Abiyoyo

Guest Review: The following review is an excerpt from the New York Times, written by Cynthia Samuels. Cynthia Samuels has an extensive background online, on television and in print, with particular experience developing content for parents and families. She blogs at Don't Gel Too Soon.

WHENEVER Pete Seeger, the venerable folk singer, gives a concert, it seems that the younger members of his audience wait for one particular moment. If it hasn't happened by intermission, the braver children make their way to the stage with scraps of paper on which one word is scrawled: ''Abiyoyo,'' meaning Mr. Seeger's song about a mischievous little boy and his equally mischievous father, and of their triumph.

Abiyoyo is a giant. The nameless boy and his father are, respectively, the player of a clinky ukulele whose music drives his neighbors crazy, and a practical joker whose magic wand makes things disappear at the most inopportune moments. The townspeople, drawn by Mr. Hays as a multicolored, multiethnic mix, ostracize them both. (''That means, they made 'em live on the edge of town.'') But, in a wonderful sunrise silhouette, the giant Abiyoyo appears and starts to eat the town's sheep and cows. Surely the townspeople themselves, in all their variety, will not be far behind. What to do?

The boy and his father decide to solve the problem with the special talents that have so often annoyed the more staid members of the community. The young boy faces the giant down, plunking his ukulele and singing the giant's name. ''Well, you know, the giant had never heard a song about himself before. A foolish grin spread over his face. And the giant started to dance.''

Once the giant wears himself out dancing and staggers and falls, the father makes him disappear - ''Zoop!'' - with his magic wand. Father and son's annoying activities have saved the day. The town welcomes them back with new respect and love. No wonder children love this simple tale.

You can read Cynthia's full review at the New York Times.