From School Library Journal
Before you panic and assume that this collection of songs and chants is best left to guitar-playing, singing librarians, let me reassure you. Author Judy Freeman, a practicing elementary school librarian, enthusiastically?and convincingly?encourages fellow librarians to use music to excite primary-grade children about books. Many songs and chants in this collection are original compositions by Freeman, who does play the guitar. Other selections include traditional stories and rhymes, as well as folk songs with new lyrics. The book is loosely divided into three chapters. The first focuses first on songs about books and reading; the second chapter offers songs that encourage an appreciation of language through the use of puns and wordplays; and the third chapter makes the most of children's fascination with food. For those who worry about carrying a tune, most of the songs can be done as chants. Freeman also suggests having students illustrate songs and chants, write new verses, and make up accompanying hand motions or dance steps. The book provides excellent annotated bibliographies of related children's books at the end of most selections. As an added help, a companion CD (or tape) is available. Although Freeman recommends using some of the material with children as old as 11, the book will be used most effectively with early elementary students. Follow Freeman's advice and remember that enthusiasm counts for a lot with children. If you have musical talent, Hi Ho Librario! will be a must-have. But even if you were asked to lip sync during the All Sorority Sing, you will still find opportunities to use this book.?Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley School District, Lancaster, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
