Hans Christian Andersen/Tubby the Tuba Danny Kaye

Hans Christian Andersen/Tubby the Tuba

Barnes & Noble

We'll wager than more than a few baby-boomer parents grew up watching Danny Kaye's beguiling 1952 movie "Hans Christian Andersen" on TV, and that they've now introduced their kids to Kaye's ever-delightful portrayal of the Danish talespinner. But you (and yours) don't even need to be familiar with the film to fall in love with its classic soundtrack. Kaye was a towering talent who had a seemingly effortless rapport with kids -- not least because of his enthusiasm for being just plain goofy, as seen in his sound-effects-laden "Ugly Duckling." From rollicking ("Thumbelina") to lyrical ("Inchworm") to sweeping ("Wonderful Copenhagen") -- all marvelous songs penned by Frank Loesser -- HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN resonates with Kaye's boundless warmth and joie de vivre.

All Music Guide

For pre-MTV kids, this is a must. If Hans Christian Andersen had been around in the '50s, he'd have been Danny Kaye. For ages two to six. Bob Hinkle