The I Can't Sing Book

May 1, 1999
Silberg presents a variety of songs, action rhymes, clapping games, and activities, each labeled for age appropriateness and educational value. She clearly loves her subject and tries to communicate the ways that music can enrich the lives of children and parents. However, her unflagging attention to each activity's educational value results in the repetition of many self-evident phrases, such as "develops listening skills." Contrary to the title, this is not a how-to on singing. Instead, it offers many wonderful suggestions for music activities that will probably appeal more to adults who already feel comfortable using music in their programming. For the uninitiated, many of the suggestions that are no doubt accessible when demonstrated in the author's workshops are a bit flat on the written page. The lack of resources, such as a list of music recordings, is an additional problem.-Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY

Copyright 1999 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.