Award-Winning New CD!
Jim’s newest release, Music Play for Folks of All Stripes, was named a 2012 Notable Children's Recording by the American Library Association! This is the same organization that issues the Caldecott and Newberry Awards for books... so this is quite an honor!
The CD features 15 brand new clap-alongs, finger plays, pretend games and imaginative dances — all suitable for playrooms and family rooms as well as classrooms, libraries and symphony halls.
And, for the first time ever, a DVD featuring live-action music videos relating to selected songs is included in the package.
Listen to samples of the new songs and watch videos from the DVD by clicking on those links in the navigation area above.
Contact Jim
send Jim an email
Jim Gill, Inc.
P.O. Box 2263
Oak Park, Illinois 60303-2263
Phone
708-763-9864 (Business Hours Only CST)
Fax
866-929-5134 (Toll Free)
Purchase orders accepted. Download order form at Jim’s store.
News
A testimonial! A librarian that attended my keynote at the California Kindergarten Conference wrote a piece that gives a WONDERFUL description of the points I try to make at each presentation....and also notes that I was so energized while sharing my songs and ideas that I delivered the keynote address on my toes! If you are looking for a conference presentation for your next early childhood education or library event, be sure and read this!
A new "List of Dances" video: I've posted a video clip that contains some great footage of families playing together at one of my concerts. I think it really conveys the unique "family room" approach that I bring to these events. Families are playfully reading together as they dance together....with special accompaniment by my friend Don Stille playing the accordion!
click here to watch the segment
You can help! Lots of folks purchase my CDs and books at amazon.com. To be honest, I prefer it when folks order directly from my website (I like to know where the items end up.....and I sign every book that is ordered directly from my website!) or from one of the independently owned stores that carry my work.....but I am happy when my music and books get into folks' hands in any way. And, frankly, lots of people learn about my work through amazon. If you have a moment and would be willing to write a review on amazon for one of my books or one of my CDs I would certainly appreciate it. I've learned that these reviews (especially the 5 star reviews) really help.
Words on Play
The Habit of Happiness
I had the honor of being quoted in a recent newspaper op-ed piece that emphasized the importance of parents and children spending time playing together. Here is what I said:
"In my lectures and workshops I have spent so much time detailing how there are SO MANY developmental benefits to parents getting involved in play with their children that I fear I may have neglected to mention the most important reason of all. It's a joy! When we take time to play with our children we are sharing the habit of happiness with them. That's a habit we can hope they hold on to for the rest of their lives."
The habit of happiness. I was proud of that line! Perhaps I should use that phrase more often!
But when the piece appeared in the newspaper I started thinking......