What Kind Of Cat Are You? (In which I give away some very good music)

Monday~August 10, 2009

What kind of cat is your favorite chocolate bar? KIT KAT!
What kind of cat is connected to the engine of your car? CATALYTIC CONVERTER!
What kind of cat hangs out with Batman? CAT WOMAN!
What kind of cat facilitates a chemical reaction? CATALYST!
What kind of cat is a great big disaster? CATASTROPHE!

Those are just a few of my favorite lines from a song called What Kind Of Cat Are You.

I wrote a post a few months ago, asking what non-crazy-making children's music you listen to. The comment box filled with excellent ideas and I thought, Oh yes, another reason I love blogging, a never-ending sea of information from smart and lovely people, right at my fingertips.

Anyway, I printed out all the suggestions and the boys and I went to the library. We had such a good time looking for all the new music that we'd learned about, but I was probably even more excited than the boys, looking forward to escaping the terrible music we had on hand at the time.

And then it happened.

I was scanning the titles, my finger running along disc after disc on the shelf, mostly ignoring names that weren't on my printed list, until I saw this one...

Billy Jonas

I thought, He's not on my list but I can't stop myself. Or, This looks interesting. Or something like that. No matter what I thought, I'm so glad we checked out Billy's music that day because our entire family is more than enjoying this music. We listen to it nearly every time we get in the car and blast it from the speakers while we clean and dance too. This music is smart, funny, and expresses the genius that is Billy Jonas in a unique way that leaves our whole family singing and laughing. (Even Uncle K, who is only a child at heart, requests Billy Jonas when we get in the minivan.)

There are songs with soul, like Eyes Wide Open, silly songs that inspire the imagination like Nine-Foot Dragon & a Four-Foot Boy, and many songs that have Miles asking questions like, "What other animals are nocturnal?" and "Why are there germs when you're sick?" Yes, we have all kinds of great conversations on subjects that arise because of the hilarious and endearing songs that teach something like Old St. Helen, Alien In My Lungs, and Vitamin Alphabet.

There are a variety of sounds and styles to be found across Billy's albums, including folk, a touch of rock, and a bit of Jazz, all with Billy's signature drum beat.

I was so impressed by the album we picked up, What Kind Of Cat Are You? and then promptly purchased, that I went to Billy's site and sent off an email, letting his manager know that I was going to rave about him on my blog. I talked about how I'd been given a whole lot of great suggestions, but no one had mentioned him, and I wanted my readers to know about him. I received a grateful response with an offer to send me not only that album, but also Billy's latest, Happy Accidents for you to have a chance to win!


To learn more about Billy Jonas, you can read a Bio here.

Billy's music is inspiring, fun, and even moving. It quickly becomes obvious that there's a very special person behind the music with a heart for children, creativity, and learning. I'm honored to spread the word about Billy Jonas, a man who is obviously passionate about music and the world around him. I'm so glad that our trip to the library resulted in this extra treasure, carried home with many of your other great suggestions.

So ready? Here we go:

There will be TWO winners, one for each album! I'll keep the giveaway open until Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4pm (central time). All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what your absolute very most favorite children's book is. I want to go on another library adventure with your suggestions.

(This giveaway is NOT limited to the U.S. I have too many out-of-this-country blog friends to make that limitation.)

(If you're not familiar with commenting, it's safe and easy. You click on 'comments' at the end of the post, and if you don't have a blogger profile, you simply click 'Anonymous' and type your email address for contact and your children's book suggestion. Easy Peasy).

Both albums would make a great gift if you don't have kiddos, but remember, this is music for all ages, just ask Uncle K. I mean, if you know him...

After you've left your comment, go listen to What Kind Of Cat Are You?! (Click 'play' next to the song title when you get there. You won't be sorry, it's hilarious, brilliant, and just plain fun.)

Happy listening! (and happy winning!)

(Photos courtesy of Google Images.)

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