Dog Train: A Wild Ride on the Rock-and-Roll Side by Sandra Boynton, Michael Ford

From Barnes & Noble

Sandra Boynton's CD-enhanced songbooks aren't just ephemeral novelty items; kids love them, and even parents are eager to learn all the words. Dog Train maintains the high spirits of the Grammy-nominated Philadelphia Chickens and Rhinoceros Tap. The Spin Doctors shout out a rousing version of "Tantrum"; Blues Traveler offers a soulful rendition of the title track; and "Weird Al" Yankovic and Kate Winslet combine for a weirdly wonderful "I Need a Nap."

From the Publisher

Who let the dog out? Out of its book, that is. Announcing the CD-only Dog Train—the funky, fabulous collection of all-out rock music. Taken directly from Dog Train, the book and CD, it’s the same great music, now in the brilliant format music-lovers love. It features:

• SPIN DOCTORS throw a Tantrum
• THE O.K. CHORALE presents Thus Quacked Zarathustra
• BLUES TRAVELER rocks the Dog Train
•MARK LANEGAN sings Sneakers

•BILLY J. KRAMER narrates & sings Cow Planet
•STEVE LAWRENCE AND EYDIE GORME croon Boring Song
• THE BACON BROTHERS AND MICKEY HART clang Pots & Pans
• KATE WINSLET AND “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC sing I Need a Nap
•ALISON KRAUSS sings Evermore
•JOHN ONDRASIK OF FIVE FOR FIGHTING sings Penguin Lament
•THE PHENOMENAUTS rock out (Don’t Give Me That) Broccoli
•ROB HYMAN AND ERIC BAZILIAN perform Dragonfire
•DOSHIE LUTHER sings Wave Bye-Bye
•HOOTIE& THE BLOWFISH rock and rock Rock to Sleep 54

Publishers Weekly

The creative team that so cleverly presented musical theater for kids with the star-studded recording Philadelphia Chickens is back-this time with a mostly rock-and-roll romp, and another stellar cast of musical talent. Blues Traveler, replete with John Popper wailing on his harmonica, rides the rails for the driving title track about, yes, dogs on board a midnight train where "Kittycats are not allowed/ .../ their ears in the breeze/ .../ Their cold, wet, happy,/ quiv'ring noises outside." Mark Lanegan takes the octave down a few notches with his deep and bluesy rendition of "Sneakers" about the favorite footwear that's both comfy and quiet. The 1960s British invasion star Billy J. Kramer sounds every bit up-to-date as he blasts off on the spaceship song "Cow Planet." And who would've thunk that actress Kate Winslet and novelty performer "Weird Al" Yankovic could pull off a sunny and theatrically emotive duet on "I Need a Nap?" There are no clunkers here; other highlights include numbers by Alison Krauss, Spin Doctors, Hootie and the Blowfish and Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme (hilariously singing the "Boring Song"). A knockout listen, in all the best ways, for the whole family. Like the songs, Boynton's book showcases her signature zippy sense of humor and loveable critters. It also includes complete lyrics and music for each number and brief profiles of all the performers. All ages. (Nov.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-This collection of songs erupts with energy, humor, and a strong dose of rock 'n' roll. Like the author's Philadelphia Chickens (Workman, 2002), the book has a spread for each song-a colorful, cheerful illustration and excerpts of lyrics-followed by complete lyrics and musical scores at the end. An "About the Artists" section includes a photo and biographical sketch of each artist who performs on the accompanying CD. As she did for Chickens, Boynton has brought together an impressive assortment of talent, including Kate Winslet, Blues Traveler, and the Bacon brothers. Train stands apart from the earlier title for its stronger rock edge and narrative thread. Interwoven throughout the album are three songs about the quest to discover Cow Planet, beginning with an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey. Boynton captures a child's perspective of tantrums, naps, and daily life. A poignant "Penguin Lament" by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting asks, "Can anyone small-be anyone serious?" The toe-tapping "Wave Bye-Bye" immediately grabs listeners with its lively tune and a child's earnest desire to leave an adult party. Smart, funny, and encompassing a variety of music styles from Broadway to Sinatra to alternative rock, the book and CD together deliver enjoyable reading and listening for both children and adults.-Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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