[.ca] My Best Friend Is A Salamander

From Amazon.com:
Peter Himmelman is better known for his introspective songwriting than for his sense of humor, but on My Best Friend Is a Salamander he makes deft use of both. A children's album that never talks down to its intended audience, it takes its cues from Carole King's classic Really Rosie and Randy Newman's Toy Story and Babe: Pig in the City endeavors. Working with a veteran band gives the songs a timeless feel and the messages imparted are much the same: "You shouldn't judge a friend by how he looks or what he eats," Himmelman sings in the title song (even if he eats a grasshopper foot and a roasted fly); "A rock is a mountain to a bee... but you'll always be you to me," he reassures. There's also a story about alien visitors ("Little Space Guy"), the world's smallest vocal horse ("Bucky the Talkin' Miniature Horse," only two feet tall), and the travels of "An Ant Named Jane" (who "found herself on a Miami-bound air-o-plane"). It's a delightful album for parents and children, and one that neither will tire of anytime soon. --Randy Silver

You need a Salamander in your CD collection!:
This CD is lighthearted, intelligent fun for the entire family. A great listen for all ages, there's something for everyone here. My daughter (4-1/2) has consistently requested it over the past 3+ years. (Pete, hate to break it to you but you come in right after Raffi and Hap Palmer in her top 5!) There's even more here for older kids, who'll appreciate the silly and imaginative tales of such characters as Larry, Bucky the Talking Horse, and the Little Space Guy. The many voices of Peter Himmelman will dazzle and delight young and old--he is a true genius and I can only hope this won't be his only album for kids. This is worlds away from the usual--you and the kids should be able to enjoy this one for many years to come. This relatively undiscovered treasure also makes a great gift. Enjoy!

• You'll Always Be You to Me
• My Best Friend Is a Salamander
• Picnic at the Zoo
• Melvin McBrickle
• Little Space Guys
• Larry's a Sunflower Now
• Language Lesson With Mr. Schnibelstein
• Tantrum
• Bucky the Talking Miniature Horse
• Little Bitty Baby
• Ant Named Jane
• Magic When You Come My Way