by Paula Carino
Like Putumayo's previous kid-oriented compilations, this 2009 release gathers a set of light-hearted, multilingual, international songs, united on this outing by the theme of food. Among the fun offerings on this musical cornucopia are a reggae paean to cherries, a jazzy American ode to shoo-fly pie, a Cuban salute to yummy arroz con pollo, and a swinging Canadian invitation to bake cookies. The track list surprises, as the countries of origin do not always produce the expected genre -- a German song about milk is a spirited reggae-ish number by kid band Donikkl, and the Australian song celebrating tomatoes is an upbeat soca-influenced ditty by Bomba. The simple, happy tunes on this collection will appeal to kids without annoying their parents.