AWARDS AND GRANTS
Patty Zeitlin (Bullfrog Ballades)
FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC AWARD
From Peter Yarrow for the “S.W.A.P. song, as one of the winners of
the twelve most gifted songwriters of acoustic music.
WOODY GUTHRIE FESTIVAL AWARD
First Place for For “All the Things I Can’t Throw Out”. (Written
With Gary Baran.)
WILLIAM A. OLIVER AWARD
First Place for “Ballade of the Great Bullfrog”
MUSIC CITY COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD
Honorable Mention for lyrics; “Life Had Other Things in Mind”.
MIDWEST POETRY REVIEW, First Place prize and publication in the review of
the poem, “Grandpa’s Moon".
CALIFORNIA STATE ARTS COMMISSION GRANT for songs
about endangered animals, forests, and bodies of water.
WASHINGTON STATE ARTS COMMISSION GRANT
To attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator’s
Conference
From Peter Yarrow for the “S.W.A.P. song, as one of the winners of
the twelve most gifted songwriters of acoustic music.
WOODY GUTHRIE FESTIVAL AWARD
First Place for For “All the Things I Can’t Throw Out”. (Written
With Gary Baran.)
WILLIAM A. OLIVER AWARD
First Place for “Ballade of the Great Bullfrog”
MUSIC CITY COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD
Honorable Mention for lyrics; “Life Had Other Things in Mind”.
MIDWEST POETRY REVIEW, First Place prize and publication in the review of
the poem, “Grandpa’s Moon".
CALIFORNIA STATE ARTS COMMISSION GRANT for songs
about endangered animals, forests, and bodies of water.
WASHINGTON STATE ARTS COMMISSION GRANT
To attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator’s
Conference
REVIEWS OF BOOKS AND RECORDINGS
Malvina Reynolds, composer of “Little Boxes”, and “Turn Around”, and
other hits of the 60’s and 70’s wrote about Spin, Spider Spin.
“This new album is delightful. Whereas many people tend to talk down to youngsters, this is quality poetry and music that understands the potential of children’s intelligence, and taste.” And, about Won’t You Be My Friend? “A marvelous record. It should be in every home, kindergarten and nursery school. It’s the single best recording I know of dealing with children’s emotions on a preschool level, although older children will delight in it, as well.”
Mister Rogers (forward to A Song Is A Rainbow)
“Patty’s work provides nourishment and encouragement for the task of growth and development by helping the child to discover, through song and movement, the strength that lies within each person. It helps children express their own thoughts and feelings, through song.”
Dr. Thomas Gordon,
President of Parent Effectiveness Training
“I played Won’t You Be My Friend? for our six year old, Michelle. I said nothing but ‘Here’s a record for children somebody sent me and I’m giving it to you to play.’ To my amazement, she played it repeatedly for about five days, during which time she memorized both the words and tunes to a number of the segments. So whatever ingredients you put into this recording certainly did capture her attention and interest.“
New Yorker Magazine
Review of Everybody Cries, Sometimes and Won’t You be My Friend?
“The music is very easy to listen to over and over for most of an afternoon, which is the kind of thing you have to be prepared for, when children really like a recording. These songs are far different from children’s songs which pretend that nobody ever gets scared or wants to knock somebody around.”
New Ways News
Review of Won’t You Be My Friend?
“Marcia Berman and Patty Zeitlin believe (and rightly so) that children enjoy more sophisticated music than they’re ‘supposed to’. They’ve used calypso, rock, country and folk styles (as accompaniments). These songs were written to help a child discover he is not alone with feelings of being little, afraid, angry or sad. Self-acceptance as well as acceptable ways to express feelings can be acted out while listening to this record. The songs encourage the child to value his or her uniqueness and independence as well as learn the satisfaction gained through give and take and living with others. I’m glad to see that Patty and Marcia deal openly and helpfully with the whole range of feelings…all these things that happen in real life.”
