none other than a boy in the buff, describes my little nudist perfectly and made me laugh out loud. Even thought he couldn't understand the lyrics, Nate was jumping and dancing around to the organic bluegrass sound. The Okee Dokee Brothers sure know how to host a toe-tapping, knee-slapping, heck of a time.

BUY IT: You can listen to samples and/or purchase Take it Outside from www.okeedokee.org or CDBaby.com (ARV $12.97).

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a copy of the album!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Listen to the album track samples and tell me which song you like best. Remember to please leave 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 and the Okee Dokee Brothers on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Win the newest album from the @OkeeDokeeBrothers, Take it Outside, from @kris10chumley Ends 9/8 http://bit.ly/aNTuZ5

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Become a fan of the Okee Dokee Brothers on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on September 8, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free copy of this album from Beth at Sugar Mountain P.R. to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and purely my own. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: The Not-Its' Time Out to Rock CLOSED

Thank you to Waldmania! and Little Loopy Records for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Every party needs some good music to fire things up and get people movin' and groovin'. For Nate's upcoming birthday bash, I know exactly who I'll be tagging to blare on the stereo.

The Not-Its are a Seattle-based quintet of alt-rock musicians who just so happened to fall into the fresh landscape of children's music. The best thing about them? They prove girls can rock just as hard as boys. Lead vocalist, Sarah Shannon, hails from the early 90's indie-pop band Velocity Girl (remember them from the Clueless soundtrack? I must've listened to "My Forgotten Favorite" a gazillion and one times as a teen). Along with bassist and vocalist Nori Hoeft, there's enough girl power here to put the Spice Girls to shame.

Their critically-acclaimed debut album, We Are The Not-Its, generated tremendous buzz and earned the group a Fids & Kamily Music Award for one of the best family music albums of 2009. Their sophomore release, Time Out to Rock, dropped on July 20th and delivers more of the same high-energy powerpop that made the entire "kindie" world sit up and take notice.

Track Listing:

1. Welcome to Our School
2. Time Out to Rock
3. First Kid in Outer Space
4. Green Light, Go!
5. Accidentally
6. Say it Loudly
7. Cheetah the Buffalo
8. Fantastic
9. Only Kids Can See
10. Change My Luck
11. Hollow Tree

Now, admittedly, there is some great children's music out today. But I probably wouldn't listen to most of it if my son wasn't within earshot. The Not-Its change all that. With their edgy, electric sound, I didn't feel as though I was listening to something meant for juveniles. I could have sworn I had taken a time warp back to my 90's grunge days and was headbanging and rockin' out to a great new band I discovered on MTV (before Jersey Shore, when they actually played music videos).

The stellar songwriting, top-notch vocals and authentic alt-pop instrumentals had me hooked from the start. The opening track, "Welcome to Our School", turns the volume up and sets the tone for the album with an R.E.M. flavor. But my favorite songs had to be the upbeat game of "Green Light, Go!", with its dreamy synth bridge, the doo-wop/pop ditty "Accidentally" and the pensive "Hollow Tree", which brought to mind The Cranberries.

The heartfelt lyrics discuss topics that we've all dealt with in our childhoods, from memorable, imaginative play ("First Kid in Outer Space") to standing up to bullies ("Say it Loudly") to having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day ("Change My Luck"). Even if your child is too young to understand the words, he or she will still have a blast bouncing and dancing to this brimming-with-fun album. I should also mention that Nate was particularly enthralled with the contrasting album cover art, and had a hard time parting with it long enough for Mommy to snatch the CD.

Bottom line: Their name may imply otherwise but this band is "it". Every parent should take some Time Out to Rock - with or without their kiddos nearby.

BUY IT: You can purchase Time Out to Rock at most major music retailers, on iTunes or online from the Not-Its Shop (ARV $14.00).

