Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 1, 1992                   TAG: 9203010231
SECTION: HORIZON                    PAGE: E-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Reviewed by SARA ZEEK
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HELPING KIDS WITH AIDS

"For Our Children" is a unique collection of lyrics to original and classic children's songs.

It's also the story of how a mother's love for her AIDS-infected daughter could move strangers to work together for the benefit of other children with the disease.

Music made life happier for little Ariel Glaser, who had AIDS. Her favorite song was "Jellyman Kelly" by James Taylor. When he learned of her condition, Taylor made a tape of songs for Ariel.

After Ariel's death, her mother Elizabeth Glaser worked to start the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She also approached the Walt Disney company with the idea of asking other entertainers to record a collection of songs to benefit children. Soon, 20 recording artists were involved with the project.

Disney added even more support by publishing the song lyrics in this book. All profits and royalties from the book and the recording are committed to PAF.

The list of singer/songwriters who donated their time and talents to "For Our Children" spans four decades of music history. Bob Dylan does, appropriately, "This Old Man." Carol King sings "Child of Mine." "Tell Me Why" is performed by Pat Benatar. Other pieces included are "Blanket for a Sail" (Harry Nilsson), "Country Feelin's" (Brian Wilson) and "Cushie Butterfield" (Sting). The most unusual song, done by Bruce Springsteen, is "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips":

"Chicken lips and lizard hips

And alligator eyes

Monkey legs and buzzard eggs

And salamander thighs

Rabbit ears and camel rears

And tasty tonail pies

Stir 'em all together

And it's mama's soup surprise"

Each song is illustrated by an original work from a well- known illustrator. A finger-painting by Ariel Glaser is on the cover. Finally, "For Our Children" is a book about hope, perseverance and love between friends and family.

Sara Zeek, a Hollins graduate, lives in Clifton Forge.