FRAN AVNI SINGS ARTICHOKES AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS. Lemonstone Records, 1988. Audiocassette, $10.98. Also available on phonodisc 1-12", 33 1/3rpm. Distributed by Lemonstone Records, P.O. Box 607. Côte St. Luc, Que. H4V 2Z2. Pre-school to Grade 3 Reviewed by Wendy Carter Volume 17 Number 1 1989 January Montreal's Lemonstone Records has a new release, which is a collection of children's songs sung by Fran Avni. Most of the songs are written by Jackie Cytrynbaum. Avril and Cytrynbaum are the co-founders of Lemonstone Records. If you are looking for an alternative to mainstream children's music, you will be very pleased by the creativity of this release. The title song is indicative of the fun in this album. It deals with the eternal mealtime question, "Doo waa hav-ta eat them?" Musical styles span a variety of types and tempos. Styles also include some reggae in "So Cold Outside" and a refreshing blues rendition of "The Little Red Hen" story, with lots of folk and rock. Children sing the choruses on most songs; this naturally encourages singing along. Lyrics are enclosed. Most songs encourage listening and participation, either musically or with actions or creative movement. These happy songs could be used as a teaching tool in both the home and the school, since themes include body parts, chicken pox, friends and family. The contemporary sound behind the lyrics will appeal to children from the ages of three to around eight or so. Synthesizers are used with acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, trombone, clarinet, recorder and drums. The production, which is available on album or cassette, is flawlessly recorded and well mixed. Avni and Cytrynbaum have three previous releases: Latkes and Hamentashen. (Lemonstone Records, 1980), Mostly Matzah (Lemonstone Records. 1983), and The Seventh Day (Lemonstone Records, 1984). Wendy Carter, North Ward School, Paris, Ont.