Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Representing 11 languages originating from Central and West Africa and brought to life with lavish illustrations, this collection's rhymes and lullabies soothe babies to sleep as the songs travel from one country and one language to another. Lyrics are reproduced in the original language and translated into English, followed by notes on the origin and cultural context of each song. The accompanying CD features 29 songs from 10 countries-including Rwanda, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal-each one unique in language and sound, recorded with indigenous instruments and exquisitely performed by women, men, and children. This delightful, enchanting production captures the staccato rhythm of the children's rhymes and the poetry of the language as well as a sense of the heritage and tradition of each culture.

Reviews

"This collection of lullabies and nursery rhymes from 10 countries was carefully chosen to broaden your little one's musical horizon's and lull her into a sound slumber filled with worldly dreams." --Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine (October 2012)
"This fabulous book and CD presents 29 African lullabies and nursery rhymes collected by Chantal Groslziat from a number of African countries. . . . This excellent production will be a boon to units or programs on Africa as well as multicultural studies." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW (February 1, 2012)

Author Bio

Chantal Groslziat has devoted over three decades to researching how children are affected by music. As an educator and musician, her work includes the award-winning CD collection, Contes et berceuses (Stories and Lullabies), and the series, Bbs chasseurs des sons (Babies Are Sound Hunters). Elodie Nouhen Elodie Nouhen honed her creative talent at the Ecole Suprieure d'arts graphiques Penninghen in Paris. She has worked for many years as an illustrator, having published more than 30 children's books that have been translated into several languages, including Sleep Softly, Songs from the Baobab, and My Music Box.