As They Grow Up Reviews "Reading Rocks!"

Reading Rocks! by Johnette Downing #WIN

Sunday, September 30, 2012

  

Reading is COOL!  We are a family of readers.  I encourage my kids to read in their spare time as well as require it with their school work.  Both of my big boys read six books in September.  I was hoping for 10 but six is good!  The album Reading Rocks! by Johnette Downing features a mix of songs and stories.  While the theme is reading there are a few songs like Today is Monday in New York that are not about reading (Loved this song!). 

About:

Two years in the making, ReadingRocks! is Johnette Downing's first album to combine spoken word with music. The CD interweaves readings from five of Johnette's beloved picture books, including her newest, Why the Possum Has a Large Grin (Pelican Publishing, fall 2012), with eleven lively songs that range in style from bluegrass to rock, as well as finger plays and limericks, all designed to motivate youngsters and reluctant readers to roll into the library and bop into books.

READING ROCKS! TRACK LIST:

1. Reading Rocks!
2. Open a Book Finger Play
3. Today is Monday in Kentucky
4. Why the Oyster Has the Pearl
5. Oyster Limerick
6. R*E*A*D
7. Story Time
8. The Colors of the Sky
9. Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud
10. Reach Every Achievement Desired
11. There Once Was a Boy Named Cary
12. Read to Me
13. Principal's Desk
14. Why the Possum Has a Large Grin
15. Readers are Leaders
16. Today is Monday in New York
17. Do-do (Sleep) My Child

Be sure to visit Johnette Downing's website for additional information!

My Thoughts:

I loved the flow of this CD.  Perfect for the car rides because the stories are a nice break in the music.  Do-do (Sleep) My Child is a beautiful lullaby.  While the title implies this cd is all about rock it is really has a more laid back mellow feel.  The songs have a bit of a southern vibe which I really loved. This CD is a wonderful addition to my music library ~ I'm loving sharing songs that encourage a love of reading with my kids.

Play That Now Features "Reading Rocks!"

Singing Storytime with a Dash of Louisiana Spice from New Orleans Kids’ Musician Johnette Downing – “Reading Rocks!” – New CD due out Nov. 20

Multi-award-winning New Orleans singer/songwriter, children’s musician, and children’s book author Johnette Downing gets kids jazzed about reading with her 10th studio CD, Reading Rocks! (Wiggle Worm Records, $15.00, run time 49 minutes, for ages 2 – 8.)

Two years in the making, Reading Rocks! is Johnette Downing’s first album to combine spoken word with music. The CD interweaves readings from five of Johnette’s beloved picture books, including her newest, Why the Possum Has a Large Grin (Pelican Publishing, fall 2012), with eleven lively songs that range in style from bluegrass to rock, as well asfinger plays and limericks, all designed to motivate youngsters and reluctant readers to roll into the library and bop into books.

Johnette Downing, who brings a dash of “Louisiana Spice” to her concerts worldwide, has been praised by Gambit Weekly for “her ability to translate Louisiana music into mini-parties for her kid fans. In the great Louisiana tradition, Johnette sees her role not just as a performer, but as a spark to get her audiences up and dancing.” WithReading Rocks!, Johnette hopes to get kids up and reading, too!

Writing and performing music for children has been Johnette Downing’s passion since 1990; the first of her ten CDs was recorded in 1992 and the first of her twelve children’s books was published in 2006. In addition to maintaining a full schedule as a performer and author, Johnette Downing is an educator who travels the world teaching parents and other educators how to use music to foster a love of reading. The very first tip she offers in her presentations is, “If you want your child to read,read.” This simple, but true, insight is at the heart of Reading Rocks!

- Play That Now 

"Reading Rocks" Rocks Radios Across North America

Songs and readings from my Reading Rocks! CD is rocking the airways in North America on the following stations:

T-Bone's Radio Active Kids on Asheville-FM, Asheville, NC:

http://sprockster.com/profiles/blogs/t-bone-s-radio-active-kids-sat-sept-29

KAOS Olympia 89.3 FM, Olympia, Washington

http://spinitron.com/radio/playlist.php?station=kaos&playlist=2177

The Brent & Woofy Radio show (a Canadian show, on CHLY-FM, Nanaimo, BC)
http://www.bbshows.ca/radioshow/bwrs-playlist.htm#195

Thanks for the airplay! You Rock!

