Classic sing-alongs for children

This vibrant, engaging assortment offers children an entertaining introduction to the French language. From stories of friendship, family, discovery, and self-esteem to silly, snappy songs of one-of-a-kind barnyard animals, lullabies, and segments of classical music, children tune in to a variety of musical styles and multicultural experiences. The accompanying CDs provide children an opportunity to hear the pronunciation of the words and sing along as they learn the language. The children’s classic “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” for which singer-songwriter Alan Mills is best known, precedes a potpourri of simple singable songs, often focusing on numbers and letters and featuring hysterically funny animal characters. Singers Thomas Hellman and Emilie Clepper breathe new life into old traditions, performing rootsy renditions of catchy songs written for children more than 50 years ago.

Alan Mills était chanteur d’opéra, puis de folklore, ainsi qu’un auteur, compositeur et comédien. Dès la fin des années 40, il participera à diverses émissions de la CBC, dont Folk Songs for Young Folk et, avec Hélène Baillargeon, Songs de Chez Nous. Il montera sur les planches de plusieurs festivals folk durant les années 60, tel le légendaire Newport Folk Festival ainsi que le Hootenany at Carnegie Hall à New York – accompagné du grand violoneux québécois Jean Carignan ! En 1964, l’Office national du film du Canada utilisera, comme trame sonore et titre d’un film, sa chanson pour enfants I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, devenue très populaire à travers le continent nord-américain. Il a été admis en 1974 à l’Ordre du Canada.

Alan Mills' profile page

PisHier's profile page

Thomas Hellman's profile page

Emilie Clepper's profile page