WIN IT: I have another album up for grabs for one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Not-Its website, spin some tracks and tell me which one is your favorite. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

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! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and The Not-Its on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

Take a Time Out to Rock with @The_Not_Its! Win their brand new family album @kris10chumley Ends 8/22 http://bit.ly/ahsnig

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of The Not-Its on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Join the Not-Its mailing list. (1 entry)

6.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on August 22, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free copy of this record from Elizabeth with Waldmania! to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Scholastic Treasures Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit CLOSED

Thank you to Scholastic and Sugar Mountain P.R. for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Ah, summer. The perfect time for road trips and traveling. While I love exploring and visiting new places, long car rides and toddlers are like oil and water - they just don't mix. It can be a struggle to keep them entertained for extended periods of time when their patience hangs by a thread. Thankfully, Scholastic Treasures has an extra-special rescue pack for us road warriors.

The Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit gives you everything you need to make traveling with little ones easy, fun and educational. Included in the kit are 15 musical stories on 2 DVD's, a 13-song CD, and a 34-page activity booklet complete with crayons and travel tips for parents. All of this fits conveniently in a compact travel case with handle for hours of family-friendly fun.

Episode/Track Listings:

DVD #1: The Wheels on the Bus
1. The Wheels on the Bus
2. Musical Max
3. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
4. Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
5. All the Colors of the Earth
6. Keeping House
7. Hush Little Baby

DVD #2: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
1. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
2. This Land is Your Land
3. Frog Went A-Courtin'
4. Over in the Meadow
5. Giraffes Can't Dance
6. The Chinese Violin
7. Dem Bones
8. Changes, Changes

CD: The Wheels on the Bus
1. The Wheels on the Bus - The Bacon Brothers
2. The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night - Alice Peacock
3. Dinosaur Bones - Bob Barner
4. Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 - Chrystal Taliefero
5. Donut Make You Feel So Good - Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds
6. Dem Bones - Raul Malo
7. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands - Chrystal Taliefero
8. Everything's Better - Scotty Huff, Robert Reynolds and Paul Deakin
9. Over in the Meadow - Mae Robertson
10. The Erie Canal - Rusty Young and Jack Sundrud
11. Frog Went A-Courtin' - Rusty Young and Jack Sundrud
12. Tooth School Anthem - Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds
13. Gonna Read to My Bunny - Mary Chapin Carpenter

A few weeks ago, we decided to take an impromptu trip to the beach, which is about 2 hours away. I was nervous about Nate being in the car that long with no pit stops so I made sure to bring along our Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit. We don't have a DVD player in the Jeep so we couldn't view the videos on the way but we popped in the CD instead. It really set the tone of anticipation for the start of our vacation. It wasn't too boisterous or too mellow; it was just right and had all of us bopping our heads. The Bacon Brothers' "Wheels on the Bus" is a refreshing rendition of a repetitive classic and Mary Chapin Carpenter's catchy country ode to storytime "Gonna Read to My Bunny" is beyond cute. I also enjoyed the Beach Boys-esque "Dinosaur Bones" and "The Erie Canal", on which Rusty Young is a dead ringer for Eric Clapton.

Mid-way on the trip, we slipped Nate the crayons and activity book, which he loved. It kept him happy and occupied for a good long while. I liked that it had simple color pages for toddlers as well as counting and matching games for slightly older kids. There were also travel game ideas such as scavenger hunts and alphabet games in the back of the book that the whole family could play together on the road. I just wish the book had wipe-clean pages so it could be reused.

Once we made it to our destination, as luck would have it, it rained just about the entire weekend. Bummer! Since we were stuck in our hotel for hours on end with limited resources for an attention-deficit toddler, we pulled out our Sing-Along Travel Kit DVDs and played them on the laptop for Nate. As we've come to expect from Scholastic Treasures, both videos were entertaining as well as educational. The illustrations are whimsical and colorful, and narrations/music by popular actors and musicians such as Rob Reiner, Cyndi Lauper and Arlo Guthrie make them fun for parents. Nate is only two so he can't read yet but I still love the read-along feature, which supports reading comprehension and vocabulary.

