Bunches of Beasts
Winner of a
National Parenting Publications Association (NAPPA) Honors Award
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On Bunches of Beasts, Tales ‘n Tunes perform kid-friendly original songs as well as traditional tales into which their lively tunes have been creatively blended. Their character voices and catchy rhythms introduce you to animal friends, both real and imagined.
This 63 minute-long recording is recommended for children ages 3 and up; and includes new songs “Bunches of Beasts” and “Dipsy Doodle Zoo Parade” along with some rollicking tales such as “Little Red Bossy Hen” and “The Lion’s at the Door.”
Their version of a Louisiana folk tale, “Poule and Roach Celebrate” features lively fiddle playing, along with banjo, guitar and bass. Yee-haw! Other stories included are: “Magic Beans,” “Drakestail,” “Big Bad Dragon,” and “The Giant Turnip.” Sing along and join in the fun!
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Listen to a sample
of "Little Red Bossy Hen" |
Listen to sample of "Poule and Roach Celebrate!"
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Printable Order Form
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If you would prefer to download the album or individual stories and songs, click here:
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What Reviewers Are Saying about Bunches of Beasts
" Musical storytelling duo Carol Connolly and Don Darmer spotlight a compact carnival of animals (and a few humans) in nine songs and tales. Many of the beasts act in suspicious and often laughable human ways... The stories are framed by down home fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass music and vocals. Two original animal songs round out the collection. Reminiscent of an old fashioned get together with a couple of friendly, talented storytellers who don’t mind taking their time. Delightfully entertaining. " ALA Booklist, April 2007
" These lively stories overflow with catchy chants and tunes. This sing-along, tell-along, stick-in-your-head fun for young listeners is a blast. Parents will hear these stories repeated by their children--often and with great relish." National Parenting Publications Association (NAPPA)
" Carol Connolly and Don Darmer's latest release is an enchanting combination of lively melodies, catchy rhythms, and enthusiastic presentation. The nine original animal-themed songs feature both real and mythical creatures. Combining clever storytelling and simple melodies, the duo sing their way through stories such as "Little Red Bossy Hen," "Bunches of Beasts," "Magic Beans" and more. ... The songs' storylines reinforce such concepts as individuality, imagination, and courage. Connolly's lyrics and the music, written by Darmer, blend nicely to provide a solid choice for preschool and primary grade general listening. " School Library Journal, April 2007
" In "Bunches of Beasts," the blending of songs and stories makes it all just too much fun! There's a whole different take on that "Red Hen," "Magic Beans," and the unlikely partnership of "Poule and Roach." Their "Drakestail" has a lovely tune, and the clever defense in "The Lion's at the Door" was so satisfying! " Mary Garrett, Storyteller, St. Peter's, Missouri
" "Bunches of Beasts" earned Carol Connolly and Don Darmer a 2007 Honors Award from NAPPA, the National Parenting Publications Association. The lively duo mix original songs into tried and true tales. If you've got an itty-bitty you'd like to win over to storytelling, this CD has plenty of earworms to get them singing along. Soon enough, children aged 3-8 will start telling the story, too! For a sneaky way to increase oral literacy, buy the CD from www.talesantunes.net or http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/talesntunes2 (MP3 download available.) " Yvonne Healy, Storyteller, Howell, Michigan
What Parents and Kids Are Saying about Bunches of Beasts
"What fun! And what fun to hear someone else tell a story that previously had been only in my words in my mind's eye. I love your CD. Hope it garners wonderful reviews."
Batsy Bybell
(whose story "Little Red Bossy Hen" is told on our CD with her permission)
"I liked when the lions climbed the tree to get the farmer."
Sophia, a Kindergarten student
"Another wonderful CD! The kids love it just as much as your last one! And I go around the house singing ‘Magic beans, magic beans!’"
Susan, a parent
"I’d like four of your new CDs. They make wonderful gifts!"
"Our favorite song/story is ‘Little Red Bossy Hen.’ There are several ‘Little Red Bossy Hens’ in our childcare. Once the children listened to the story, they were amazed at how the Hen ‘cluckisized’ the other barnyard animals. It put a different perspective on the children’s view of looking at themselves. It was a good lesson."
"My daughter’s favorite song is what she calls the ‘fee fie fo fum’ song (Magic Beans)."
"My son’s favorite song is ‘Big Bad Dragon.’ A story about slaying the dragon and rescuing the princess is right up his alley."
Peggy, a grandmother
a childcare teacher
a parent
a parent
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