Songs from the Baobab

Story and songs Chantal Grosléziat Producer Paul Mindy Illustrations Elodie Nouhen

Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes is a storybook-music CD compiled by Chantal Grosléziat, arranged by Paul Mindy and Illustrated by Elodie Nouhen.

This title introduces an original compilation of 29 songs that span 10 different countries such as the Ivory Coast, Rwanda and Senegal. Originating from Central and West Africa, these rythmical lullabies are sung in 11 different languages. The songs carry soothing rhymes with a variety of voices performed by men, women, and children. The lush and colorful illustrations add to the harmonious tone of the storybook while the music captivates with a melodic quality.

Each lullaby tells a story or conveys a mood of the dialogue between mother and child. The rhymes and harmonies are accompanied by authenic instruments native to the region. The lyrics are sung in their respective languages and are translated in English. Each song is followed by a short description of the cultural history (origin) behind the song. The lyrics convey the nuturing quality and honor the traditions of the music.

The original French version sold over 100,000 copies overseas.

Age: 3-5 / Pub date: October 2011

Author

Chantal Grosléziat has devoted over three decades to researching how children are affected by music. As an educator and musician, she is also the writer of titles relating to this topic which include the award-winning CD collection Contes et berceuses (Stories and Lullabies), and the series, Bébés chasseurs des sons (Babies Are Sound Hunters).

Producer

Paul Mindy is an award-winning musician who received the Georges Brassens Prize to honor his work in Brazilian music. He is an arranger, composer, singer, and percussionist. He has worked alongside other musicians such as Carlo Rizzo, Baden Powell, and Richard Galliano.

Illustrator

Elodie Nouhen honed her creative talent at the Ecole Supérieure d'arts graphiques Penninghen in Paris. She works now as an illustrator.

Awards

2012 Notable Book, Children's Africana Book Awards

2012 Parents' Choice Award

2011 She Knows Parenting Award, Audio

Here's a sample song featured on this storybook-music CD called, "So diyara" (The joyful house).