Sing Out Magazine, Dick Lourie
“Now, (these are) the albums I believe show respect for children; the first is called Everybody Cries, Sometimes. Musically, the album is together and joyful to listen to. And is emotionally together, also. These people know young children, know it’s more important to sing about the scary things you might find in your room or about liking yourself, than to sing about how nice it is to put litter in the wastebasket.”
Paradiddles, Music/Arts Newsletter
Miss Zeitlin is one of America’s most sensitive children’s composers. We recommend exploring any title with which she is associated. She continues to produce excellent recordings with other outstanding children’s artists such as Marcia Berman and Ann Barlin.
Ronnie Gilbert, recording artist
Sang with The Weavers (Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman and Eric Darling.) about My Mommy is A Doctor
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the lovely collection of songs John passed along to me from you. Your songs struck me as instructional, but not at all patronizing, and very much fun musically, too. I think it’s terrific album, really. Are you still writing children’s songs? You should, I think.“
Lyons Teacher News, Joyce Taylor, Preschool, Primary Consultant, Bainbridge Island, Washington
I’m Not Small… “Would you like to hear the newest and best record out for little children? This is it! There are five easy circle games on side one and five sleepy-time lullabies on the other. The games are simple to play, backed by American country music. You’ll find that your class will enjoy the rhythms and learn the games quickly. The flip side offers five good quiet-time lullabies…a boon for daycare centers at naptime.”
Parent’s Magazine
I’m Not Small…This album is geared just right for preschool and kindergarten children. One side deals sensitively and humorously with children’s interests and concerns. The other is quieting and includes gentle songs with imaginative story lines to help the listener relax. Most songs include enough repetition for satisfying sing-along and movement.
Heartsong Review, Michael F. Thompson
My Mommy is a Doctor…”A refreshingly creative and positive album of songs about equal role occupations. These fun, upbeat songs, beautifully sung in a variety of styles, also describe working adults as more than what they do at their jobs, reminding kids that these workers are also moms, dads, and single people that have families and homes. ‘I Hope I Can Still Be Me’, expresses the hope that we won’t lose the child within when we grow up. We recommend this album.”
Virginia Kirkus Service
Castle in My City…This refreshing, thoroughly enjoyable collection of original songs could easily be used for preschoolers through second graders. The melodies are catch and folksy and the lyrics light and often whimsical.”
Los Angeles Times, by author and reviewer, Mark Taylor
“Singing the praises of Patty Zeitlin’s Castle in My City is the most appropriate way to describe this enthusiastic recognition of her talents. This is a book of original songs for young children. Each song is a gem-like expression in mood and freshness, in melody and lyric of the simple, joyful, thoughtful, exuberant feelings and many interests and wonderings of small children.”
Library Journal, Mary Ann Wentwroth, Oklahoma Dept of Libraries
Castle in My City…“Parents and teachers will welcome this collection of original songs. Using words as children themselves might, the songs are about things important in a child’s world…trains, horses, cats, worms, housecleaning, rain, and wind. The simple melodies are in a range most comfortable for young children’s voices and make use of rhythms with interesting variety.”
Instructor Magazine, Charline Andolina, Director, Pittsburg Preschool
Castle in My City…”The lilt and gaiety of both words and music were instantly appealing to our little children. The title song refers to the Watts Towers Art Center where the children, under the skilled leadership of Lucille Krasne, were inspired to produce the colorful impressionistic drawings, which add to the charm of the book.”
Journal of Young Children, Eleanor G. Lewis, Massachusetts Bay Community College
“A Song is a Rainbow will be a valuable addition to a teacher of young children’s library. It is neither a typical textbook of musical experiences for children nor a simple collection of children’s songs with ways to present them. tucked in among the ideas about music are sound principles of interactions between teacher and child, ways to be non-threatening, methods of being supportive without being intrusive and above all, practical ways to enhance creativity in young children.
