I Wanna Play

By Bill Harley
Genre: Children's Music

Common Sense Media says

Grammy winner delivers lessons with humor.

Age

Quality

Positive messages3
"At Your Library" invites kids to discover the joys of reading. Another songs talks about having the courage to ask questions: "You've got to ask if you don't know/you've got to ask, that's how you grow."
Violence0
Not applicable.
Sex0
Not applicable.

Language0
Not applicable.
Consumerism0
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
Not applicable.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the 12 songs on this album are original tunes guaranteed to make kids chuckle. Grown-up ears will likely enjoy the clever lyrics and diverse musical styles and inspirations (Caribbean and Cajun among others). It's also a Parent's Choice Gold Medal winner.

What's the story?

I WANNA PLAY, the latest creation of legendary children's musician and storyteller, Bill Harley, takes kids' music beyond the realm of the merely cute and upbeat. Grammy-award winner Harley has been called the "Mark Twain of contemporary kids' music," no doubt because of his folksy wisdom and gently satiric slant. Songs like "Barbie's Head Is Missing" and "You've Got to Ask" tell stories from a child's point of view, with both humor and sympathy. After all, what little brother wouldn't panic after realizing the dog ate Barbie's head after he "innocently" removed it ("it's not like she had brains anyway").

Is it any good?

Though the tone is at times a bit earnest (especially in "At Your Library"), it is balanced out by the offbeat humor and gentle irony of the rest of the album.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about some of the themes of the album. Are there times when you are afraid to ask a question for fear of seeming stupid? Do you feel comfortable speaking up at school and asking for explanations when you're not sure? What about at home?

More details

Artist:	Bill Harley
Release date:	April 3, 2007
Label:	Round River Records
Genre:	Children's Music
Parental advisory:	No

This review of I Wanna Play was written by Amy Weaver

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