Mama Don't Allow
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"One of the joys of picture books on audio is the way that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Here, it is the music that makes the difference in the read-aloud version of MAMA DON'T ALLOW. The wonderful jazzy introductory music matches the loose, easy-going illustrations and sets the tone for this adventure. Tom Chapin's friendly, relaxed voice invites us along, and the format makes it easy to read aloud from the balloons on the pages. Chapin's alligator voices are excellent--a little sly, a little rough, and each one unique. This delightful audiobook takes its story beyond what reading alone can do."

"Miles has a new saxophone, and the swamp will never be the same! Miles and three others form the Swamp Band. The alligators, professing delight in the music, invite the group to play at the Alligator Ball. Is the band on the menu for a late night snack? This delightful adaptation of Thacher Hurd's "jazzy" picture book (2001) features Tom Chapin's precise narration and energized New Orleans-style jazz music. Chapin is particularly adept at accents, especially the bass voices of Cajun-talking alligators. Select sound effects (crickets, bubbling soup, etc.), Chapin's vocalizations, and superb instrumental music accent the story line. Though short, "A Lullaby of Swampland" is sweet and relaxing, and the rousing finale of the traditional song "Mama Don't Allow" is a sassy blend of high spirits, great music, and fun. This Grammy-nominated recording is excellent for both music studies and storytime."

"This story by Thatcher Hurd (HarperCollins, 1984) about a swamp band playing music for the alligator ball is particularly well suited to the audio format. The musical score enhances the story and invites singing along. The cassette/book works on two levels. The production quality of the tape allows it to stand alone as a good story for nonreaders. Tom Chapin narrates the story at just the right tempo to allow beginning readers to follow the text. His voice changes subtly, but noticeably as the characters change. The music reinforces the story. For example, when the lead character meets the trumpet player, we hear the sound of a trumpet. When the alligators are finished dancing and are ready to eat the swamp band for inner, the band plays a lullaby to put the hungry alligators to sleep. At the end of the story, youngsters will want to sing along and make up their own verses. It can be used with small groups in language arts or music classes."