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Reading Songs Volume II: Catch the Reading Bug

by Monty Harper

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Karl Reinsch
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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Includes a free bonus track, "Meet Me at the Library," written for the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System, plus instruments-only "karaoke" tracks for five of the songs, plus printable lyrics and guitar chords.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $8 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Need a physical copy for your lending collection? We'll burn you one! This is a no-frills disk with an ink-jet printed label in a plain paper sleeve.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Reading Songs Volume II: Catch the Reading Bug via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $14 USD or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    19
    releases

    Get all 19 Monty Harper releases available on Bandcamp and save 50%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Be Your Own Superhero (single), Flying Spaghetti Music, Hanging Out With Heroes at the Library (EP), Santa's Laugh (single), Reading Songs Volume II: Catch the Reading Bug, Talk Like a Pirate Day (EP), Halloween Madness (EP), Dream Big! (EP), and 11 more. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      $45 USD or more (50% OFF)

     

1.
Catch the Reading Bug 02:37
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The reading bug is loose In a volume of Mother Goose Now he's crawling behind a Sneetch Now he's riding with James in a Giant Peach The reading bug hops from book to book And I've been told it's true That if you catch the reading bug His treasure will belong to you 1, 2, 3, 4... Catch the reading bug. Catch the reading bug. Catch the reading bug. Nya nya na nya na. Catch the reading bug. Catch the reading bug. Catch the reading bug. Nya nya na nya na. That reading bug is quick He's crawling the walls of Spiderwick He's jumping like a flea From Katie Kazoo to Junie B You never know with that reading bug Which book to look inside No one's ever caught him yet Though many a kid has tried and tried Chorus The reading bug hides his treasure in the Library somewhere They say whoever he shares it with will be Rich beyond compare Rich beyond compare I've been chasing that bug since birth From Busy Town to Middle Earth He was not in the books I read But I did find my own reward instead And I'll tell you how to do it If you want some treasure too Just check out a big old pile of books Take em home and read a few Chorus
2.
Paws Claws Scales and Tales 02:58
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Paws, claws, scales, and tails! Dig into a new adventure with beastly action. Paws, claws, scales, and tails! Get a book about a hero with animal attraction. Your library never fails To bring you paws, claws, scales, and incredible tales! Check out a story about a man in a yellow hat And the funny friendship he begins to forge With a little monkey making all kinds of mischief. Check out a book about Curious George! How 'bout a book about the house on East 88th. The Primms move in to find a crocodile. He's highly entertaining and he helps with household chores. Check out a book about a pet named Lyle! (Chorus) Check out this story about the Marquis of Carabas. He and his talking cat are in cahoots. He starts with nothing but the cat brings him love, land, and gold. Check out this story about Puss in Boots! How 'bout a book about a girl and her big red dog. He's a super pet, but there's one way he's always differed. Emily Elizabeth's dog is bigger than her house. Check out a book about a dog named Clifford! A story told about a pet Is not so easy to forget. It's all about a bond of love! (Chorus)
3.
Monty Harper and Mr. Billy - Be Creative at Your Library 03:12
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Be creative at your library! Inspiration is on the shelf! Jump right in now, don't be shy baby! Grab a book and express yourself! I found a book about shapes and shading. Step by step it shows what to do. I've got my pencil. I've got paper. I'm gonna sketch a face for you. Hooray! Hoorah! I'm learning how to… draw! Chorus I found a book about fancy footwork. Step by step it shows what to do. I've got my tap shoes. I've got music. I'm gonna bust a move for you. This is my - big chance! I'm learning how to... dance! I never knew I had such Talent within me. I love a challenge and I Love my library. Chorus I found a book about props and blocking. Step by step it shows what to do. I've got my costume. I know my lines. I'm gonna stage a scene for you. It's true! It's a fact! I'm learning how to… act! Chorus Be creative at your library (repeat and fade)
4.
Monty Harper and Scribblemonster - Get a Clue 02:54
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I used to lie awake late at night Questions running round in my mind Were there ever pirates here? Did they bury treasure near? Could there still be treasure to find? I used to pester my mom I was a never-ending question machine Why were mummies mummified? What did pyramids hide inside? What do Egyptian hieroglyphs mean? My mom said you should look for a good book to help you to Get a clue. (Become a biblio-slueth) Get a clue. (In your pursuit of the truth.) Get a clue. (Be where you need to be.) Get a clue at your library. I used to grumble at TV shows When the information felt incomplete. They just said a carnotaur was a vicious carnivore So what kind of meat did he eat? I used to bug my best friend I was a question-popping pain on the bus Will we ever walk on Mars? Is there life among the stars? Are they out there signaling us? My friend said you should look for a good book to help you to chorus Now I still pester my poor mom Whenever questions pester me But these days I’ve been asking her for a ride to the library I found books about mummies, carnataurs, and the lives of a pirate crew If you have questions, check it out You’ll be glad you decided to chorus
5.
D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) 01:35
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D, E, A, R, Drop everything and read! At my school they've got this thing called DEAR Time. It's my favorite part of any week. Eyes are locked on the clock that shows us, and when that time arrives you'll know 'cause that's when we get to drop everything and read! D, E, A, R, Drop everything and read! Listen to the sound of pages turning. Feel those brainwaves buzzing through the halls. Reading the headlines - that's our hamster! Even the cafeteria staff are dropping everything to answer to that call. Now where's that page that I was on? I dive back in and before to long
the world around me simply fades away. I'm sailing 'cross the seven seas or swinging through the jungle trees! My heart is racing! Teacher, hey, we've got to do this every day! D, E, A, R, Drop everything and read! See the faces frowning when our time's up. Hear the gripes and groans as we protest. Teacher insists we'll read again but I still wish it wouldn't end, 'cause DEAR is the time I love the best! DEAR is the time I love the best! DEAR is the time I love the best!
6.
Dog Books 02:58
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My parents won't let me get the pet I want, So I thought up a plan to help them change their minds. I've been hitting the catalog hard, Using and abusing my library card, Digging up piles of books of a certain kind! Nothing but dog books in my backpack Nothing but dog books on my shelf Books where the dog is the kid's best friend Books where the kid gets the dog in the end Dog books for my parents to read to me Nothing but D-O-G I began my plan with Pinkerton, Behave! Then we read about Walter floating up to the sky. We solved a case with Nate the Great and Sludge. We shared an adventure with Henry and Mudge. We'll be laughing at Hank the Cowdog through July! Nothing but dog books in my backpack Nothing but dog books on my shelf Books where the dog is the kid's best friend Books where the kid gets the dog in the end Dog books for my parents to read to me Nothing but D-O-G Now I know I'm onto something when my mom sobs up a storm as The Preacher calls Winn Dixie in the rain, And I know I'm making progress when Old Yeller fights that wolf, and my dad lets loose a tear he can't contain! Nothing but dog books in my backpack Nothing but dog books on my shelf Books where the dog is the kid's best friend Books where the kid gets the dog in the end Dog books for my parents to read to me Nothing but D-O-G Nothing but dog books Nothing but dog books Nothing but dog books Nothing but dog books Nothing but dog books for my parents to read to me Nothing but D-O-G Nothing but D-O-G Dog books
7.
Monty Harper and Mr. Billy - Don't Look, I'm Making a Book 03:20
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Her dad got up one Saturday and went to check on Evalyn. He found her in the middle of a scrap heap on her bed. And when she saw him at the door, she dove to cover something up. He asked her what she had to hide. She turned around and said, “Don't look! Don't look! I'm making a book. My illustrations are colorful creations of paper and glue. My story is oh so clever. This is gonna be the best book ever! I bet you can't wait ‘til I'm ready to read it to you!” By afternoon her floor was piled with pencil stubs and paper balls. She cut and wrote and wadded up. She worked all through the night. And every time her parents came with trays of food or beverage. They heard a repetition of the rhyme she would recite. Chorus On Monday morning six o’clock her mother came to wake her up. The door was blocked from opening by an eight foot paper wall. She ran to dial 911. The firemen chopped the door away. All day they dug for Evalyn but never heard her call. Evalyn’s parents were sobbing for fear she might never be found. The firemen dug into the night without taking a rest. Then one joyful shovel broke through to the cavity under her desk. A pale face peeked out and voiced this request. Chorus
8.
Monty Harper with Mr. Billy - Dream Big 02:26
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I used to dream I was an astronaut Standing on the face of the moon But I’ve been reading bout space a lot And I’m starting to revise my tune I could do something never done before I could build a city on Mars Maybe I could even help design the ship That will take us out among the stars Yeah, I could be shooting for the stars Dream big! (The more you read) Dream big! (The more you succeed) Dream big! (So jump in and dig) And don't dream a little dream, dream big! I used to dream I was a rock n roll star With everybody cheering for me But I’ve been reading bout the way things are And thinking about the troubles I see I could do something with the songs I sing Like putting a smile on a face And maybe if I reach enough hearts and minds I’ll make the world a more inviting place Yeah, I could make this world a better place Repeat Chorus I wanna be the greatest possible me I wanna fill my cup Give me a dream I’ll take it to the extreme Pump it up, pump it up, pump it up, pump it up! Repeat Chorus
9.
A Pet Like That 02:02
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Well, my mom brought home this hamster That her friend unloaded cheap, And she said since I'm the oldest It could be my own to keep, But I told her no thanks cause I read this book Where a guy had a talking cat. Wouldn't it be cool to own a pet like that! Mr. Popper marches penguins. Jimmy's boa has a winning smile. Joshua Primm on East 88th Has a crocodile named Lyle. Jeremy Thatcher, dragon hatcher, Hatched a dragon named Tiamat. Wouldn't it be cool to own a pet like that! Unusual pets are running loose Through the pages of this book by Dr. Seuss. Here's a seven hump Wump! Could be just the thing! Or a tiny hopping Yop or a singing Ying! I could even dream a pet of my own design, Like a porcupooch or a rhinopine Or a triple-headed, chocolate-seeking, vampire bat! Wouldn't it be cool to own a pet like that! Now my sister owns the hamster, And she named him Polkadot, And his fur feels warm and friendly, And we play with him a lot, And he makes us laugh stuffing sunflower seeds In his cheeks till his face turns fat! It's truly cool to own a pet like that!
10.
Monty Harper and Mr. Billy - Get Creative 03:16
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If you want to write poems, read poetry. If you want to play music, find your key. If you want to be an actor, learn a part. If you want to be an painter, study art. Get creative! Watch your brain waves bloom and grow! Get creative! The library is the place to go! Find a recipe if you love to cook. If discovery grabs you, get a science book. Read a tech magazine if you'd rather invent. Whatever your spark is, here's a hint... Chorus No one can stop you from unlocking your imagination. Your library card is the magical key to endless inspiration. Broadway, Memphis, Hollywood! Pavarotti to Johnny B. Goode! Pottery, sculpture, ballet, rhyme; Take it all in, it won't cost a dime!
11.
Hanging Out With Heroes - Detectives Version 03:43
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Chorus: It’s a foot stomping rope swinging barrel of fun There’s something in a book for everyone To make your heart pound faster and your eyes pop out And get you so riled up you just gotta shout That the hero of the story is the one you wanna be I love hanging out with heroes at the library! Verses: This diminutive detective always takes the case. He leaves a note for his mom, then he’s off on the chase. His clever dog, Sludge, helps him search for clues. At times he finds he’s stuck and doesn’t know what to do. Then a pancake snack sets him thinking straight. Solve a mystery at the library with Nate the Great. He's a noble-hearted canine and an old cowhand. He gets no appreciation for protecting his land. As the head of ranch security his life's on the line. Sneaking up and jumping on a porcupine. If something goes awry, he’s the cowdog to thank. Making rounds at the library with good ol' Hank! Criminals in Idaville are caught every time By a sneaker-wearing weapon in the war on crime Put a quarter on his can, he'll be your private sleuth. He always sees the clues he needs to get to the truth. Can you pick up the answers where they’ve been laid down? Think about it with Encyclopedia Brown The most talented detective in River Heights She loves to take the case whenver trouble ignites Her very best girl friends George and Bess Are always glad to help her score another success She’ll tackle any situation just to Get a Clue Launch a new investigation with Nancy Drew
12.
Villa Villekulla Hula 02:41