All I can say is thank goodness for our travel kit. Without it, I think our getaway would have been a lot more stressful. But we don't use our kit exclusively on the road. As you can see, we even have fun with it at home:

BUY IT: You can purchase the Scholastic Treasures Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit online at www.newkideo.com or Amazon.com (ARV $13.49).

WIN IT: I have another travel kit up for grabs for one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me where your next family vacation will be and how you're getting there! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

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! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

Road trip with the rascals? Win the Scholastic Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit @kris10chumley Ends 8/15 http://bit.ly/c6EXH5

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on August 15, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 received a free Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit from Beth at Sugar Mountain P.R. to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Justin Roberts' Jungle Gym CLOSED

Thank you to Justin Roberts and Sugar Mountain P.R. for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

There's nothing like having a child to reawaken the child within. Watching Nate learn new things and experience the world makes me wax nostalgic for the days when I was young. Spinning and dancing in circles until I was so dizzy I could pass out. Swimming in the ocean until my lips were blue and my palms and soles were prunes. Riding my pink bike with its white floral basket and rainbow streamers up and down the narrow alley beside our house. Sledding in the park down the biggest snow bank, my wet mittens clinging to my chapped hands. These are all cherished memories from my past. I love music that can evoke that childish spirit inside. And Justin Roberts fits the bill.

Justin Roberts got his start in music in the early 90's as part of the Minneapolis-based indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus. At the same time, he was moonlighting as a Montessori preschool teacher. Naturally, he began writing and singing songs for his students. After a college friend and producer discovered his talent, they decided to record his songs professionally. The rest is history. Garnering numerous national awards and recognition, Justin is now a bonafide "all-star" on the kindie scene.

His seventh family album, Jungle Gym, takes listeners on a journey through iconic childhood experiences that kids will relate to and parents will remember. From gym class parachutes to sleepovers to snow days, it's a rocking ride from beginning to end. The 12 original tracks feature intricate vocals, pounding drums, vintage guitars, strange and fanciful time changes and elegant flutes and French horns for an eclectic sound that stands apart from the rest of the playground.

Track Listing:

1. We Go Duck
2. Sleepoverland
3. Trick or Treat
4. Sign My Cast
5. Gym Class Parachute
6. Obsessed by Trucks
7. Cardboard Box
8. Snow Day
9. Never Getting Lost
10. New Haircut
11. Fire Drill
12. 2 x 4

From the moment I heard the first track, I was hooked. Justin's vocal stylings are part Paul Simon, part Ben Folds. The lyrics feel as if they could've been written by a child - genuine and real. Almost every song brought to mind my own childhood memory. I flashed back to hiding under the rainbow parachute on Fun Fridays in P.E. class, breaking my arm and wearing a cast for all my friends to sign, and standing in line near the exits for a practice fire drill. The memories flooded me, plastering a grin on my face that didn't fade even after the last song.

My personal favorites are "We Go Duck" (about the anticipation of being tagged in a game of "Duck Duck Goose"), "Trick of Treat" (about the fun of getting candy for Halloween) and "New Haircut" (about the weariness of visiting the barber). As a parent, I also have a special place in my heart for "Never Getting Lost", an emotional ballad about getting lost and found. Nate's favorite seems to be the catchy, alt-rock "Obsessed by Trucks". He shrieks in delight and jumps all around the minute he hears it. Probably because he himself is a fan of "da-da-da-dump trucks".

Bottom line: You won't grow tired playing on this Jungle Gym anytime soon.

BUY IT: You can purchase Jungle Gym and other Justin Roberts albums online at www.justinrobertsmusic.com or Amazon.com (ARV $13.99).

