Cool Cuban Kids Song – Tiene Pinochito – Little Pinocchio

Jeanette wrote to us looking for the lyrics to a Cuban lullaby and I think we can help with this one! Here's her letter, followed by the song she's looking for… Lisa, There is a nursery rhyme or song that my grandmother used to sing to me (she has been dead about 8 years now) that [...]

Pig Latin Musical Video

I had to post this… After my post yesterday about Pig Latin in different languages, I started looking for Pig Latin videos and came across this musical one… it's sort of catchy… well, it probably would be it you were fluent in Pig Latin! So let's have a little fun today… below is [...]

Jeringonza – A Spanish Word Game Like Pig Latin, with Portuguese and Italian Versions

Jeringonza is played in Spain and throughout Latin America. It's also found in Portuguese speaking Brazil and even in Italy. It's a secret language for kids – just like the English word game Pig Latin. (I'm going to make all the changes to the words in bold below to help you learn [...]

“You're Not Supposed to Say That!” – Mama Lisa's Thanksgiving Silliness

Here's a Thanksgiving poem I wrote in honor of turkeys all over the U.S. in autumn. It's geared towards older kids. You can click on the mp3 below to hear my husband and me recite it… You're Not Supposed to Say That! “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” said the turkey. “What?!” went the rooster. “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” “You're not supposed to say “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” Said the rooster. “Oh yes I [...]

Day of the Dead

Today and tomorrow, November 1st and 2nd, are the Day of the Dead. It's celebrated in Mexico. Family and friends get together to remember those who have died. People also make alters to the dead and visit the graves of their loved ones. We went to a Mexican restaurant this evening and saw an [...]

Walt Whitman's Woods and his Poem "Miracles"

We took a walk today in Walt Whitman's woods in West Hills, on Long Island, east of New York City.  I highly recommend taking an autumnal hike or stroll if you can.  Then you may feel the truth in Whitman's line, "As to me I know of nothing else but miracles". There's much beauty out [...]

Kids Halloween Art

Here's some Halloween artwork my daughter and her friends did this week. I thought you might enjoy seeing it to help get you in the mood for Halloween! “Bones” by Lila “Skeleton” by Lila… “Witch” by Sarina “Graveyard” by Melisa “Graveyard II” by Melisa “R.I.P.” by Marisa Have a Spooky Fun Halloween! Mama Lisa Share on Facebook and other services:

Childhood Food Memories – Bananas

It's fascinating to me how different foods can bring back memories. I think that's why I loved the book and movie “Like Water for Chocolate” so much. Bananas will always remind me of specific times and people: In Infancy: I distinctly remember the smell of banana baby food – it reminds me of being a very [...]

Can Someone Help with a German Lap Rhyme?

Gloria wrote to me: Hi, my grandma (born in Eisleben in 1875, emigrating to the Midwest in 1902, married her second husband (my grandfather) in St. Paul, lived most of her life in Wisconsin with her third husband), recited a rhyme when dandling a baby on her extended foot, either with legs crossed at the [...]

Ghost of John – Halloween Song with MP3 Recording

My daughter and her friends Marisa and Melisa taught me this Halloween song, which seems to be traditional American. It's called Ghost of John. Below are the lyrics and two renditions, one by Marisa and one by Melisa, plus a drawing by Melisa. But first, here's Marisa announcing it with a Halloween song about [...]