Music

That’s one of the most inventive people working in video and film today, the French director, Michel Gondry.

You’re hearing Janet Smith’s recreation of some of the oldest music in the west, from ancient Sumeria, in what is now called Iraq.

That’s Michael Perry rapping part of Turntable Timmy, his new book for all those aspiring young DJs out there, from Free Will Press in San Francisco.

That’s LL Cool J, backed up by a toy piano, with some words for young people about winning — and losing! — graciously. This book and CD combination is titled And the Winner Is.

That’s Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin with their moving song, “Don’t Laugh at Me,” on a CD included in their book by the same title, illustrated by Glin Dibley from Tricycle Press in Berkeley, California.

That’s Deborah Henson-Conant, the composer and author, reading the opening from her musical sequel to “The Frog Prince” — just in time for Jacob Grimm’s birthday tomorrow.

That’s John Lithgow reading the opening from his new picture book, Micawber, the story of a squirrel who is smitten by great art and who studies the paintings in the Metropolitan Museum from his vantage point on the roof, peeking in through the skylight windows.