This book can do much to dispel the terror (teachers feel) about music because it presents the subject with a kind of relaxed joyousness. I would recommend that this text take a place near the more traditional textbooks to create a well-balanced music methodology resource for any teacher interested in developing a fine and creative musical program.”
Folkscene Magazine, by Dan Çrow
“A Song is a Rainbow is an absolute must for anyone interested in such varied subjects as music and self esteem, music and science, music and creativity, and music and imagination. Technically, it may be considered a textbook; however, it is written in such and interesting, inspired and conversational style that it presents important learning material in an easy to understand way. This book is a rainbow: a radiant spectrum of joy, music and learning.”
Pam, Elementary school music teacher, 2009
"Five stars for Everybody Cries, Sometimes, on Amazon reviews. “This CD is wonderful for early elementary age children. I use it in my kindergarten, first, and second grade music classrooms. The music is sensitive, lovely at times and active and dance at others. The lyrics address issues children face in getting along with themselves and others. The children and I both think it’s a great find.”
other hits of the 60’s and 70’s wrote about Spin, Spider Spin.
“This new album is delightful. Whereas many people tend to talk down to youngsters, this is quality poetry and music that understands the potential of children’s intelligence, and taste.” And, about Won’t You Be My Friend? “A marvelous record. It should be in every home, kindergarten and nursery school. It’s the single best recording I know of dealing with children’s emotions on a preschool level, although older children will delight in it, as well.”
Mister Rogers (forward to A Song Is A Rainbow)
“Patty’s work provides nourishment and encouragement for the task of growth and development by helping the child to discover, through song and movement, the strength that lies within each person. It helps children express their own thoughts and feelings, through song.”
Dr. Thomas Gordon,
President of Parent Effectiveness Training
“I played Won’t You Be My Friend? for our six year old, Michelle. I said nothing but ‘Here’s a record for children somebody sent me and I’m giving it to you to play.’ To my amazement, she played it repeatedly for about five days, during which time she memorized both the words and tunes to a number of the segments. So whatever ingredients you put into this recording certainly did capture her attention and interest.“
New Yorker Magazine
Review of Everybody Cries, Sometimes and Won’t You be My Friend?
“The music is very easy to listen to over and over for most of an afternoon, which is the kind of thing you have to be prepared for, when children really like a recording. These songs are far different from children’s songs which pretend that nobody ever gets scared or wants to knock somebody around.”
New Ways News
Review of Won’t You Be My Friend?
“Marcia Berman and Patty Zeitlin believe (and rightly so) that children enjoy more sophisticated music than they’re ‘supposed to’. They’ve used calypso, rock, country and folk styles (as accompaniments). These songs were written to help a child discover he is not alone with feelings of being little, afraid, angry or sad. Self-acceptance as well as acceptable ways to express feelings can be acted out while listening to this record. The songs encourage the child to value his or her uniqueness and independence as well as learn the satisfaction gained through give and take and living with others. I’m glad to see that Patty and Marcia deal openly and helpfully with the whole range of feelings…all these things that happen in real life.”
Sing Out Magazine, Dick Lourie
“Now, (these are) the albums I believe show respect for children; the first is called Everybody Cries, Sometimes. Musically, the album is together and joyful to listen to. And is emotionally together, also. These people know young children, know it’s more important to sing about the scary things you might find in your room or about liking yourself, than to sing about how nice it is to put litter in the wastebasket.”
Paradiddles, Music/Arts Newsletter
Miss Zeitlin is one of America’s most sensitive children’s composers. We recommend exploring any title with which she is associated. She continues to produce excellent recordings with other outstanding children’s artists such as Marcia Berman and Ann Barlin.