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I know a girl, just nine years old. She sailed back home from sea with a case full of gold, And where she goes she knows her monkey will go. See Mr. Nilsson tip his hat, "Hello!" She spent a coin to buy a horse. She always parks the horse on her porch of course, And when she makes to take a spin into town, She picks him up and lifts him down. I wish I could be like Pippi Longstocking! She's always entertaining and rarely stops talking! I love to sit and listen to her latest invention On the Villa Villekulla parlor floor! Pippi, tell about your father, the cannibal king. Captain of the Hoptoad, he comes in the spring And sails you to the island of Kurrekurredutt. You breakfast there on breadfruit and milk of cocoanut. At night the Kurrekurredutts dance around the fire. I can close my eyes and see them hopping higher and higher. Pippi, keep me in your trance and as the cannibals dance, I'll do the Villa Villekulla Hula, too! (Chanting and Drums) I know a girl, lives on her own, But with her horse and monkey she's never alone, Cause when she whistles a song those two sway along. They do the Villa Villekulla Hula, too! I wish I could be like Pippi Longstocking! I'd stay up after midnight, stomping and rocking! I'd never miss a chance to do a cannibal dance! I'd do the Villa Villekulla Hula, too! And if you want to groove the groove the Kurrekurredutts do, You'll do the VillaVillekulla Hula too!
13.
Monty Harper and Mr. Billy - Reading Makes Me Want to Dance Out Loud 02:56
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I read the book about Prancing Dancing Lily! She's a dancing cow, and she looks so silly! I read the book, me! I took it off the shelf! I read the book, me! I read it by myself! I read the book, me! Reading makes me wanna dance out loud! Like Prancing Dancing Lily! I read the book Angelina Ballerina! She's a dancing mouse; she's the best I've ever seen-a! I read the book, me! I took it off the shelf! I read the book, me! I read it by myself! I read the book, me! Reading makes me wanna dance out loud! Like Angelina Ballerina! Go, Angelina! I read the book about Dumpy La Rue! He's a dancing pig; he'll make you wanna dance, too! I read the book, me! I took it off the shelf, I read the book, me! I read it by myself I read the book, me! Reading makes me wanna dance out loud! Like Dumpy La Rue! (musical break) I read the book called Dinosaurumpus! With all kinds of dinos that thumpus and bumpus! I read the book, me! I took it off the shelf! I read the book, me! I read it by myself! I read the book, me! Reading makes me wanna dance out loud! Like the dinosaurs! Roar! Dance out loud!
14.
Paws Claws Scales and Tales Reprise 01:57
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15.
Meet Me at the Library 03:29
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She stole my heart in Stilwell When she walked into my favorite cafe Lost between a class in Muskogee and a party in Jay She had a copy of the book I was reading Proof that our love was fate I didn't get her name or number but I did get a date She said, Meet me at the library We're gonna have a real good time The computers are groovy you can check out a movie And it's never gonna cost a dime She said, Meet me at the library How could I not say yes? I wouldn’t miss a chance to start a new romance At the EODLS! She said meet her at the EODLS! I waited by the door to greet her She never did show her face So I asked at Information, was I in the right place? Well I had found the right library system But the lady had news for me There were fourteen other locations where my love might be! She said, Meet me at the library We're gonna have a real good time The computers are groovy you can check out a movie And it's never gonna cost a dime She said, Meet me at the library How could I not say yes? But what were the chances there’d be fifteen branches At the EODLS! She said meet her at the EODLS!
16.
Catch the Reading Bug (Instruments Only) 02:37
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17.
Monty Harper and Scribble Monster - Get a Clue (Instruments Only) 02:54
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18.
D.E.A.R. (Instruments Only) 01:35
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19.
Monty Harper and Mr. Billy - Dream Big (Instruments Only) 02:26
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20.
Hanging Out With Heroes at the Library (Instruments Only) 03:43
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about

The songs on this album were written for past summer reading program themes. They come from Monty Harper's various CDs and other projects. Some tracks are not currently available anyplace else.

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released November 27, 2013

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Monty Harper Stillwater, Oklahoma

Monty Harper is a children's musician in Stillwater, OK. He performs for elementary schools and libraries, helps kids write their own songs in workshops and residencies, does informal science education, and writes songs for clients.

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