Music Review: Caterpillar Butterfly: Songs to Help Kids Grow Wings
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the 12 songs in CATERPILLAR
BUTTERFLY cover subjects many children's recordings have
explored, such as self-esteem, friendship, body awareness,
animals, and gratitude. The positive messages include reference
to God, the Lord, and the American flag.
Families listening to the songs can use them as starting points
to discuss observations of nature and feelings about oneself
and others.
CATERPILLAR BUTTERFLY is a 12-song flight through themes ranging from encouraging children to be themselves to understanding American history. Singer/Songwriter David Grover, backed by the charming Blafield Children's Choir and the Big Bear Band, sings in a soothing baritone. The CD begins with a bouncy and clichéd, though still relevant, message of encouragement -- "You're OK, Just the way you are...You're one in a million, You make the world a better place." In "Caterpillar Butterfly," David sings "Like a baby bird who wants to sing, Or a caterpillar who wants his wings, I will grow and be what I should be, I will fly and sing a song of me."
The songs get better as they go. "Shaking Hands" is a clarinet-infused ragtime song with a child singing the lead vocal. Standout tracks include the lovely guitar song "Step by Step" with its message of "learning each day," and the soft rock tune "Sometimes You Gotta Make a Little Noise" -- "You got to raise your voice up loud and tell the world that you're there." The jazzy "Where Do the Animals Belong" has a lion lyin' around and a chicken chock full of charm. "The Pledge Song" touches on the wrongs inflicted upon native Americans and African-Americans -- "They gave us their hand and we took their land...They wore the chains of slavery, They were people like you and me."
Most of the songs are well written, though a few fall into predictable lyrics. The production is a listening pleasure. Families will enjoy CATERPILLAR BUTTERFLY for its innocent sweetness, even if it lacks originality.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
