BOOK REVIEW: Songs From The Baobab by Chantal Grosléziat

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 delightful book shares eleven languages of Central and West Africa via a collection of rhyme's and lullabies.

These soothing tales soothe babies to sleep as the songs travel from one country to another sharing their customs and languages.

The accompanying CD features 29 songs from 10 countries.  The lyrics are reproduced in their original language and translated into English.  The instruments heard in each of the songs are indigenous to the country and played with passion.

This enchanting production captures the staccato rhythm of the children's rhymes and the poetry of the language, as well as, a sense of the heritage and tradition from each culture.

Songs From The Baobab

I absolutely love the music that is found on the CD, the songs are a wonderful blend of life and tradition.  The percussion is remarkable as you find yourself tapping your toes to some of the more catchier tunes.

I was more impressed with the CD than the storybook, I found some of the illustrations to be dark and there were a few times where I couldn't see the words upon the pages.  To read the book as a story doesn't make much sense but when its shared with the CD, it allows a whole new plethora of emotions to ensue.

I would give Songs From The Baobab a four out of five stars.  The songs are enriching and shared wonderfully with the listener and the break down of all the songs at the back of the book make for a wonderful addition, especially if you are unaware of the Lullabies and Rhymes of Africa.

SYNOPSIS:
Representing 11 languages originating from Central and West Africa and brought to life with lavish illustrations, this collection's rhymes and lullabies soothe babies to sleep as the songs travel from one country and one language to another. Lyrics are reproduced in the original language and translated into English, followed by notes on the origin and cultural context of each song. The accompanying CD features 29 songs from 10 countries—including Rwanda, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal—each one unique in language and sound, recorded with indigenous instruments and exquisitely performed by women, men, and children. This delightful, enchanting production captures the staccato rhythm of the children's rhymes and the poetry of the language as well as a sense of the heritage and tradition of each culture.

I received a product to review from the above company or their PR Agency. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own - I was not influenced in any way. I received no monetary compensation for this post.