Sadly, our beloved Ralph’s World did not win the Grammy yesterday for best children’s album, losing out to a compilation of songs from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (stiff competition). But, another favorite of mine, Marlo Thomas, did walk away with the prize for “Thanks and Giving All Year Long”, her worthwhile (and long-awaited) follow-up to the venerable 1972 classic, “Free to Be, You and Me.”
My first reaction to “Thanks and Giving” was slightly lukewarm, but my eldest daughter loved it and after repeated exposure, I found myself falling for the ebullient melodies and insightful stories. Now, my daughter is onto other things (like Van Morrison), but I find myself looking foward to the occasions when she does request this album. As with her previous projects, Marlo Thomas has attracted an impressive A-list celebrity lineup, including Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Billy Crystal, Rosie Perez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Hillary Duff and Kermit the Frog, all of whom audibly enjoyed their participation in this project. Our favorite tracks are Jimmy Buffet’s twangy “Attitude of Gratitude” and “Josie’s First Allowance Day”, a plucky story read with inimitable sass by Rosie Perez.
