Walking Oliver Wins
Prestigious NAPPA Honors Award
by George Edward Burles, Public Relations

Paul Austin Kelly and Richard Durrant’s music CD “Through Tenderwood” [1] has been named an Honors Award winner in the 2007 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Children’s Products competition. This distinction recognizes “Through Tenderwood” as a standout among music recordings available for children today.

The NAPPA Judges said:

"Prepare yourself for a magical mystery tour through the land of timeless nursery rhymes. Some very clever and inventive twists and turns await you along the way."

"Through Tenderwood" is an enchanting interpretation of nursery rhyme songs that mirror a child’s journey from daylight into night. With the unique artistic chemistry of renowned American vocalist Paul Austin Kelly and British guitar wizard Richard Durrant, this timeless musical mystery tour promises clever and inventive twists along the way.

"Through Tenderwood" also marks the second time Paul Austin Kelly has earned a NAPPA Honors Award. In 2004 Mr. Kelly and his children's music label

Walking Oliver won for his groundbreaking CD "Hello Michael Rosen."

Now in its 17th year, NAPPA is a well-known name in industries focused on children’s learning and entertainment. Parents and adult guardians working with children – those who want high-quality toys and products that provide “smart fun” and good design, and grow with children’s developmental needs – rely on NAPPA for their holiday and year-round gift-giving.

“NAPPA-winning products meet the most stringent criteria and are judged by nationally recognized industry experts, educators, reviewers and advocates in their fields,” says NAPPA Manager Barbara Smith Decker. “NAPPA has set the industry standard of excellence for nearly two decades and the award is a much-sought honor by manufacturers, artists, authors and product designers. When parents see the NAPPA Gold or Honors seal on winning products, they’re assured of a high quality, fun and educational experience for their children.”

Full results of the NAPPA Honors Awards will be announced Nov. 1, 2007, in 40 regional parenting magazines across the USA and online at Parenthood.com.

Paul Austin Kelly, a world famous tenor even before founding Walking Oliver records, redefines children’s music as more than just tunes for kids but “popular music that is also appropriate for children” as he himself describes it. It was while composing songs for his young son Zack that he discovered the need for music that is wholesome and entertaining for children but with a level of musical sophistication that will also appeal to adults. Mr. Kelly draws inspiration from a rainbow of contemporary and traditional musical styles and influences and weaves them together on "Through Tenderwood" and other Walking Oliver releases.

For more information on Paul Austin Kelly and the Walking Oliver label, please visit www.walkingoliver.com. Learn more about Richard Durrant at www.richard-durrant.com.

Walking Oliver: Not Just For Kids.