You Are My Little Bird

Elizabeth Mitchell claps, snaps, and plucks her way through this friendly folk collection for kids. The album is an intimate affair, and harmonies from Mitchell’s family members give it a laidback, hoedown feel. The sing-along “Peace Like a River” and minimalist “Grassy Grass Grass” are especially hypnotic. Parents will be pleased to find that *You Are My Little Bird* also includes reimagined covers of Neil Young’s “Little Wing,” The Velvet Underground’s “What Goes On,” and Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”—the latter’s message of hope feels particularly poignant here.

Once in a great while we encounter an artist who stands consciously and directly in the tradition of children’s music that Folkways has carried for nearly 60 years, and Elizabeth Mitchell is one such artist. Her lovely voice brings a fresh sound to cherished American folk songs and other melodies from around the world. In a peaceful yet powerful way, she reintroduces us to the songs we thought we knew so well. This recording won a 2006 iParenting Media Award, Audio Category. 17 tracks. 34 minutes. 28-page booklet.