Roots and Branches: A Legacy of Multicultural Music for Children (Book and CD)

This unique book and audio sampler is a collection of 38 musical memories - songs and singing games - contributed by singers from 23 distinct cultures. This around-the-world collection offers more than just a shallow encounter. These refreshingly unfamiliar gems of childhood include hand game songs, game chants, circle dances, lullabies, work songs, and songs for listening.

Each contributor has reached deeply into their musical roots, sharing cherished memories to nurture the many branches of their family and community trees. These proud culture bearers keep the flame of their heritage bright, while living and working within the American mosaic. This is their legacy to us and our children of all ages, but particularly 3-12.

The collection includes:

Selections from Brazil, Cajun, China, England, Eritrea, France, India, Korea, Japan, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Mozambique, New Mexico, Israel, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kiowa/Comanche, Navajo, Russia, Iran, Ireland, Ecuador, and African-American traditions

Overview of each culture

Mini-biography and photograph of each contributor

Background notes on each song, directions for each game

Original language, pronunciation, translation for each song

Copy-OK musical transcriptions

Copy-OK maps showing the country of origin for each song

Copy-OK facts and figures data on charts for each culture area

The audio CD includes every selection in the well-loved version of the contributors, sung in the original language, a cappella by them or accompanied by musicians from the culture

Contributors/Performers include Janice Allen (Georgia Sea Islands), Bayou Seco (Cajun), Sam-Ang Sam (Cambodian), Katya Ponomareva (Russia), and many more