Representing the best of our American heritage, this collection of uplifting, meditative, and feetstomping folk songs is a gift children of all ages will never forget—the melodies are so strong they are sure to last a lifetime!

These folk songs, handpicked by renowned conductor and composer Alice Parker, are tunes every child should know because they create a solid foundation for future music learning. Every folk song in this book has passed the test of time. In a world where time-honored favorites are all too often rejected for the latest fad, these songs bridge the generations.

These songs are easy to learn and wonderful to share. Children naturally will want to sing along as soon as a parent, teacher, or sibling takes the lead. We owe it to our children, our parents, and ourselves to preserve this rich musical heritage—be it at home, in a classroom, or around a campfire!

Alice Parker (1925-2023), founder of the group Melodious Accord, is a highly regarded composer, conductor, and lecturer in the field of choral folk songs, hymns, and spirituals.
James Heiksis is the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Appleton, Wisconsin Public Schools. Previously, he was associate professor of music at Goshen College, Indiana, following a thirty-year career in the Appleton, Wisconsin public schools.

Thomas B. Allen (1928–2004) wrote and illustrated more than a dozen children’s books. He also illustrated numerous album covers, including covers for musicians Earl Scruggs and Ray Charles.

Contents: All Night, All Day; Blow Ye Winds; Blue-Tail Fly; Buffalo Gals; Camptown Races; The Colorado Trail; Do, Lord, Remember Me; Down the River; Erie Canal; The Fox; Frog Went A-Courtin’; Git Along Little Dogies; Ground Hog; Ifca’s Castle; He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands; Home on the Range; The Instruments; I’ve Been Working on the Railroad; The Keeper Would A-Hunting Go; Kookaburra; Michael, Row the Boat Ashore; My Bonnie; Old Blue; Old Dan Tucker; Old Texas; Once an Austrian Went Yodeling; Sandy Land; Sarasponda; The Shanty Boys in the Pine; She’ll Be Comin ’Round the Mountain; There’s a Hole in the Middle of the Sea; This Little Light of Mine; This Ol’ Hammer; Who Built the Ark? Noah, Noah; White Coral Bells