Katherine Dines' seventh children's recording, Hunk-ta-Bunk-ta Funsies 1, is another winner. Designed for families with babies and toddlers, this remarkable recording features 15 fun activity songs that are followed by instrumental versions of each tune. 

The liner notes include suggested activities (such as "lift both arms up and over head") that coordinate with the music and lyrics. Most of the songs are originals, while a few are adaptations of traditional songs, such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Three Nice Mice" (we especially like the more humane lyrics in the latter!).

One of our favorite songs on the album is the chant-like "Musical Spoons", in which the repeated lyrics "Spoons spoons spoons spoons/the more you play the better the tunes" become louder and then quieter. It's simple and fun. Parents can dress up baby with ankle jingles and help him/her jangle along with the funky little song, "Jingle Jangle Jumble in the Jungle", and play with a ball along to the adorable "Beach Ball Baby".  All of the songs on the recording are both soothing and engaging, and most encourage movement.

Be sure to check out our review of the fabulous Hunk-ta-Bunk-ta Chants. 

Our Rating:   A

[For more information, or to buy: Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Funsies 1 at Amazon.com.]

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Reviewed April 2004 Comments? Email us.