This CD is a treasure-trove of fun, engaging traditional nursery rhymes, Mother Goose rhymes, fingerplays and children's songs in child-friendly arrangements. It provides an antidote to the overly jazzed up, hip-hopped, and over-processed music all too common in children's music today. These rhymes and songs were recorded with mostly acoustic accompaniments in a way that maintains the integrity of the originals and artfully brings out their intrinsic value - with fun sound effects. Your child will love the variety, upbeat rhythms, stories and beautiful singing. Former music teacher, Kodály music educator and International award-winning opera singer, Rufina James has seen the difference a firm foundation in rhythm, music and language arts makes to getting a good start in life. She believes, "The basis of life's learning skills begin with rhythm, rhyme and song. For the best start in life, give your child the gift of the highest quality music and rhyme." The truth is, there is nothing better than the natural rhythms and cadence of time-honored nursery rhymes - as well as the melodies, forms and structures of traditional children's songs to provide that start. Within these three elements — rhythm, music, language — lies the basis of reading, writing, math, and most importantly the relationship of each art's interconnectedness with the others. And that leads to a fuller experience of life and better learning. So the more your child can chant along, sing along and move to the beat with the rhymes the better! Rufina is joined by her husband, Ruben James, who contributes sound effects, character voices and guitar accompaniments. Also heard is Becky Firman at six years of age.