Andrew and Polly are musicians.
1. Why are you educators?
Making music for kids and families brings us so much joy. We know how long the days are, and the hidden humor and moments of beauty we’ve found and put into our songs resonate with our audiences – from the very young to the… very tired! Our creative projects come from a deeply personal place of honoring the hard work that children – and their families – are doing every day as they grow and learn.
2. What are you working on now?
We are so thrilled that our most recent album – “Ahhhhh!” – was nominated for a 2024 GRAMMY® Award for Best Children’s Music Album. “Ahhhhh!” empowers kids to take on tough stuff by helping them think, feel and sometimes even SHOUT their way through challenges in an ever-changing world. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime project and included collaborations with dear friends and colleagues that made the album more than we could ever have imagined.
3. What were your favorite children’s books to read when you were a child?
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
A Light in the Attic / Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
The Free to Be series
4. What contemporary children’s books do you recommend?
There is so much amazing music for kids out there right now! We are honored to know these people and create alongside them – Alphabet Rockers, Hello Uncle Jumbo, Fyütch, Lucy Kalantari, Mike Phirman & Mista Cookie Jar. We have three kids (9, 6 & 3), so we also read so so so many books in our home! Some of our favorite picture books include Alfie by Thyra Heder, Red Shoes by Karen English & Ebony Glenn, Margaret’s Unicorn by Briony May Smith, On the Other Side of the Forest by Nadine Robert, Another by Christian Robinson and Du Iz Tak by Carson Ellis.
5. Why is diverse representation in children’s literature important?
Diverse representation in children’s media is so important. The voices and perspectives that are shared in our books, shows, movies and music build new worlds every time they are published. Stories come from everywhere, from within each of us. Each child deserves to see themself represented as imagined heroes – heroes who learn and fail, try and succeed, find their voice and inner-strength – and they deserve to see themselves in the community of artists working professionally.
6. How can educators use children’s literature to teach empathy, kindness, and tolerance?
Our work is built on an important concept – children are their own best teachers. They need time to tinker and explore, to try many things, hypothesize, evaluate their ideas and play – in doing so, they build knowledge. When educators expose children to high quality media that promotes perspective taking, self-reflection, and resilience, centered on characters that willingly take on challenges and exhibit a growth-mindset, we can provide children with tools for building empathy, kindness and tolerance.
7. Where may we find you online?
Website
Earsnacks
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter