A couple years ago I was given a CD of children’s music for Christmas by one of my aunts.  This particular aunt has children of her own that are now older and all the hand-me-downs that I have received from her have been awesome.  The toys have been exactly what my kids would love to play with.  The used books have been of the highest quality.  I knew that this music was going to be good.  So, we popped it into the CD player and, within seconds of the first tune starting, we were a-boppin’.  That CD?  Putumayo Kids -Animal Playground.

The Wee Hairy Beasties and their hilarious lyrics in the song “Animal Crackers” had us hooked.  ”I’ve got ants in my pants.  I’ve got butterflies.  I’m cryin’ crocodile tears, from my puppy dog eyes.”  I quoted that from memory-ha!  The next song… even better.  Asheba, from Trinidad singing “No More Monkeys”… I loved the beat, the lyrics and the kids were dancing up a storm.  Song after song, Animal Playground did not disappoint.  It was awesome.  We learned about animals, enjoyed animal-themed music and enjoyed listening music in other languages.  Animal Playground features music from all over the world by many different artists.  It is an awesome album of great music.  The very best part is… it’s not the only one!!

Lizzie Bits Baby Co (at #7 – 111 Oriole Rd, Kamloops) carries Putumayo Kids and we have visited Lizzie Bits and picked up a number of other albums, as well.  Putumayo Kids has 18 amazing albums for kids!  These are albums that you can all enjoy in the car.  Justin and I sing along to and enjoy every. single. song. (even if we don’t know the lyrics because of the language or can’t understand the accent of the singer – who says you have to know what you’re singing?)  We are so lucky to have this awesome music for our kids.  The message is powerful: that the world is a wonderful and amazing place and that there are so many wonderful cultures out there that we can learn about and enjoy elements of.  We have chosen to invest in this music because it brings culture into our home when we can’t necessarily go out and get it.  I mean… a trip to the Caribbean or “Caribbean Playground”?  The latter is much more affordable on my budget!  We love listening to each and every album we have.  Putumayo doesn’t only release “Playground” albums (fun and dance-it-up tunes), they also have a series of “Dreamland” albums that are more mellow music.  ”Celtic Dreamland” is a down-time favourite in our house.

I only recently found out that there is also a whole (huge!) selection of albums that are geared at an adult audience.  We borrowed “Women of Africa” from my aunt (yes, the same one that got us hooked in the first place) and fell in love with that, too.  The experience of listening to a Putumayo album is a wonderful experience.  You get to relax and enjoy a more adult variety of tunes, but that kids still enjoy listening to, as well.  Lizzie Bits (at #7 – 111 Oriole Rd, Kamloops) is carrying a variety of these as well.  I can’t wait to get my ears on our next Putumayo selection!

Putumayo World Music donates part of their proceeds of every album to worthwhile non-profit organizations around the world.  Lizzie Bits is currently carrying the French Caribbean and the Caribbean Playground albums which, each, have 100% of their sales going towards the Red Cross.  Go on into the store at #7 – 111 Oriole Rd (Valleyview) and check out the fantastic selection of Putumayo World Music albums that are being carried.  These are an awesome birthday gifts.  I’d recommend picking up a few to have just in case of last-minute gifts!

In addition to carrying these wonderful albums, Jenn at Lizzie Bits has graciously given me a copy of Putumayo Kids  Animal Playground to give away to one lucky KamloopsParents.Com reader!! What do you have to do to earn a chance at the album?  Just leave a comment saying that you read this review!!  Make sure that you include your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win.

Want another chance?  Go to the Lizzie Bits facebook page and become a member of the group to learn about great sales and new items in the store.  Leave me a comment telling me that you are a member.

Last chance… leave another comment telling me an item that you saw in Lizzie Bits Baby Co’s online shop!

You can also enter the draw by e-mailing your comments to elizabeth@kamloopsparents.com

This random draw will close at 12pm (Kamloops time) on March 11th.  The winner will be contacted by e-mail.  This draw is open to Kamloops and local area (with 2 hours driving time) residents only.  Good luck!