The twenty songs in One Big Family represent the desire of this well-established partnership to offer those who lead children in Family Worship (whether at home, school or church) some useful additions to what they might sing. With catchy and memorable tunes, easily learned and happily sung, the content is never far from the teaching of the Bible, and is related to the walk of faith as a child may understand it. Simplicity has been the aim, with plenty of repetition, and an appeal to the young imagination. Above all, Jesus himself is the central theme. Written for a variety of ages, there is nothing that an adult will be embarrassed to sing in the company of children, or that a child will have to 'unlearn' in later years. The CD enclosed with the book provides backing tracks for all the songs. Each song has a brief introduction, which is repeated between verses. At the back of the book, lead sheets are provided that include the melody line, lyrics and guitar chords. Timothy Dudley-Smith, the author of over 300 hymns, was awarded an OBE and FRSCM for his services to hymnody. Previously the Bishop of Thetford, he now lives near Salisbury. William Llewellyn, MBE studied at the Royal Academy of Music and was formerly Director of Music and later Second Master at Charterhouse. In retirement, he served as Chairman of the Devon Area of the Royal School of Church Music for twelve years. |
