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Dragonfly Races (by Ellis Paul, Children's Music)

common sense media says

Socially-conscious folk music for kids.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD is the first foray into family music for this well-respected folk artist. There's nothing objectionable in the music, but there is a definite anti-war slant in a couple of songs ("Million Chameleon March" and "9 Months to Fix the World"). The other messages are mostly positive and pretty general -- love your fellow man, protect the environment, etc.

Positive messages: The album bills itself as a "socially conscious adventure, empowering listeners to stand up to injustice" -- and rings true to its statement.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dragonfly Races

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the social justice focus of the album. Are your kids becoming aware of politics and state of the world? Is there a cause they would march for? Also, it's always fun to talk about ways to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood and family life, as celebrated in these songs. Where would your family go on a road trip? What's the best way to "lose" a rainy day?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Award-winning folk artist and troubadour Ellis Paul was inspired to write his first children's album when he realized that his older daughter was humming Barney tunes instead of his own music. He decided to remedy that by creating this soulful, folksy collection of tunes celebrating the possibilities of childhood. Also included with the CD is a whimsical 24-page lyric booklet illustrated by Ellis.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is an enjoyable album, but the sensibility is more adult than kid-focused. It's as if Ellis rolled up all the nostalgia parents have for their own distant childhoods and combined it with all the dreams they have for their own kids and made it into a sweet and soulful album. Songs like "Road Trip" and "Wabi-Sabi" are catchy and tell a story, which older kids will appreciate, but it's not likely this music will tear the preschool set away from Barney and Elmo.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: January 8, 2008
Label: Black Wolf Records
Genre: Children's Music
This review was written by Amy Weaver
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

jandrewworld
parent of 2 and 7 year old
4
 
Ellis Paul is a national treasure as a song writer and musician. Easily one of America's greatest living song writers and has a wonderful voice. He makes a children's album with the same gravitas that he would approach one of his regular albums with and makes sure that he does not sing down to the children which is a turn off for children and adults. He sings from the heart about imagination, playing and cattures the carefree sensation of being a child on a summer's day. This is a great CD to add to your collection.
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lionesrk
adult
 
This music should be heard by all!
This is such a thoughtfully recorded CD. Ellis' voice is gorgeous. I feel as the this album is great for the whole family, there are catchy whimsical fun tunes for the younger set such as Road Trip, The Bed Song, and I Like to Swing...Abiola and The Dragonfly Races are beautiful fairy tales set to music. Ellis throws in a song meant for adults and expresses parents feelings about the world our children are coming into. This is a stunning CD to listen to with your children and both of you can enjoy. I haven't stopped listening to it since I received it last month.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines