Songs for children

Bindi-eye Bop — Songs for children aged 0 to 90
By Margaret Bradford
1997, $15 (plus $2 postage)
Write to 12 Naranga Ave, Engadine NSW 2233
or phone/fax (02) 9520 6180

Review by Alex Bainbridge

For parents of young children, finding suitable entertainment and educational items can be difficult. Stories and music for children are supposed to be non-controversial and "fun". More often than not, however, "innocent" nursery rhymes and stories subtly reinforce the prejudices and oppression of the society we live in.

Margaret Bradford's Bindi-eye Bop is a tremendous antidote. It includes a collection of 16 children's songs which are fun and mostly have a progressive message.

Concern for the environment comes through particularly clearly. One of my favourites is "Cars! Cars! Cars!", which bemoans the prevalence of "ugly, beastly, smog-producing cars".

Other songs promote recycling, water conservation and the preservation of nature, all with catchy tunes and sing-along words. The album also has a strongly Australian flavour by relating to the environment around us.

The album really is well produced and is designed to be attractive to young children. The messages are simple and clear, but do not patronise young people. Most of the songs are by Bradford, with one by Leon Rosselson and the traditional "La Cucaracha".

Strongly recommended for young children (and children of other ages too)!

From GLW issue 306