by Chantal Grosléziat (Compiled by), Paul Mindy (Producer), Elodie Nouhen (Illustrator)
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.
Author Biography
Chantal Grosléziat is a musician and an educator who has spent more than 30 years exploring the effect of music on children. She is the author of several books on the topic, including the series Bébés chasseurs des sons (Babies Are Sound Hunters) and the award-winning book and CD collection Contes et berceuses (Stories and Lullabies). Paul Mindy is a percussionist, singer, composer, and arranger who received the Georges Brassens Prize in recognition of his Brazilian music. He has accompanied noted musicians such as Richard Galliano, Carlo Rizzo, and Baden Powell. Elodie Nouhen is a children's album illustrator. She studied at the Ecole Supérieure d'arts graphiques Penninghen in Paris.