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A T. Rex Named Sue (by Children's Music)

common sense media says

Entertaining songs are educational, too.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD of songs about dinosaurs will entertain and educate the whole family, but the sophisticated music and vocabulary is more appropriate for the school-age child than the youngest ones. The 3-D cover graphic of a sharp-toothed dinosaur opening and closing its mouth might be scary for preschoolers, and there is mention of a mummy and T.Rex Sue's "58 teeth made to munch and crunch."

Positive messages: Not applicable.
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 A T. Rex Named Sue

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about dinosaurs and their allure, and use the songs as starting points for learning more about them, as well as about paleontologists, the United States, bones, evolution, and extinction.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Setting the stage for A T. REX NAMED SUE, jazz great Al Jarreau begins with a story about fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson's discovery of T. rex. Jarreau then sings the funky and fun "Bones": "Sue's got a whole lot of bones, A stack of Bones, A rack of Bones, A Huge gigantic pack of Bones." Another highlight is rock/blues legend Bonnie Bramlett giving it her all on "Sue's Chicago Blues." Among the other tracks are Jill Levine singing dino disco, Rosie Flores singing a boogie woogie, and Renee Sandstrom offering a folky "Where Did the Dinosaurs Go?" Dinosaurs may be extinct, but this CD will have a long life.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Every song on this dazzling CD is a gem -- combining a variety of musical styles integrated by the prehistoric theme. For example, rap song "Colossal Fossil," performed by The ChakFather featuring Anson Dawkins, defines carnivore and describes the T. rex: "Her height at the hips -- 13 feet! What did she eat? She ate raw meat!" There's even a swing-era tribute to museums all over the world: "See 'em in the Museum," wonderfully delivered by Gregg Himelstein and horn section. Produced by Mike Himelstein, the recording is top-notch, the performances excellent. Best of all, the songs open minds to learning more.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 20, 2005
Label: Music for Little People
Genre: Children's Music
This review was written by Common Sense Media Editors
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

pkatz
adult
 
Great fun for dinosaur lovers
I played this for my kids (6 and 7) and they couldn't get enough. They loved the songs, especially ones that played on words (such as "How do you get to South Dakota?") They weren't as hot on the dialogue, but were able to recite a few key facts (eg, Sue is the most complete T-rex skeleton ever found, who made the discovery, where she was found) As a parent, I found the songs catchy and a lot of fun, especially nice to hear Al Jarreau and Martha Davis (formerly of the Motels).
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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
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