See more music reviews

Juanita the Spanish Lobster (by London Philharmonic Orchestra, Children's Music)

common sense media says

A witty, "edu-taining" foray into classical music.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD is a wonderful way to introduce kids to Spanish-style music. The only thing that might make parents pause for a moment is Juanita's jaunty put-down refrain: "Ah, shut-up, you make-a me sick-a!"

Positive messages: A malcontent lobster is mean and selfish but learns her lesson.
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 Juanita the Spanish Lobster

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the use of musical styles, instruments, and even amplitude to convey a story. They can also discuss the moral of the story -- a crabby lobster learns to appreciate her lot in life.

What's the story?

What's the story?
JUANITA THE SPANISH LOBSTER, part of Magic Maestro's Stories in Music series, is a gloriously witty and engaging opera in which a haughty malcontent diva of a lobster learns to appreciate the life aquatic. The story and the music are put in context with aural lessons (no, not at all boring!) on the history and background of this bravura comic opera, its composer, and his original source material. Bel Canto opera and flamenco styles are illustrated and clarified with the help of the London Symphony Orchestra and Yadu, a narrator with a knack for funny crustacean voices.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
A wonderful, kid-pleasing composition, Juanita the Spanish Lobster provides a thoughtful, helpful narration that guides young and older ears into careful listening. This Spanish-flavored offering has funny voices and amusing characters, all the better to hook young hearts and minds. Explaining and illustrating with musical snippets, the CD includes a lecture track about the music (flamenco, recitative, as well as the use of castanets and pizzicato, are nicely illuminated).

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 11, 2005
Label: Magic Maestro Music
Genre: Children's Music
This review was written by Erika Milvy
 
 

Review It

 

Review Juanita the Spanish Lobster

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

photomom
adult
 
Entire Family Loves It!
The music is enchanting; the story very funny. We learned about flamenco music and bel canto opera; we laughed together and worried about Juanita when it looked like she might go to the land and be boiled alive and eaten. There are no finer recordings for children for sale today. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is fabulous. The Elvis sing-along is great fun. We bought this first and then discovered all the others in the Stories in Music series, all of which are wonderful.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you add Juanita the Spanish Lobster to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more music
About our rating system
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