Ronnie Gilbert, recording artist
Sang with The Weavers (Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman and Eric Darling.) about My Mommy is A Doctor
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the lovely collection of songs John passed along to me from you. Your songs struck me as instructional, but not at all patronizing, and very much fun musically, too. I think it’s terrific album, really. Are you still writing children’s songs? You should, I think.“
Lyons Teacher News, Joyce Taylor, Preschool, Primary Consultant, Bainbridge Island, Washington
I’m Not Small… “Would you like to hear the newest and best record out for little children? This is it! There are five easy circle games on side one and five sleepy-time lullabies on the other. The games are simple to play, backed by American country music. You’ll find that your class will enjoy the rhythms and learn the games quickly. The flip side offers five good quiet-time lullabies…a boon for daycare centers at naptime.”
Parent’s Magazine
I’m Not Small…This album is geared just right for preschool and kindergarten children. One side deals sensitively and humorously with children’s interests and concerns. The other is quieting and includes gentle songs with imaginative story lines to help the listener relax. Most songs include enough repetition for satisfying sing-along and movement.
Heartsong Review, Michael F. Thompson
My Mommy is a Doctor…”A refreshingly creative and positive album of songs about equal role occupations. These fun, upbeat songs, beautifully sung in a variety of styles, also describe working adults as more than what they do at their jobs, reminding kids that these workers are also moms, dads, and single people that have families and homes. ‘I Hope I Can Still Be Me’, expresses the hope that we won’t lose the child within when we grow up. We recommend this album.”
Virginia Kirkus Service
Castle in My City…This refreshing, thoroughly enjoyable collection of original songs could easily be used for preschoolers through second graders. The melodies are catch and folksy and the lyrics light and often whimsical.”
Los Angeles Times, by author and reviewer, Mark Taylor
“Singing the praises of Patty Zeitlin’s Castle in My City is the most appropriate way to describe this enthusiastic recognition of her talents. This is a book of original songs for young children. Each song is a gem-like expression in mood and freshness, in melody and lyric of the simple, joyful, thoughtful, exuberant feelings and many interests and wonderings of small children.”
Library Journal, Mary Ann Wentwroth, Oklahoma Dept of Libraries
Castle in My City…“Parents and teachers will welcome this collection of original songs. Using words as children themselves might, the songs are about things important in a child’s world…trains, horses, cats, worms, housecleaning, rain, and wind. The simple melodies are in a range most comfortable for young children’s voices and make use of rhythms with interesting variety.”
Instructor Magazine, Charline Andolina, Director, Pittsburg Preschool
Castle in My City…”The lilt and gaiety of both words and music were instantly appealing to our little children. The title song refers to the Watts Towers Art Center where the children, under the skilled leadership of Lucille Krasne, were inspired to produce the colorful impressionistic drawings, which add to the charm of the book.”
Journal of Young Children, Eleanor G. Lewis, Massachusetts Bay Community College
“A Song is a Rainbow will be a valuable addition to a teacher of young children’s library. It is neither a typical textbook of musical experiences for children nor a simple collection of children’s songs with ways to present them. tucked in among the ideas about music are sound principles of interactions between teacher and child, ways to be non-threatening, methods of being supportive without being intrusive and above all, practical ways to enhance creativity in young children.
This book can do much to dispel the terror (teachers feel) about music because it presents the subject with a kind of relaxed joyousness. I would recommend that this text take a place near the more traditional textbooks to create a well-balanced music methodology resource for any teacher interested in developing a fine and creative musical program.”
Folkscene Magazine, by Dan Çrow
“A Song is a Rainbow is an absolute must for anyone interested in such varied subjects as music and self esteem, music and science, music and creativity, and music and imagination. Technically, it may be considered a textbook; however, it is written in such and interesting, inspired and conversational style that it presents important learning material in an easy to understand way. This book is a rainbow: a radiant spectrum of joy, music and learning.”
Pam, Elementary school music teacher, 2009
"Five stars for Everybody Cries, Sometimes, on Amazon reviews. “This CD is wonderful for early elementary age children. I use it in my kindergarten, first, and second grade music classrooms. The music is sensitive, lovely at times and active and dance at others. The lyrics address issues children face in getting along with themselves and others. The children and I both think it’s a great find.”