Summer brings out serious nostalgia in me–maybe because it doesn’t seem so long ago that I was the one learning how to dive off the dock into the pond. And as I watch another summer unfolding before my eyes, I’ve also had the pleasure of hearing a brand-new release from beloved kindie-folk artist Frances England, which gorgeously captures these little moments in time.

It’s just spectacular listening. And I think you’re going to love it too.

Frances England's Blink of an Eye | Cool Mom Picks

[We’re giving away a copy of this new CD! Details after the jump.]

With her pretty, lilting voice which reminds me a bit of Norah Jones, and engaging lyrics that are uniquely her own, Frances England is an artist I always want to hear more of. Blink of an Eye is filled with mostly-acoustic songs that remind me of all those times my kids do or say something that knocks me out and I think: I want to remember this moment forever

In other words: It’s a beautiful album when you need a break from all that jump-around-in-the-car-seat music, but if you’re as sentimental as I am you might just want a tissue nearby for that first listen.

Starting off with the title song, Frances is joined by golden-voiced Elizabeth Mitchell and gentle Caspar Babypants who sing about a shooting star and baby bird that are here to delight us now…but gone in an instant. And I’m the lucky one to have seen that little light in the sky. (Sniff. Told you)

I’ve always loved how Frances England’s lyrics don’t talk down to either parents or children. She has a stunning ability to really tap into how kids (and parents!) think and feel, as you can see in her touching new video Tell Me It All. Playful songs like Little Wings and Move Like Saturday Night tell stories mighty relatable to any of us with kids who have more energy than any famous bunny. And this combination is what makes this a must-have album for your kids’ music collection.

Additional guest vocals by Lunch Money’s Molly Ledford and the cool percussion playing of Dean Jones and guitar of Gustafer Yellowgold’s Morgan Taylor add to the complexity of sound in a beautiful way. Whether she’s celebrating the highs as in Place in the Sun, or the lows of tough days like The Sun Will Shine Again, her lyrics reminds us of all the light you give. As a mama to three rapidly growing-up kids who give me lots of light, I really appreciate the reminder. –Christina

Frances England’s Blink of an Eye is available at our affiliate Amazon.

Congratulations to lucky winner Heather S!