The Bottom Line
Pros
- Contains 13 songs; 11 of which are recorded in different languages and 2 are recorded in English.
- Songs are performed by popular Sesame Street characters.
- Also features characters from international Sesame Street shows.
- Includes a bonus DVD containing 5 well-produced music videos.
- An excellent way to introduce kids to world music and diverse cultures.
Cons
- Lyrics aren't included.
Description
- This CD/DVD set is released by Putumayo Kids in cooperation with Sesame Workshop.
- This is the 12th CD in Putumayo's "Playground" music series for children.
- It is Sesame Workshop's first globally distributed audio CD.
- The CD contains 13 songs produced from various countries across the globe and recorded in that country's native tongue.
- Songs are performed by well-loved Sesame Street characters as well as unique characters from international versions.
- The DVD features 5 colorful music videos of selected songs from the CD.
- The fully-colored liner notes contain background info on each song in 4 different languages.
- Recommended for children 2 years and up.
- Price: $14.98
- A portion of the CD sales goes to various charities or projects around the world that help children and their families.
Guide Review - Product Review of "Sesame Street Playground"
Two notable names in the music and entertainment industry have come together to create this wonderful product. Putumayo Kids, recognized as one of the leading record labels in children's music, and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the successful Sesame Street TV show, have joined forces to bring us "Sesame Street Playground."The CD contains 13 familiar and original tunes from the well-loved children's show, plus a bonus DVD featuring 5 music videos. Out of the 13 songs, 2 are recorded in English while 11 are recorded in different languages. The featured countries include Brazil, France, China, India, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Palestine, Russia, South Africa and Tanzania.
Aside from popular characters like Big Bird, Elmo and Mr. Snuffleupagus, we also get to see other characters from the international versions of the show. For example, in the video of En Den Dino we meet Abigail, an adorable 3-year old monster from Israel.
I grew up watching Sesame Street, that's why I really enjoyed listening to familiar tunes like "Elmo's Song" and "Sing." It was also interesting to listen to songs from the international adaptations of the show, like "Thath' iphepha" (Pollution Song) from South Africa's Takalani Sesame and "Pesnya Dvornikov" (The Song of Caretakers) from Ulitsa Sezam, the Russian version of the show.
Children will enjoy listening, singing-along or dancing to the songs. Parents and teachers will appreciate the educational content of the songs. Additional information about each song can be found on the liner notes written in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
I do wish they'll post the lyrics of the songs featured in this album on the Putumayo website and make it available for download.
"Sesame Street Playground" is a valuable addition to any home or school music library. I give it a well-deserved 5 stars!
