Reviews

The Worldchanging Network Attention Grant — Initiatives such as the Ask the Planet CD do more than just connect children to nature through music. By alerting children to the fact that an ecologically diverse planet may help us develop more sustainable technologies and a stronger economy (through capitalising on all the things we can learn from nature), we are nourishing the idea that fostering the world's ecosystems = profit, and perhaps more importantly, inviting those who are set to inherit this Earth to become involved with finding solutions to the environmental, economic, political and moral dilemmas of our time. >Read the full endorsement of Ask the Planet and also The Biomimicry Insititute's project AskNature.org

Neil Harvey, Host and Senior producer, Bioneers Radio Show — Ask the Planet is such a beautiful, beautiful thing. I was just listening to it moments ago and I was crying! It is just fabulous. What a great thing. Amy Martin's song writing and her direction of the children's choir, and children soloists... so moving and inspiring! My favorite album of the year.

Parents' Choice Award Winner – Ask the Planet opens with the rave up "Get Out (side)" in which skilled adult musicians back the strong and joyful voices of the Missoula Coyote (children's) Choir. The equally ebullient "I Want to Be Like a Tree," features the lead vocals of project songwriter Amy Martin. Other highlights include the jazzy little title track, which spells out the many lessons that animals, insects and plants can teach humans; "Keep it Cool," a timely ballad about the dangers of global warming, and the rambunctiously rhythmic "School of the Wild," featuring guest vocals by Bill Sims Jr. and Laura Love. Read the full review from Parents' Choice.

Ranger Rick Magazine – A new CD called "Ask the Planet" has lots of fun songs about biomimicry and nature. Read more on What's New?

TDMonthly – This CD is a work of art — extremely well thought-out and put together. Read the full TDMonthly review.

iParenting Media reviewers –

• This is a great way to teach children about protecting our environment through music and dance. It addresses many different things that we can do to help out and children will pick up on this by having fun and singing along.
• The variety of music style and orchestration quickly captured the attention of our daughters. I commend the producers for design and purpose of the album: "to reconnect children with nature, create a sense of awe for the environment and teach them about the concept of biomimicry." The artwork included in the CD jacket is such that it too captures your attention and begins to engage the potential listener even before the CD is played. I just thought that this CD had wonderful beats that fluctuated between lazy, laidback lullaby to "School of the Wild" with it's animal sounds, and wild drumbeats. The tenor reminds me of "Rock Lobster" from the 80's by the 82's. The lyrics were informative and thought provoking that actually "went" with the music. You did not feel that the artists forced environmental lyrics to the music just to get a point across. The children were integrated perfectly into the CD without ruining the integrity of the songs themselves. The children sounded natural. It is very rare to find music that I enjoy as much as the children that carries a message in a way that "does not beat you over the head". I also always love when the lyrics are included along with the CD so that the kids can follow along. The lead singer sounds very similar to the lead singer of The Cranberries. The questions and animal answers that were on the jacket were pretty cool as well. It gave some thought provoking ideas to further explore on the internet. Loved the CD-a keeper.

Common Sense Media – "These seventeen earnest songs are environmentally conscious, family friendly, and a whole lot of fun." Read the full review.

School Library Journal – A musical celebration of nature's genius and biomimicry (man imitating nature to solve human problems), these 16 new-age slanted songs were written and composed by Amy Martin. A variety of musical styles are employed including rock, Western, folk, blues, and a cappella. Bill Harley and Ani DiFranco are guest artists on a couple of songs. The primary vocals on most pieces are performed by the Missoula Coyote Choir, a children's group. The youngsters are enthusiastic, but sing flat on several songs. "The Great TV Rebellion," the best song, is a rollicking Western tune in which kids turn off the TV and go outside. "School of the Wild," another outstanding piece, is accompanied by jungle drums and animal sound effects. Among the other songs are "Be Like a Tree," "Keep Our Cool" (global warming), and "What's Biomimicry." An acceptable choice for school and public libraries.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX