For Your Consideration: Best Children’s Album

MAKE IT MYSELF

“Kids will see themselves in these songs, and I hope that grown-ups are listening carefully because there is much to learn from them.”
-Ashley Gulyas, @diversify.our.parenting

Ants on a Log’s third full-length album “Make it Myself” is full of clever songs encouraging children to think creatively about the challenges they can take on themselves. The songs ask questions like, what can we make instead of buy? How can we grow our emotional skills? Who can we stand up for?

With their signature mix of humor and harmony, Ants on a Log’s new songs address poignant issues such as inclusion, feminism, gender justice, racism, and environmentalism in joyful and accessible ways. The album’s smart lyrics and non-traditional narratives make listening a delight for adults, while offering families launch points for meaningful dinner table conversations.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • “They’re My Best Friend” was the first song with exclusively nonbinary pronouns to be played on national radio stations.

  • “Had to Stand Up” tells the story of a child who stands up for a new friend after witnessing racism on the playground. The song comes with a free anti-racism discussion guide.

  • “The EPA Song” uses kid-friendly scenarios to illuminate how we decide what is safe for our air, water, and bodies.

In addition to an empowering invitation to activate kids’ autonomy, “Make it Myself” is also a nod to Julie Be’s audio production debut. Grammy® award winner Dean Jones served as Julie’s production mentor, and the two co-produced, recorded and mixed the album together at No Parking Studio in Rosendale, NY and Starfish Studio in Philadelphia, PA. Grammy® award winner Lucy Kalantari also served as a recording mentor and guest musician, and award-winning family musician Billy Jonas is featured as well.

After more than a decade as a trans activist and educator, Julie Be is the leading creator of musical content for trans youth and queer families. In this time of urgency for trans rights and climate justice, Julie Be and Ants on a Log are providing much needed representation for progressive communities. The band is amplifying the work of young climate justice activists, who are simultaneously fighting for trans rights, and increasingly demanding an intersectional approach to problem-solving.

Ants on a Log was founded in 2014 by Julie Be (they/them) and Anya Rose (she/her). In 2023 the duo became a trio, welcoming Miles Crabtree (he/him) into the band. The Ants write music for children and other childlike people, songfully advocating for positivity, social justice, and silliness! They offer solo, duo, and trio performances.

Julie and Anya met at a Philadelphia drag show/dance party, and instantly bonded over their love of quirky songs with political messages. Anya was raised on Tom Lehrer and jazz standards, and Julie grew up listening to Ani DiFranco and They Might be Giants. The two began writing together, finding driving harmonies and song topics that were silly, serious, environmental, feminist, gender-bending, and just plain fun. Miles and Julie met in a whirlwind of small-world coincidences, wherein they discovered that they both have the same identities and resumes, and may in fact be doppelgängers? In their off-stage lives, Julie and Miles are music therapists and Anya is an elementary science teacher. Their powers combined make for smart and socially conscious folk, a delight for children and adults of all ages.

SELECT REVIEWS

“Exhibiting their talent for combining social justice with silliness...Upbeat melodies filled with gorgeous harmonies elevate the lyrics, making this a must-have album.”
–Veronica Schwartz De Fazio, School Library Journal

“Make It Myself is a must-have album…Their ability to use humor, harmony and whimsy allows us to disarm seemingly difficult topics like gender, racism, differences, the environment, and the stuff of life.”
—Alice Burba, MEd, Owner/President Songs for Teaching

"When I hear ‘They're My Best Friend’ it still makes me choke up, thinking of the early days when my five year old child shared their gender was not what everyone assumed. Your mix of songs provided such incredible support for us to introduce gender identity to friends and family."
—David, parent of a transgender child

ALBUM CREDITS

  • Produced by Julie Be and Dean Jones

  • Mixed and recorded by Julie Be and Dean Jones at Starfish Studio, Philadelphia, PA and No Parking Studio, Rosendale, NY...with additional recordings by Billy Jonas, Lucy Kalantari, Lauren Parker, and Anya Rose. Drum set recorded by Lucy Kalantari, except “I’m Not a Christmas Celebrator” which was recorded by Dean Jones.

  • Featuring first graders at SCH Academy, Philadelphia!

  • Mastered by Alan Douches, West West Side Music

  • Cover art: Jessie Jane Lewis, graphic design: Rosemary Murphy

  • Huge gratitude to Mark Porter Webb and Amelia Robinson. Special thanks to Brice and Shannon for the boring bedtime inspiration.

Thank you for your consideration!

(c) 2023 Ant Hill