Children are encouraged to recognize and repeat simple rhythmic patterns with the cheerful strains of Tap Your Sticks, the classic verse of Mother Goose Has Rhythmical Rhymes, and the down home beat of the Bean Bag Shake. Children can create their own patterns as the play along with the joyful sounds of Kris Kringle's Jingle Bell Band, Rhythms on Parade, and the Latin rhythms of Stick Dance. As children's awareness of rhythm is heightened they learn to recognize the patterns in the ticking of a clock, the wailing of a siren, the crashing of ocean waves and other Sounds Around the World.

      A colorful assortment of animals help children explore key concepts. The fearless Mice Go Marching up a giant monster to emphasize changes in volume. Snails, turtles, rabbits and cheetahs reinforce the concept of tempo in Slow and Fast.

Recording # HP102E CD or Cassette

     The Woodpecker taps out rhythmic patterns and the magical Jingle Bell Bees explore shaking and vibrating motions. Horses, cows, rattlesnakes and cats invite children to sing and play with Old Mac Donald's Band. Gophers, eagles, spider, flies, a puppy and a bouncing kangaroo encourage children to explore space while Spreading Rhythm.
         Animals, the alphabet and phonics combine in Choose an Instrument making a fun way to pass out rhythm instruments. (If you don't want to buy instruments, the songs Homemade Band and I'm a Little Woodblock tell you how to make them!). A signal which tells children when to stop playing is introduced with a bluegrass beat in Country Classic Stop and Start. Children also play rhythm instruments to make the sound of falling junk in a story about silly family who's only way to clean house is to Stuff it in the Closet!.

~ Awards ~

RHYTHMS ON PARADE!
Hap Palmer. Hap-Pal Music, HP102E
Cassette $9.95, CD $12.95. Ages 3-8

Hap Palmer, the dean of movement songs and rhyming rhythms presents an expanded version of his clever, action-packed album.  Stimulating both imagination and movement, these 24 original songs are packed with kid-pleasing commands - "The mice go marching quietly by, Shh! Shh! ....The mighty monster marches by, Kaboom! Kaboom!.... Beat a drum, click your tongue..."  Palmer also encourages tapping, shaking, ringing and clapping in songs such as Switch on the Music, and Bean Bag Shake. Homemade Band includes simple instrument-making instructions, and each song comes with suggestions for alternative play.

1995 Parents' Choice Award