In this touching, poetic story set by the seaside, Old Man Tom teaches Sophie and Emilio the importance of seeing the world through their hearts. Presenting children with profound messages about friendship and gifts as well as old age and continuity, the book and accompanying CD offers a heartwarming perspective for the whole family. In addition to a production of the narrated story, the CD includes nine songs ranging from "A Friend That I Like" and "It's in the Nature of Things" to "I Have a Nest Full" and "The Old Man's House."

This vibrant, engaging assortment offers children an entertaining introduction to the French language. From stories of friendship, family, discovery, and self-esteem to silly, snappy songs of one-of-a-kind barnyard animals, lullabies, and segments of classical music, children tune in to a variety of musical styles and multicultural experiences. The accompanying CDs provide children an opportunity to hear the pronunciation of the words and sing along as they learn the language. Young Leo sets off to discover the world--the five peninsulas near his seaside home. His mother approves, knowing Leo will finally meet the eccentric friends of his father who disappeared at sea. After all Leo's old enough to be "the captain of his own boat" as the song he likes to sing goes. In addition to featuring a production of the narrated story, the accompanying CD presents 11 tunes ranging from "Faire un bateau" (Making a Boat) and "La vie de matelot" (The Life of a Sailor) to "Larguer les amarres" (Cast Off) sung by noted French and Canadian singers such as Robert Charlebois and Diane Dufresne.

This vibrant, engaging assortment offers children an entertaining introduction to the French language. From stories of friendship, family, discovery, and self-esteem to silly, snappy songs of one-of-a-kind barnyard animals, lullabies, and segments of classical music, children tune in to a variety of musical styles and multicultural experiences. The accompanying CDs provide children an opportunity to hear the pronunciation of the words and sing along as they learn the language. The lush, color-washed line drawings in the book focus on the whimsical title-song "Comptine en mode zen" (Nursery Rhyme in Zen Mode) that tells the tale of an improbable group of musicians who come together to play their instruments in old Kyoto. The curious cast includes cane-wielding Joe from Cajun land, his kimono-clad Japanese wife, their Spanish friends, a little boy with a high-pitched voice, and a Buddhist monk. Sixteen additional songs on the accompanying CD introduce zany-crazy characters such as the old lady who snorts like a hog in "La mere a Maillard" (Maillard's Mother) and a rooster who serves eggs for breakfast in "Les quatre oeufs" (The Four Eggs).