Following up her 2014 country album ‘Whistle and Hum’, Anna Van Riel‘s latest musical offering combines kids, cooking and a whole lot of upbeat ukulele tunes, accumulating in a 15-track album. The crowdfunded album – which has an optional accompanying ukulele songbook and cookbook – signals a change from the Lake Hawea-based songwriter’s previous “grown-up” albums, moving into the growing market of Kiwi songwriters turned children-entertainers.

Full of kid-friendly dancing tunes, including title track Cooking Up A Song, and plenty of actions to undertake in Waiata A Ringa, The Action Song and Rockabilly Waterwheel, the album is one that could get the whole family boogie-ing. Apart from the happy sounds of ukulele, it also includes plenty of wonderful sound effects including an extremely well-used kazoo and children’s laughter. ‘Cooking Up A Song’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by Danny Fairley, who also played uke, guitar, bass, keys and percussion on the record. While probably not on your average Kiwi music fan’s list, for any folk/country fans who are also parents this will make a fun addition to the family CD collection.