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Ready for Success 2:320:00/2:32
Reviews of Makin' Lemonade
Publishers Weekly 12/04
"Few things say optimism like the idea of making Lemonade out of life’s lemons. Happily, Leonardo’s debut recording for kids is in keeping with this sunny, upbeat outlook. The title track extols the virtues of the “citrus elixir, the mind body fixer” The tune “Snow Day” is fittingly sprinkled with the peppy refrain “Hey, hey yippie I yay, it’s gonna be a snow day.” The song goes on to describe kids participating in typical indoor activities perfect for an unexpected day off. And, yes, there’s a sled-riding outing, too. On “Yankee Doodle”, a child finds an outlet for his creative doodling. “Shake It Off”, a rattling rap song, encourages kids to get up and get shaking. Listeners also learn exactly “How Did The Chicken Cross The Road?” (by looking both ways and staying inside the lines of the crosswalk, of course). Leonardo’s jaunty guitar playing and friendly voice make an entertaining combination. This pleasant entry to the genre will likely be welcomed into lots of minivan CD players."
School Library Journal 5/05
"Singer-songwriter Leonardo brings his wacky sensibility to these 14 upbeat tunes for the whole family. From celebrating to the joy of a "Snow Day" to the modern take on an old excuse, "The Computer Ate My Homework," each song displays remarkable understanding of a child's world. Educational concepts are often cleverly integrated, as in "Mind to Migrate," The Bee Goes Buzz," and the melodic "Ocean Blue." Librarians will want to take special note of "Shake It Off," an action song that begs for inclusion in story times. Leonardo's delivery is pleasant and cheerful, and the sophisticated yet fun lyrics (for example, the title track declares that lemonade is "highly rated/to keep you hydrated") will draw grins from kids and parents alike."
CD Baby
"This season's pick for oustanding kid's music, "Makin' Lemonade" is a 14-track gem for the picky child and the discerning parent. Fun, simple, memorable and easy on the nerves, Leonardo will be a big hit with the whole family. Using acoustic instruments and simple structures, the songs are easy to latch onto and even easier to sing along with. Fans of Dan Zanes need to give it a listen."
Publishers Weekly 12/04
"Few things say optimism like the idea of making Lemonade out of life’s lemons. Happily, Leonardo’s debut recording for kids is in keeping with this sunny, upbeat outlook. The title track extols the virtues of the “citrus elixir, the mind body fixer” The tune “Snow Day” is fittingly sprinkled with the peppy refrain “Hey, hey yippie I yay, it’s gonna be a snow day.” The song goes on to describe kids participating in typical indoor activities perfect for an unexpected day off. And, yes, there’s a sled-riding outing, too. On “Yankee Doodle”, a child finds an outlet for his creative doodling. “Shake It Off”, a rattling rap song, encourages kids to get up and get shaking. Listeners also learn exactly “How Did The Chicken Cross The Road?” (by looking both ways and staying inside the lines of the crosswalk, of course). Leonardo’s jaunty guitar playing and friendly voice make an entertaining combination. This pleasant entry to the genre will likely be welcomed into lots of minivan CD players."
School Library Journal 5/05
"Singer-songwriter Leonardo brings his wacky sensibility to these 14 upbeat tunes for the whole family. From celebrating to the joy of a "Snow Day" to the modern take on an old excuse, "The Computer Ate My Homework," each song displays remarkable understanding of a child's world. Educational concepts are often cleverly integrated, as in "Mind to Migrate," The Bee Goes Buzz," and the melodic "Ocean Blue." Librarians will want to take special note of "Shake It Off," an action song that begs for inclusion in story times. Leonardo's delivery is pleasant and cheerful, and the sophisticated yet fun lyrics (for example, the title track declares that lemonade is "highly rated/to keep you hydrated") will draw grins from kids and parents alike."
CD Baby
"This season's pick for oustanding kid's music, "Makin' Lemonade" is a 14-track gem for the picky child and the discerning parent. Fun, simple, memorable and easy on the nerves, Leonardo will be a big hit with the whole family. Using acoustic instruments and simple structures, the songs are easy to latch onto and even easier to sing along with. Fans of Dan Zanes need to give it a listen."