Common Sense Reviewer

  • Jessica Dawson
  • Jessica Dawson
  • Missouri
  • 3 kids: ages 2, 3, 5

About Me

I am a proud stay-at-home mother of 3 beautiful girls--so that's my job 24-7. In between my mommy duties, I'm a freelance writer who enjoys writing about my children, being a parent, music, travel, and anything else that strikes a fancy. I have been a reviewer for CSM for about a year, and as a parent, can truly appreciate that there is a noble venue on the Internet that parents and children can go to access truthful, accurate information about pop culture today.

What My Kids Love Now

I have 3 daughters, ages 4, 2, and 1, so our house is all about princesses, Barbie, and High School Musical.

House Rules

Be kind, thoughtful, clean up after yourself, and always try to take naps together on the weekends.

When the Kids Are Asleep…

I enjoy reading, talking to my husband, catching up on Tivo, or sleeping.

Titles You’ve Reviewed

  • Music: Putumayo Presents: A Family Christmas

    I rate this titleonand give it5.0

    World music flavor enhances beloved Christmas classics.

    If you get tired of the same ol' Bing Crosby-Andy Williams dose of Christmas tunes, then you'll love Putumayo's A Family Christmas. Although it's a product of the well-known world music ...

  • Music: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Soundtrack

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Lovely lilting Tinker tunes for fairy fans of all ages.

    If your little fairies liked the first Tinker Bell and its

  • Music: "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

    It seems so simple, doesn't it? Just wash your hands and fight the flu? But when it comes to snotty, oblivious, nose-picking preschoolers and grade-schoolers, that simple instruction can often get ...

  • Music: Dora's Christmas

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Well-known Christmas favorites with a-Dora-ble Latin twists.

     "How many different ways can you sing Jingle Bells?" Well, just add a little Latin beat, some explorer-inspired lyrics, and it's "Jingle Bells" Dora-style. For Dora fans ...

  • Music: Go Waggaloo

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Charming folk album from Woody Guthrie's granddaughter.

    The 13 tracks that make up GO WAGGALOO are just what you might expect from Woody Guthrie's granddaughter, and that's a good thing. Blending traditional folk music with more contemporary lyrics and ...

  • Music: Eat a Bowl of Cherries

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Optimistic kid songs with catchy drum beats.

    Rhythm Child's music is upbeat, friendly, and always optimistic with catchy drum rhythms and soulful beats to put a smile on your lips and movement in your hips. Kids will appreciate the familiar ...

  • Music: Sharing the Same Stars

    I rate this titleonand give it5.0

    Quirky lyrical tunes are educational and fun.

    It's hard to believe that this is a first joint effort for Leeny & Tamara, with vocals and melodies that mimic the long-time veteran duo the Indigo Girls, and musical arrangements that call to ...

  • Music: High Roller

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Folk-country kiddie music with fun lessons.

    From beginning to end, Hullabaloo's High Roller is non-stop, put-a-smile-on-your-face fun. Picture

  • Music: Hot Peas 'N Butter Vol. 5: Best of the Bowl

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Popular Nick Jr. musicians dish up tasty Latin songs.

    Considering these guys are on Volume 5 of their collection of children's music, it's pretty clear that they're popular and have found a winning formula. On their latest, Best of the Bowl, you ...

  • Music: Read Between the Lines

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    All-girl rock band takes on tween-friendly topics.

    With their stinging sweet vocals and spot-on rocking guitar riffs, KSM shows that they are a girl-band to be reckoned with. Move over Jonas Brothers!  From the first track, "Don't Rain on My ...

  • Music: My Trampoline

    I rate this titleonand give it5.0

    Clever lyrics and bright, stylish music in a perfect blend.

    The songs here are perfectly childish and delightfully lyrical without being condescending or too juvenile, as many kids' albums can be. The stylish lush-pop music and melodies weave the ...

  • Music: Great Day

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Rock music for kids that parents will love too.

    Who said little kids can't have great rock heroes too? When you hear Great Day, two things are obvious: One, these people are rockers, and two, these people are parents. In between guitar ...

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