Every night since I got pregnant with my first, we’ve read to him.  When I was pregnant, Ryan would rub cocoa butter on my tummy and read him “Goodnight Moon” (I know, he’s awesome).  Since his birth, we alternate putting him to bed at night but one thing remains consistent, he always gets a book.

Whatever books we read, he always memorizes them after a few readings.  The books, while we love them all, can get monotonous.  That’s why I could hardly contain my excitement when I was given A Duck In New York City, Dream Songs and Night Songs-from Belgium to Brazil and Down At The Sea Hotel to review.

The Secret Mountain describes itself as “The Secret Mountain is dedicated to the creation of children’s books, videos and audio recordings of the highest quality. Our main focus is to produce and publish stories and music that encompass the talents of songwriters, storytellers, singers, illustrators and animation artists alike.”

Each of the three books received comes with a CD tucked in the back, as illustrated by the picture at the top of this post.  Inside, you’ll find a vibrantly illustrated, creatively written story to read to your child and a music CD that was designed to go with the story.

It’s gotten to where I put the Cd’s in for nap time, because I messed up when he was a baby and used to nap with him, so now he can’t fall asleep without me in the bed.  Now that he’s almost 4, he’s trying to phase naps out but I’m doing my hardest to keep them going, especially since my 8 month old is such a great napper (I learned my lesson).  Since I’ve started putting one of these Cd’s in, Jake is sound asleep by the second song and he doesn’t hear me sneaking out to come play on the computer!

Each book is so completely different, I’m going to take a second to highlight each one.  Granted, I’ve only had the opportunity to read 3 from the series of the 9 books available in English.  There are 24 books available in all, but most are in French.

I have to tell you, this book reminds me of the recent political campaign-”Yes I can!”.  A Duck in New York City is about a little duck with big dreams.  Follow his journey across the continent to be a star on Broadway, he meets a friendly truck driver to help him find his way.  Along with the beautiful illustrations you’ll find a 12 track CD with adorable songs.  The first track is naturally the same title as the book, but  you’ll hear other colorful bedtime songs like, “Belly Button”, “The Alligator Waltz” and “Laundry Bag”.  Check out their page to hear a few of the songs on the album and read up a bit more on this book.

The day I got these books in the mail, Jake was at school and I was home with Josh.  I immediately put this CD in and he was out COLD in just minutes! The book itself is about an “imaginary ourney to unknown lands”, and the CD features 13 songs in various languages from around the world.  In the 36 page book, you’ll be able to read the original lyrics, as well as song translations in English, Spanish and French.

Okay, I’m truly saving my favorite for last.  I ADORE this book.  Down at the Sea Hotel is the title track on the CD, and you can listen to the song and sing along with your child as you look at pictures throughout the book.  Again, as in  each book, you can find the written lyrics in the last pages of the book.  I am so super psyched (yes, I said psyched) about the artists on this album that I’m going to list them all here:

• Down at the Sea Hotel (all artists / Greg Brown)
• Midnight Lullaby (Guy Davis / Tom Waits)
• Dreamland (Lucy Kaplansky / Mary Chapin Carpenter)
• Barefoot Floors (The Wailin’ Jennys / Neil Young)
• Midnight in Missoula (Eliza Gilkyson / Nanci Griffith)
• Do La Lay (John Gorka / Jesse Winchester)
• Little Seahorse (Lynn Miles / Bruce Cockburn)
• Goodnight, My Angel (Lucy Kaplansky / Billy Joel)
• Annabel (Guy Davis / Don Henley)
• Trick Rider (The Wailin’ Jennys / Gord Downie)
• Everybody Cries (Lynn Miles / Jim Cuddy)
• Child of Mine (Eliza Gilkyson / Carole King)
• Things We’ve Handed Down (John Gorka / Marc Cohn)
• Nothing but a Child (all artists / Steve Earle)

DADDY DID YOU SEE THAT?  DON HENLEY!!!  That’s right.  I’m an Eagle’s fan.  My father is their number one fan.  When I saw all the songs and their fabulous writers I was happy enough, but to see that Don Henley himself took part in this album I knew it’d be a hit!  Dad, I’ll have to get you a copy to this song.  I’ve actually had to put a CD player in Jake’s room because he now refuses to go to go to sleep without it.

So that’s my review.  I obviously adore these books.  I’m so glad to have the unique storytelling they provide.  Since Jake memorizes every book he reads, I’m even happier that he’s memorizing song lyrics as well, and we can sing along together.  In fact, it’s just after 2 pm and it’s about nap time.  I’ll be putting Josh in his crib and Jake in his bed.  I’ll still have to lay with him for a few moments since I started that horrible habit so many years ago, but I’m so excited to lay with him and read these books and fall asleep to these songs!