“Debbie Carroll’s latest CD Simply Beautiful is just that. It has a refreshing sound that has our whole family singing and dancing. We take great pleasure in trying to identify the different instruments, from the tuba in Jack Jingle to the bell in Sing Me To Sleep. The album has piqued our five-year old’s curiosity and imagination as he tries to figure out what is behind the door in I Shut The Door. Debbie’s new renditions of old favorites, such as Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley and Sailing have our three-year old singing along, and our nine-month old simply enjoys moving, dancing and clapping to every track. As for myself, I am having a great time learning new songs to sing to my children as we move through our day.” Lara Munro Mom of three

“It’s absolutely wonderful. The instrumentation is gorgeous… I love how different songs put the spotlight on various instruments – jaw harp, hurdy-gurdy, bells. Honestly, listening to many of the tunes made me feel like clapping my hands, or dancing around. The whole CD has such a nice feel, and a really appealing playful quality. I appreciate children’s CDs that are as enjoyable for adults as they are for children – this is made for children and grown ups to sing, play and dance together. I love it!” Angelique Davies Project Manager, Invest in Kids

“Canadian Debbie Carroll’s latest recording is true to its title.  Borrowing themes from nature and family, each song is presented professionally with accompaniment on instruments such as the mandolin, Celtic harp, fiddle, and hurdy-gurdy that enhances the pieces.  Her mature voice on the 19 tracks provides a calmness to each song.  Among the guest performers are David Francey and Sharlene Wallace.  Both traditional and original songs are included;  liner notes give a short background about the inspiration for the lyrics.  Among the action songs, fingerplays, and lullabies are “Jack Jingle,” “Which is the Way the Wind Blows?,” “Train is a-Comin’,” “Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley,” “Sailing,” and others.  The CD includes PDF files with the lyrics and actions to the songs.  AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE FOR GENERAL LISTENING AND PRESCOOL COLLECTIONS.” Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI (caps D.C.) - for the School Library Journal, October 2008

“Another wonderful collection from Debbie Carroll and her musical friends… perfect for young children and their families!” Bram of Sharon, Lois & Bram

“25 years ago musical entertainment for children was almost a Canadian industry. Streaming through the door that was opened by Raffi and blown in by Sharon, Lois and Bram came a whole procession of artists with a whole stack of accompanying record albums. They weren’t all great, but Debbie Carroll is the equal of the best of them, and continues the tradition of providing high-quality music for young children. This is her second album for Kathy Reid-Naiman’s Merriweather label, following the success of her first CD, the award-winning “Up and Over the Moon”. The 19 tracks are a delightful combination of original material and traditional action and movement songs. Carroll has a sweet, perfectly-pitched voice reminiscent of Sharon Hampson, and sings simply and without mannerism. The sixteen backing musicians include names from the earliest days of Canadian kids music, including Dennis Pendrith, Bucky Berger, and the ubiquitous Chris and Ken Whiteley, the latter playing just about every instrument you can imagine plus a few you can’t. Indeed, one of the most pleasing aspects of this album is the care taken with the musical arrangements, which are sensitive and imaginative but never complicated. Just listen to Ken Whiteley’s mandolin playing on Somebody’s Hiding, or Christina Smith’s fiddle on Red Winged Blackbird and you know you are in the presence of top-notch professionals. Ken Whiteley also produced this album… and ‘simply beautiful’ it certainly is.” Terry Robbins, Wholenote magazine online, Oct 1-Nov 7

“A fine collection of new and traditional tunes for young children and their parents to share. The arrangements, featuring a dizzying variety of instruments, are perfectly suited to the songs and serve to highlight Debbie’s strong, clear voice. This is gentle music that is genuine, heartfelt and will stand the test of many, many playings.” Magoo of Kirk and Magoo

“We think the CD is truly lovely. What a delight. A tuneful treat for young and old alike! This beautifully musical CD inspires dancing and twirling! The natural timbre of Debbie’s voice is a joy to listen to… it’s simply beautiful. We look forward to sharing it with our customers!” Nina, Nancy and Cathy, The Flying Dragon Bookshop Toronto, Ontario

Children and the adults who teach and care for them will rejoice with Debbie Carroll’s first book – ‘The Eeensy Weensy Book of Little Fingerplays!’ This is a valuable collection of new and relatively unknown rhymes and songs from a woman who has spent her life working and playing with children. Debbie has chosen 12 fingerplays – small stories that are told using hands to illustrate the actions – and 6 songs – also fingerplays but with lovely tunes to accompany the words. Patricia Storms’ illustrations are simple yet exactly what the rhymes need. The accompanying CD is excellent! Too often CDs that are included with really good books fall short of the book and are only good to listen to once or twice in order to learn the tune. This CD stands on its own and can and will be listened to over and over by children and their caregivers. Debbie’s voice is warm and friendly and Ken Whiteley has used very sparse but tasteful arrangements to bring out the best in each song. This is a lovely collection and it leaves me waiting patiently for the Great Big Book! Please don’t take too long! Kathy Reid-Naiman

“Up and Over the Moon! Giggle, Dance and Cuddle Songs for the Very Young by Debbie Carroll is that rare treasure: a compilation that is specifically for the littlest people but so beautifully executed that grown-ups will love it too. Just try to keep your toddler’s feet on the ground- just try to keep your knee from bouncing – when you hear, ‘You get a line and I’ll get a pole, honey. We’ll go down to the crawdad hole’… Or Tommy Tinker, sounding authentic – almost exotic – accompanied by fretted dulcimer. This is a children’s CD that I, as an adult, actually love listening to!” L. B., Today’s Parent Baby & Toddler, Spring/Summer 2005

“One of the most difficult challenges in songwriting is to create a new song that has that feeling of well-worn and comfortable familiarity that so many old folk songs possess. This wonderful collection of old and old-feeling new songs is perfect for young children and their families. Debbie Carroll and her musical friends have created a thoroughly charming listening experience featuring clear and sweet singing in the best folk tradition, with an engaging variety of instrumental accompaniments produced by the versatile Ken Whiteley. Up and Over the Moon! clearly belongs in the company of the finest folk recordings for young children in North America.” Bram Morrison of Sharon, Bram and Friends

“A lovely collection of songs and rhymes for very young children to listen and move to. You might even, without any kids around, find yourself singing (and dancing to) the catchy “Elephants Marching.” If anyone notices, try to act cool.” Marty Kohn, Detroit Free Press

“Toddlers and preschoolers – and their favorite grown-ups – will want to swing and sway, dance, bunny hop, swoop, soar and march like an elephant to this generous helping of 26 playful folk tunes, sunnily presented by early childhood music teacher Debbie Carroll. Joined by other accomplished musicians, Carroll accompanies her light soprano on Celtic harp, piano and dulcimer. Lynne Heffley, Parents’ Choice Foundation (©2003 Parents’ Choice)

“What a gift Debbie has for communicating to children and for helping them find the joy of music. The melodies on her CD are irresistible; the lyrics are fun and meaningful. Her songs are ones that every kid – big and little – will want to sing along with.” Katherine Wheatley singer-songwriter

“I’ve spent the day with your CD. It is rare for me to spend a whole day with a single CD, but “Up and Over the Moon” is irresistible! You really have achieved a humor that is fresh, unpatronizing, and completely other than the corporate cuteness and correctness… that so plagues thinking about children in the U.S. And, needless to say, I found it appealing even though I’m about ten times the age of your target audience.” Dwain Wilder, Bear Meadow Dulcimers Rochester, New York

“Your music is so light and lovely… that even a Great-Granny cannot resist it!” Jean Ritchie performer