Frogs and Birds

Frogs and Birds. Performed by Lindsay Munroe. CD. Approx. 31 min. Troubadour Music. 2021. CD: $12.98; Digital: $9.98. Ages 4—8

Award-winning Lindsay Munroe, mother of three children with autism, performs 14 lovely songs, three of which are covers of classic songs: “You Are My Sunshine,” “If I Knew You Were Coming,” and “Happy Trails.” Munroe wrote her songs to highlight encouragement, understanding, and respect for others, and to help neurodiverse children cope with every day events. Munroe is joined on several songs by Raffi, who also produced the album, and performed on guitar, ukulele, electric piano, violin, and other instruments. Munroe, with her clear and light soprano vocals, and Raffi harmonize beautifully together on several of these folk, jazz, pop, and other musical-style songs. In “Frogs and Birds,” including sound effects of chirping birds and croaking frogs, Munroe’s youngest daughter joins her in encouraging listeners to be aware of the feelings of others. “Faces Show Our Feelings” explains how facial expressions reveal interior emotions. “Feelings Like the Weather” reassures listeners that feelings may be only temporary and will pass away like bad weather. “Little Bird On My Window” has a motif from Brahms’ Lullaby as the chorus. “Flexible and Easygoing” encourages listeners to handle unexpected changes and disruptions to routines with calmness. “I See You” and hear you and respond to what you do and say. “The Ally Song” explains that an ally is a friend who is kind, who listens, and who respects others. “Conversations” are meant for two speaking and listening to each other. “Very Funny Things” realizes that children can take some idioms, such as “it’s a piece of cake,” “hold your horses,” and “raining cats and dogs” very literally. “Take a Breath,” (written by Raffi), tells listeners that they can calm down by breathing in and out. “Where There Is Love” we belong, in a family or in a community. This sweet and entertaining album, while excellent for all children, will be especially reassuring for neurodiverse children.

 Website: https://www.lindsaymunroemusic.com/