I knew about Elizabeth Mitchell's Children's albums. I remember proofing a review of You Are My Little Bird when it first came out for a friend. Yet, whenever I have to work with little-bitty children, I always forget.

My job's easy now. Pick one of the songs, adjust the arrangement to work at a sports camp, and poof! - instant music lesson. I can work on rhythm, movement, acting, singing, instruments, dance, and games if I use the stuff right.

And a major plus: I don't feel like drowning myself in the lake I do on a "I want High School Musical" day. The horror....the horror...

Mitchell records accessible folk music with wit and style to spare. The melodies and singing appeal to young children, and the nuances appeal to a more mature audience.