In his earlier efforts, Tom Chapin would frequently wink at parents in his songs, celebrating childhood with the sensitivity of an active father. Here, he focuses his empathy more on the child, offering amusingly familiar vignettes: a street fair, a lemonade stand, and a Halloween party at a firehouse. The lead track paints an accuratepicture of those panic-filled moments before the school bus arrives. "A Mozart Duet" provides solace for any child who has struggled with piano lessons and recital anxiety.

Chapin also explores a variety of musical styles here. Celtic, ragtime, doo-wop, mariachi, and classical all find their way into the arrangements. Reggae and ska influences are even heard on two tracks, albeit in watered down form.

Chapin is a charming live performer whose charisma comes across in this recording. It is more rock-oriented than other albums of his, but with a decidedly, kid-friendly softness.