Strange Dees, Indeed

Taking a break from books for a moment. I'd like to talk about music. Music for kids, specifically. Music that grown-ups will also rock out to.

I'll also add that the band, Brooklyn-based The Deedle Deedle Dees, are friends of mine so this is more than just a professional recommendation. 

That being said, Holy Cow Readers, check this album out! The cover alone should spark your interest.

If you are a teacher or librarian this CD, like their others, is an excellent addition to your classroom or library. The Dees often write about history, science, famous people, nature, and current events. Pair the songs with books or offer them as a supplement to your lesson plan. Or listen along with your kids and together take the time to learn more about a song's inspiration. Or just listen and enjoy. There's not another band like them writing or performing for kids.

The new album, Strange Dees, Indeed, is now available as a physical package and as a digital download at CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, and many other outlets.  You can find the band on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Here's a very informative press release for Strange Dees, Indeed. The band tours often to schools, libraries, and museums close to NY, but also travel down here to Florida with stops along the way. Last year they played for my son's entire elementary school.

But back to books! Here's a brief list of books to read along with the new album.

Cool Papa Bell - We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
Penny Farthing - Around the World by Matt Phelan (and video of The Dees singing about Nelly Bly, also in the book!)
Birds of American Don't Care-Oh - Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt*
Phineas Gage Has Something to Tell These People - Phineas Gage: A Gruesome But True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman
Sojourner Truth - Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth by Anne Rockwell and R. Gregory Christie

***Nov 17 Update: Just saw Betty Carter's review of SUBWAY STORY which is perfect for the song "Bluebird>Redbird, Redbird>Reef"!

*It's killing me. I feel like I came across another book for kids featuring Audubon's birds earlier this year. Any ideas?