WIN IT: One lucky winner is going to win their very own copy of Justin Roberts' Jungle Gym!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me one of your favorite childhood memories. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

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

2.) Follow me and Justin Roberts on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Nostalgia for parents and music kids can relate to! Win @MusicianJustin's new album Jungle Gym @kris10chumley ENDS 7/31 http://bit.ly/cKlshs

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Join the Justin Roberts email list. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Justin Roberts on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

6.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on July 31, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. 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 received a free copy of this album from Beth at Sugar Mountain P.R. to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review and purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There's A Party In My City! CLOSED

Thank you to S2BN Entertainment, Wildbrain Entertainment, and Michelle Sisco P.R. for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

My son's favorite show in the whole wide world is Yo Gabba Gabba. And who am I kidding...I must confess that I love it too! The music is great. The dancing is fun. The lessons are valuable. And the colorful characters are all so lovable. It's the one children's show that I never get tired of.

And I'm thrilled to announce that DJ Lance is bringing his boombox our way!

Fresh off their sold-out tour debut and making an acclaimed appearance at Coachella music festival, the Yo Gabba Gabba gang is heading out on a smash 60-city tour across North America. DJ Lance Rock and Friends will be making stops at all the top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters starting August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending December 12 in Dallas, TX. The state-of-the-art production features the music, singing, dancing and animation we've all come to know and love. A true interactive experience, the show offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie for his "Biz's Beat of the Day" segment. Super-secret special guests in each city will also join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

DATE	CITY	VENUE
Friday, August 27, 2010	Bethel, NY	Bethel Woods
Saturday, August 28, 2010	Bristow, VA	Jiffy Lube Live
Sunday, August 29, 2010	Philadelphia, PA	Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, August 31, 2010	Gilford, NH	Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion
Thursday, September 02, 2010	Albany, NY	Times Union Center
Friday, September 03, 2010	Buffalo, NY	Artpark
Saturday, September 04, 2010	Toronto, ON	Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Sunday, September 05, 2010	Montreal, QC	Place des Arts
Wednesday, September 08, 2010	Edmonton, AL	Northern Jubilee
Thursday, September 09, 2010	Calgary, AL	Southern Jubilee
Saturday, September 11, 2010	Vancouver, BC	Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Sunday, September 12, 2010	Vancouver, BC	Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tuesday, September 14, 2010	Regina, SK	Brandt Centre
Wednesday, September 15, 2010	Winnipeg, MB	MTS Centre Theatre
Saturday, September 18, 2010	London, ON	John Labatt Centre
Sunday, September 19, 2010	Ottawa, ON	Scotiabank Place
Tuesday, September 21, 2010	Rochester, NY	Auditorium Theatre
Wednesday, September 22, 2010	Burlington, VT	Flynn Theatre
Friday, September 24, 2010	Portland, ME	Merrill Auditorium
Saturday, September 25, 2010	Boston, MA	Wang Theatre
Sunday, September 26, 2010	Boston, MA	Wang Theatre
Tuesday, September 28, 2010	Providence, RI	Providence PAC
Wednesday, September 29, 2010	Wallingford, CT	Oakdale Theatre
Thursday, September 30, 2010	Pittsburgh, PA	Benedum Center for Performing Arts
Saturday, October 02, 2010	New York, NY	Radio City Music Hall
Sunday, October 03, 2010	New York, NY	Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, October 05, 2010	Hershey, PA	Hershey Theater
Wednesday, October 06, 2010	Cleveland, OH	State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare
Friday, October 08, 2010	Detroit, MI	Fox Theatre
Saturday, October 09, 2010	Chicago, IL	Chicago Theatre
Sunday, October 10, 2010	Chicago, IL	Chicago Theatre
Monday, October 11, 2010	Louisville, KY	The Palace Theatre
Wednesday, October 13, 2010	Indianapolis, IN	Murat Theatre
Friday, October 15, 2010	Richmond, VA	Landmark Theater
Saturday, October 16, 2010	Greensboro, NC	War Memorial Auditorium
Sunday, October 17, 2010	Charlotte, NC	Ovens Auditorium
Tuesday, October 19, 2010	Chattanooga, TN	Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Wednesday, October 20, 2010	Huntsville, AL	Von Braun Center
Thursday, October 21, 2010	Nashville, TN	Jackson Hall - Tennessee PAC
Saturday, October 23, 2010	Atlanta, GA	Fox Theatre
Sunday, October 24, 2010	Atlanta, GA	Fox Theatre
Wednesday, October 27, 2010	Jacksonville, FL	Moran Theatre at Times Union Center
Friday, October 29, 2010	Kissimmee, FL	Silver Spurs Arena
Saturday, October 30, 2010	Tampa, FL	St. Pete Times Forum
Sunday, October 31, 2010	Miami, FL	AmericanAirlines Arena
Tuesday, November 02, 2010	Columbia, SC	Township Auditorium
Wednesday, November 03, 2010	Knoxville, TN	Tennessee Theatre
Friday, November 05, 2010	Tulsa, OK	BOK Center
Saturday, November 06, 2010	Kansas City, MO	The Midland
Sunday, November 07, 2010	Denver, CO	1st Bank Center
Tuesday, November 09, 2010	Salt Lake City, UT	The E Center
Friday, November 12, 2010	Spokane, WA	INB Performing Arts Center
Saturday, November 13, 2010	Seattle, WA	Tacoma Dome
Sunday, November 14, 2010	Portland, OR	Memorial Coliseum
Monday, November 15, 2010	Eugene, OR	Hult Center
Thursday, November 18, 2010	Sacramento, CA	Memorial Auditorium
Saturday, November 20, 2010	San Francisco, CA	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Sunday, November 21, 2010	San Francisco, CA	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Friday, November 26, 2010	Los Angeles, CA	Nokia Theater
Saturday, November 27, 2010	Los Angeles, CA	Nokia Theater
Sunday, November 28, 2010	San Diego, CA	San Diego Sports Arena
Saturday, December 04, 2010	Phoenix, AZ	Dodge Theater
Sunday, December 05, 2010	Phoenix, AZ	Dodge Theater
Tuesday, December 07, 2010	El Paso, TX	Abraham Chavez Theater
Thursday, December 09, 2010	San Antonio, TX	Freeman Coliseum
Friday, December 10, 2010	Houston, TX	Hobby Center
Saturday, December 11, 2010	Austin, TX	Cedar Park Center
Sunday, December 12, 2010	Dallas, TX	Dr Pepper Arena

