Here’s the demo track of Mister Bug recorded today with Andy Rapo. It’s a bit rough, but not bad considering how quickly we did it. Andy is a whiz in the home studio and has a pretty nice set up. That’s me singing and playing ukulele (in case you were wondering).
Mister Bug started out as a poem (trivia – my first rhyming poem) based on a comment from my three-and-half-foot muse about a bug he saw on the ceiling. After some great comments from my crit group, I expanded it to fit a picture book format. Then, last year I started thinking about song writing and this version kind of came together.
I still think it’s got pretty good picture book potential *cough* agents, editors *cough*
I “debuted” it in January at my first VCFA residency by coercing a room full of children’s writers to sing along on the chorus. It didn’t take a whole lot of arm-twisting, they’re a game bunch. Now this version is going out to a local songwriting contest, and I’m living the not-quite-a-Wiggle-dream.
I wonder if Laurie Berkner would like it?
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That is awesome, Jim! Move over Pete the Cat! The tune is really catchy and cute.
Thanks, Catherine. Maybe Mister Bug and Peter the Cat can be shelf-buddies.
Too fun! And such talent on the ukelele. (My 17-y.o. son plays, too.) If you do make it to a Highlights Founders workshop, well, let’s just say that outside and sometimes inside the quaint, charming cabins, you’ll have some more inspiration like this… ;0)
Sometimes I think rustic is an anagram of insect. Might as well be, right?
Glad you liked the song. I’m sure your son is better on the uke than I am. This was dead-simple to overcome my limitations!
That is really great. Like the words and the tune. You might have Isaac sing the chorus?
I’d love to get a whole bunch of kids singing the chorus. That might happen this summer, if I play my cards right.
I loved it Jim! Wishing you great luck with it. Did not know you played a ukelele! Amazing family.
Nicely done. My alter-ego and I approve. Uke are the best. Now all we need is an acrostic uke tune (now that we have determined what is acrostic). Or acrostic haiku?
Universal love
Kinesthetic happiness
Everybody smile
Nicely done!
Dear Jim,
Fabulous! I will forward it to Courtney so Annabelle can hear it. I hope that you and Isaac can get together with her and Annabelle when they visit in late June and early July. There is a great market for kids’
songs. So keep writing them.
With love,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. I’ve been writing a lot of kids poetry. Setting them to music is new, but I like it.
I think Isaac and Annabelle might make quite the dynamic duo.
I hope your friendship never ends, too, Jim, and that Mr Bug continues to bring you much fun – and now music too!
Well you know, the #MoP don’t stop! If it wasn’t for your Twitter event I may not have started writing poetry again. Who knew it would lead to things like this?
Finally opened up the laptop so I could listen. (Couldn’t play it on my phone.) It was well worth the wait! Great song, fun lyrics and great sound. The poem will resonate with kids. Last week on the playground a group of children spent their recess saving an egg bearing spider from the likes of the squashers. I know they would love this song.
Thanks, Lynda! Now there’s an idea – the struggle between the squashers and the savers. Hmmmmm…
Thought of you today as a spider sped across the floor and into the safety of the morass under my desk. Put my foot gently back down on the floor.
My son made wouldn’t get in the car this morning until I shooed away a bug on the tire because it reminded him of Mister Bug.
I’ve created a nation of insect activists!
Jim,
This is great!! Just sent the link to my sister-in-law. Told her to share it with my nephew Smith who is 7 yrs old!
Thanks, Annie! Hope Smith likes it. I’m not responsible for any bugs brought into the house though!
Hey Jim Hill!
Figured I should sign up!
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