NewOrleansLocal.com - CD & Book Release Party at Maple Street Books

IT’S SINGING STORYTIME GONE FUN! JOHNETTE DOWNING’S ‘READING ROCKS!’ CD & BOOK RELEASE PARTY

by Sheri on SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 in FAMILY

Award-Winning New Orleans Children’s Musician & Author Gets Kids Jazzed About Reading

Oct. 13 – Maple Street Book Shop -New Orleans

“With her signature mix of Dixieland jazz, Cajun, Creole, and zydeco rhythms, Downing creates an irresistible musical jubilee.” – Los Angeles Times 

“New Orleans native Johnette Downing whips up a savory jambalaya of blues-and Dixie-flavored tunes.” – FamilyFun Magazine

Multi-award-winning New Orleans singer/songwriter, children’s musician, and children’s book author JohnetteDowning gets kids jazzed about reading with her 10th studio CD, Reading Rocks!The album interweaves eleven lively songs with readings from five of Johnette’s beloved picture books, including her newest trickster tale, Why the Possum Has a Large Grin. 

To celebrate the album’s release and the book’s publication, Johnette invites families to bop into books and swing into song at a rockin’ and rollin’ CD and Book Release Party at 11:30 a.m. onSaturday, October 13 at Maple Street Book Shop, 7529 Maple Street, New Orleans.

Fans can look forward to a singing storytime gone fun, as Johnette reads from Why the Possum Has a Large Grin and sings a sampling of songs from Reading Rocks! Refreshments, crafts, prizes, and giveaways are sure to have little partygoers grinning from ear to ear.

Johnette Downing, who brings a dash of “Louisiana Spice” to her concerts worldwide, has been praised by Gambit Weekly for “her ability to translate Louisiana music into mini-parties for her kid fans. In the great Louisiana tradition, Johnette sees her role not just as a performer, but as a spark to get her audiences up and dancing.” With Reading Rocks!, Johnette hopes to get kids up and reading, too!

Writing and performing music for children has been Johnette Downing’s passion since 1990; the first of her ten CDs was recorded in 1992, and the first of her twelve children’s books was published in 2006. In addition to maintaining a full schedule as a performer and author, Johnette Downing is an educator who travels the world teaching parents and other educators how to use music to foster a love of reading. The very first tip she offers in her presentations is, “If you want your child to read, read.” This simple, but true, insight is at the heart of Reading Rocks!

Johnette Downing has won twenty-one national awards, including honors from Parents’ Choice,NAPPA, iParenting Media, Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media, Family Choice Awards, andFamily Review Center.

Dubbed a “Musical Ambassador to Children” and a “Pied Piper for Louisiana music traditions,” Johnette brings the spicy flavors of her home state to live performances and workshops around the world, in venues in Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Indonesia and the Philippines. She is dedicated to celebrating childhood, nurturing cultural exchanges, and fostering learning, language, and literacy through her music, books andeducator workshops.  

WHAT: JohnetteDowning’s Rockin’ and Rollin’ CD and Book Release PartyWHERE: Maple Street Book Shop, 7529 Maple Street, New Orleans, LAWHEN: Saturday, October 13. 11:30 a.m.ADMISSION: FreeINFO: 504-866-4916 or 504-861-2105. people@maplestreetbookshop.com
http://maplestreetbookshop.com  http://johnettedowning.com

-NewOrleansLocal.com

Cool Kids Cook Radio Interview

I am being interviewed today by Kid Chef Eliana. Here is the link for the show. I The show airs at 6pm CDT on Monday, August 6, 2012! Tune in!

http://www.elianacooks.com/2012/08/cool-kids-cook-radio-show-3-interview-with-johnette-downing-monday-august-6-2012/ 

Fan Mail

"Who needs another King Cake?  Your music represents Louisiana’s culture so well and can stay with someone for a lifetime." - Adam Zuckerman, Mandeville, LA

Letters from Fans

   I just wanted to tell you how much the kids loved your Cd.  My son plays it 
every day.  His favorite is head and thorax.  We were with you in Deridder just 
recently.  keep on singin and God Bless.

-Sue Lathwood

The Tiny Librarian reviews Today is Monday in Louisiana in RevieWednesday

RevieWednesday: Today is Monday in Louisiana

It's that time of the week again...RevieWednesday!

For RevieWednesday, I will review the children's book, Today is Monday in Louisiana, by Johnette Downing, which is perfect for children from prekindergarten through second grade (yes, they even love this book!).  My students and I love this book, and I use it during my Louisiana lessons and activities each year, along with Johnette Downing's many others, including Chef Creole and Down in Louisiana.  The reason for this choice today, however, is twofold.  First, our family friend Sandy, who is also a children's librarian, was singing the song from the book on a beach trip with my mom and dad.  My mom asked me if I knew about the book because Sandy was singing the song, and now I can't get that song out of my head...I keep singing it on my run, in the hotel, at breakfast.  Thanks mom and Sandy!  :)  Second, it reminds me of all the delicious Louisiana food I miss!  I love traveling and trying new things, and California has different types of amazing food (sushi, Southwestern, Vietnamese, Mediterranean), but there is nothing better than Louisiana/Cajun cuisine.  Just thinking about it is making me crave some local favorites, and this book highlights many of my favorites, including red beans and rice, catfish, poboys, gumbo, and beignets...yum! 

