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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

The alphabet will never be the same now that They Might Be Giants have brought their quirky brilliance to HERE COME THE ABCs! Without ever talking down to even the littlest kids, they offer 25 tracks of raucous fun, including a tribute to vowels, a backwards recitation (the last song is called "Z Y X"), a charming ditty about Q and U, and several imaginative flights of fancy ("E Eats Everything," "Fake Believe," "Pictures of Pandas Painting"). "Flying V" evokes images of migrating geese and electric guitars. "C is for Conifers" offers a bonus botany lesson. "Rolling O" is a goofy exploration of the funny sounds you can make with your own mouth.

Is It Any Good?

5

The tunes are interesting and clever enough to appeal to older children and even parents, while remaining clear and easy to hear -- musically and lyrically accessible to very young children. The songs are sometimes layered with sophisticated concepts, but always inclusive of every age group. Even adults might learn a thing or two from "The Alphabet of Nations." And, if you happened to be a kid who thought that Elemeno was one letter of the alphabet (as in the way we sing "H-I-J-K-Elemeno-P"), you'll be heartened and astounded to know that you were never alone.

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