School Library Journal – February 2008
Young Masters (Series). 3 CDs. approx. 23 min. ea. with hardcover books. Dream a World. 2007. $13.95 ea. Includes: Young Masters: The Friendship Seed (ISBN 978-00-9721478-6-6); Young Masters: The Magic Eye (ISBN 978-0-9721478-7-3); Young Masters: The Hidden Treasure (ISBN 978-0-9721478-8-0)
PreS–Written by Grammy Award-winner Bunny Hull, these three feel-good stories and 10 songs will be welcomed by teachers and librarians to help teach character development to young children. Each CD opens with the same theme song, “Over the Sky and Under the Moon,” setting the tone for the story. Each tale features three songs performed by Hull. The artwork was created by Kye Fleming via AppleWorks. In The Friendship Seed, Butaan teaches Phylos the importance of making and keeping friends. Among the songs are “All You Have to Do Is Be a Friend” and “Circle of Friendship.” The Magic Eye encourages using one’s imagination, and includes the song “Circle of Creation”, among others. In The Hidden Treasure, Phylos learns that giving to others makes you feel good. Among the songs are “Doesn’t It Make You Feel Good” and “Every Day Is a Gift.” Actress Elayn J. Taylor reads the stories, with and without page-turn cues, with the calm and tenderness each tale deserves. The simple line drawings are filled in with a limited color palette, mirroring the simplicity of the tales. Hull performs all the songs to perfection. These are all treasures to share.
–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH
John Wood – Kidzmusic.com - December 2007
Young Masters – The Little Wisdom Series, Bunny Hull & Friends, Dream A World, 2007; CD & Books $13.95 each.
Grammy Award winner, Bunny Hull has released a terrific series of books with CDs called Young Masters – The Little Wisdom Series. Each book follows the musings of best friends Butaan and Phylos as they share and learn life lessons through story and song. The books are well-written by Hull, illustrated whimsically by Kye Fleming and superbly read by actress Elayn J. Taylor. The Hidden Treasure’s message is the importance of giving and being thankful; The Magic Eye reveals the joy and wonder of the imagination; and The Friendship Seed discusses friends and how friendships grow and blossom. Each book is accompanied by a CD with exceptional songs that support the story’s message and the performed story with music and page turns. Hull’s world music songwriting prowess is in full-swing on the 17-song Secrets of the Heart CD – a positive and uplifting celebration of love, connection and the world around us. The performances are tip-top, the production is stellar and the messages are timeless. Nicely done!
Amazon - December 2007
Young Masters – The Little Wisdom Series, Bunny Hull & Friends, Dream A World, 2007; CD & Books $13.95 each.
Bunny Hull has created a very important work for children, and for parents and educators looking to involve children with inner exploration and self-discovery. In a world where frenzy, noise and the storming of the senses have been too much the rule, Hull’s Young Masters Little Wisdom Series brings thoughtfulness, peace and loving friendship to the celebration of childhood. With a little help from her friends, including illustrator Kye Fleming, actress Elayn J. Taylor, flutist Diane Hsu, and a cast of talented musicians and singers, Hull creates a way for even the youngest child to discover the true treasures of life. Each 28-page picture book/early reader comes to life with beautifully scored text keyed to pages on each accompanying CD and is skillfully bolstered with Hull’s Grammy award winning songwriting. This Little Wisdom book series is indeed chocked full of valuable wisdom for kids…and a godsend to anyone interested in evolving an aware child.
Arthur Vergara – Editor In Chief – DeVorss & Company
Editor, Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East
