Stars: ****
Learning Station (2010)
Picture Book
48 pages
3-7 years old
Summary: Most North Americans know the song “Tony Chestnut.” Well this is a book version. It comes with a CD with the song and different versions of the story being read aloud. In this story, Tony Chestnut is trying to help his sister Eileen with her friendship troubles.
About the Song
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the song, the song goes as follows:
Tony Chestnut knows I love you. Tony knows. Tony knows.
Tony Chestnut knows I love you. That’s what Tony knows.
Actions:
For the actions, you touch the part of the body indicated by the words.
TO-NY (Toe-Knee)
CHEST-NUT (Chest-Head(your nut))
KNOWS – nose
I – eye
LOVE – heart
YOU – point to someone else
No one knows who created the original version but in 1997, The Learning Station released an extended version featuring the characters of Eileen, Neil, Pat, Bob, Russell and Skip which has become very well-known and is sung by kids all around the world. Lyrics to Learning Station version.
About the Story
I think the story is really cute and a great reminder of how to be a good friend. It’s a true friendship story and as a Girl Guide leader, I could easily use the story during a friendship theme. It would be perfect for Kindergarten. My girls (ages 3 and 4) love the book and although they normally aren’t fans of books on CD, they love to “read” along with the CD. Tony is a great brother and friend to his sister Eileen when she is sad about leaving her friends.
The Book About Tony Chestnut has already received 4 outstanding 2010 awards including, Disney’s iParenting Media Award of Excellence, Creative Child Magazine MEDIA OF THE YEAR, Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products for Children, and Tillywig TOP FUN.
About the CD
The accompanying CD has 5 tracks. You can hear the story read aloud by British storyteller Jeanne Bowyer with or without page turn sound, or hear the story read by Tony Chestnut himself with page turn sound. You can listen to the Tony Chestnut song and you can even hear some thought-provoking questions for interactive discussion. These are tailored to the 3-7 age group and could be used with your own children, as part of a kid book group or in a school setting.
About the Learning Station
The Learning Station is a multi-award winning children’s recording and performing company. The trio comprised of Don Monopoli, Laurie Monopoli and Jan Hrkach has combined backgrounds and degrees in early childhood education, child development and music.
Links of Interest: The Learning Station, Tony Chestnut, Tony Chestnut Training Handout (PDF),
Other Reviews: NONE YET
Buy The Book About Tony Chestnut
* I received a copy of this book for review. All reviews are honest and are not affected in any way by how I acquired the book.
About Kathleen
