Popular children's recording artist Raffi's newest release invites old and young to come and have fun in Let's Play!

Raffi, in his introduction to the musical play session, says "It's through play that children make sense of things, from their own physical bodies to the web of animals and people in their lives. In a society dominated by 'work,' adults sometimes trivialize play, forgetting that it inspires both imagination and creativity-what we all need to become the best we can be."

In this whimsical collection of songs, Raffi includes his own creations ("Let's Play," "Swing," "Raining Like Magic," "Up On Fernhill," "Jane Jane" (about chimpanzee advocate Jane Goodall), "Arbutus Baby," "Jiggledy Jill," "Roots & Shoots Everywhere," "It Takes a Village" and "Blessed Be") as well as traditional favorites such as "Yellow Submarine," "Eensy, Weensy Spider," "What a Wonderful World," "If You're Happy & You Know It," "Tsetang Gangla" and "May There Always Be Sunshine." All in all, a great selection of material for sing-a-longs and family car trips.

As always, Raffi's lively and cheerful selections promote singing and swinging, dancing and prancing. Kids are even featured singing on the disc. Some songs inspire active responses, such as "If You're Happy & You Know It." Raffi has been successfully entertaining children since 1976 and has released more than 10 treasured children's favorites, including Baby Beluga (1980) and Rise & Shine (1982).

A childhood without Raffi music is like a childhood without sunshine. Shine some on your child, before it's too late. C'mon, let's play!

[ by Lynne Remick ]
Rambles: 29 June 2002