Each day of the week focuses on a different Louisiana food.  The collage illustrations by Deborah Kadair are great, because they are simple, yet abstract.  This book is a great teaching tool for the days of the week, Louisiana culture, cooking, and unique Cajun/Louisiana cuisine.   This book may not be the best choice though for teaching healthy eating! :) 

This book can be purchased from Johnette Downing's website store for $16.99.

For all you teachers/librarians out there, check out Johnette Downing's website and free book activities here.  She has great teaching resources and printables available for this book and others.

Below is the video of the song sung by Johnette Downing along with the book's illustrations. Disclaimer: Don't watch if you are hungry...you will become even hungrier!

For all those Texans, New Yorkers, and Kentuckians (?), Johnette Downing has versions of the book for ya'll too, except the culinary calendars are probably not as delicious! :)

http://www.thetinylibrarian.com/2012/06/reviewednesday-today-is-monday-in.html

New Author Page on Amazon

Check out my new Author Page on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Johnette-Downing/e/B001JP9QKA. Soooooo coooool.

Children's musician gets families moving at New Orleans JazChildren's musician gets families moving at New Orleans Jazz Fest


Published: Sunday, April 29, 2012, 1:04 PM     Updated: Sunday, April 29, 2012, 5:40 PM
  By Laura McKnight, The Times-Picayune 




At the New Orleans Jazz Fest on Sunday afternoon, a pint-sized rhythm section and wiggling sets of backup dancers helped children's entertainer Johnette Downing entertain in the Kids Tent. The youngest festival-goers kept the beat with miniature tambourines, maracas, shakers and sticks, rattling and clicking their instruments in time to tunes about crawfish, alligators, worms and werewolves. 

Parents joined their children in hopping across the dance floor like rabbits, snapping their hands like claws and smacking their arms together like hungry gators.
Downing, dubbed "Musical Ambassador to Children," warmed up a crowd of families with an upbeat set featuring fun parts of South Louisiana culture.
"Raise your hand if you like crawfish," Downing told the crowd Sunday afternoon. Tiny hands shot into the air.
The award-winning children's musician and author, accompanied by a harmonica player, performed songs influenced by zydeco, the blues, Cajun music and other signature sounds of her home state.
"Back it up, crawfish! Snap! Snap!" Downing sang as children and their parents shuffled backward and put their "claws" up.
"Who can shake their tail like a crawfish?" Downing asked.
Children and grownups responded by wiggling their behinds, doing the "Mudbug Boogie."
Later, a zydeco song got more families on the dance floor, with moms twirling daughters, dads spinning sons, brothers and sisters skipping to the cheerful beat, creating Jazz Fest memories.

Why the Possum Has a Large Grin Book Cover Sneak Peek!

WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Activity Booklet

The Activity Booklet for my Why the Oyster Has the Pearl book is now available for a free download on my website at www.johnettedowning.com. Click on Book Activities and then click on Why the Oyster Has the Pearl.

Enjoy!

READING ROCKS! CD Cover

Here is a sneak peek at my READING ROCKS! CD cover.

READING ROCKS! CD

I just finished recording my 10th CD for children titled

READING ROCKS!

A rockin' singing story time gone fun, this CD will get children jazzed about reading! Slated for a Spring 2012 release.

The CD features my popular motivating literacy songs such as Reading Rock!, Story Time, Read to Me and READ, readings from several of my picture books such as WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL, WHY THE CRAWFISH LIVES IN THE MUD and WHY THE POSSUM HAS A LARGE GRIN, songs from several of my books such as TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK, TODAY IS MONDAY IN KENTUCKY and THE COLOR OF THE SKY, finger plays such as Open a Book and poems such as Oyster Limerick and Principal's Desk.

Seventeen tracks from Bluegrass to rock music feature such notable musicians such as Scott Billington on harmonica, Al Petteway on banjo and mandolin, Gina Forsyth on violin, Jake Eckert on electric guitar, bass and percussions, Tim Stambaugh on bass, Marc Dobriner on lead guitar and yours truly on rhythm guitar, mandolin, percussions and vocals.

Readers rejoice!!

HOW TO DRESS A PO'BOY

I just finished illustrating my 13th picture book with Pelican Publishing Company titled

HOW TO DRESS A PO'BOY!

From Blue Plate Mayonnaise to shrimp, you'll never be stumped when asked if you want your po'boy "dressed." The rhythmic book is slated for a Spring 2013 release. The song for the book will be on my upcoming THE KREWE OF KIDS CD as well as available as a download on my website.

The Monroe News Star reviews WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL

"Johnette Downing of New Orleans explains the origin of pearls in "Why the Oyster has the Pearl," illustrated by Bethanne Hill. In Downing's story, the oyster is the keeper of the world's jewels until sly snake comes along, a good lesson in greed and the virtues of generosity."

-Monroe News-Star