The Book
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Rudolph, Frosty, And Captain Kangaroo: The Musical Life of Hecky Krasnow – Producer of the World's Most Beloved Children's Songs
Childhood memories and well-researched facts are combined in this memoir by the daughter of Hecky Krasnow, the Columbia Records producer of such classic children's songs as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, "Frosty the Snowman," "The Captain Kangaroo March," "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," and "Smokey the Bear." Set against the dramatic backdrop of McCarthyism, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the birth of television and rock 'n' roll, this book explores the life of a progressive musical genius and details the fascinating children's entertainment industry, one of the biggest businesses of the mid-20th century. It is rich in never-before-told anecdotes about Hecky's work and friendships with celebrities including Gene Autry, Rosemary Clooney, Burl Ives, Art Carney, Captain Kangaroo, and Nina Simone. The book shows how television and rock 'n' roll forever altered how we view children and, therefore, what we offer them as entertainment.
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Day of the Moon Shadow offers brief, understandable and fascinating scientific explanations to a multitude of questions that people have wondered about since the beginning of humankind. Anciently, such questions were answered through stories. In this book, the scientific explanations are followed by dramatic stories based on the rituals, customs, mythology and folktales of past cultures such as the Drum People of West Africa, the Vikings, and the ancient Maya. Original songs and sheet music enhance these beautifully illustrated dramatizations. This book is a wonderful source for science classes and multicultural units and will also be enjoyed by storytellers, families and anyone else who questions the world around them.Well researched, thoroughly relevant, and a very profitable read, Day of the Moon Shadow belongs on the shelf of every elementary and middle school teacher and in the library and heart of every storyteller with a multicultural repertoire.
Michael Medley
South Coast Storytellers Guild Gazette
Work and Labor, A History in Story and Song takes its readers on a journey through the changes in work from cave dwellers through the Agricultural, Industrial and Technological Revolutions. For the earlier periods, allegories and myths suffice to describe work. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the stories become real. Most are not pleasant. “Progress” is questioned as always meaning “improvement.” Robber Barons such as Vanderbilt, Astor and Rockefeller tell their tales of ruthlessness and accomplishment, while laborers tell of their trials and tribulations working for these barons. Risking life, limb and imprisonment, they win their battles for humane working conditions led by the likes of Samuel Gompers, Mother Jones, A. Philip Randolph and John L. Lewis. As one reviewer aptly says, The author points out that the vast majority of junior and senior high school students will go on to join the work force. Yet most will carry with them no coherent picture of work and its place in society, still less of the fight of organized labor to turn work from drudgery to dignity. This book is a must for teachers and school administrators as well as their students. For, as its author clearly states, “In today's Technological, Age, work - as we have known it - is coming to an end. The lessons of history can help us to create a humanitarian future that offers an equitable and good life for all.”
Audio Recordings
Judy Gail offers audio recordings of the stories in Day of the Moon Shadow. Recordings of songs and stories on the topic of work and labor are also available. Additionally, Judy has recordings of stories and songs on other topics both for adults and for children. You may find out about these and how to order them and her books by contacting Judy Gail.