Ted, Ted, Ted

The Children’s Music Network is building up a list of kids’ songs and books about peace on their new Peace Page. Laura and I were at the Network’s annual gathering last month up in Marin County. We went there to hear some new tunes (Laura really likes her freedom songs) and to see our friend, the absurdly capable Caroline Presnell, who coordinates the gathering. We don’t see her very often because she lives way over by Chicago. All day we wandered around this old farm turned conference center while music teachers and songwriters hung out in little groups with their tape recorders on the ground in front of them, trading material. Ella Jenkins was there to pick up a lifetime achievement award, and in lieu of an acceptance speech she had all the kids come up to the mike and sing a song. Laura had no problem singing it because the song was Malvina Reynolds’ “Magic Penny,” which has been used in the birthday celebrations at Playmates Preschool for many years: “Love is something; if you give it away, you end up having more.”Anyway, you should look at the Peace Page and let them know if they have left anything out.