*Dates and venues are subject to change

Want to party with Yo Gabba Gabba Live when they land in your city? Tickets are on sale now! Snatch them up while they last at www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Premium VIP packages and meet-and-greet passes are also available. Plus, $1 from every ticket sold during the 2010 tour will be donated to the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city to further their homebuilding efforts.

And guess what?! Lucky me will be partying with the Yo Gabba Gabba Live crew when they visit Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA on August 28th! And I'll be covering my family's experience right here on my blog! I'm so excited I could pee my pants!

But, wait, that's not all...there's some new YGG merchandise on shelves just in time for the tour!

Following the massive success of top-selling Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1 (featuring music from The Roots, The Shins and more) comes Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 2, available at Target on August 24! This CD features hit songs from seasons 1-3 from Super Music Friends Weezer, MGMT, Jimmy Eat World and more favorite tunes from the show. Also recently released on June 15th, is the Nickelodeon DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Clubhouse, featuring 4 fun-filled episodes and performances from musical guests Erykah Badu, The Killers, Jimmy Eat World and more.

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a YGG prize pack including the Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1 CD and the Yo Gabba Gabba!: Clubhouse DVD!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me your or your child's favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

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

2.) Follow me and Yo Gabba Gabba on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Goodie Goodie Gumdrops: #Win a @YoGabbaGabba CD/DVD prize pack @kris10chumley! ENDS 7/27 http://bit.ly/9tCDb2

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Yo Gabba Gabba on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

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

Giveaway will end on July 27, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 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 will be receiving free tickets from the promoter to attend the August 28th Yo Gabba Gabba Live show in Bristow, VA and review my experience. I was not compensated in any other way for this post, nor have I received additional product to review.