KIDS/SNEAK PEEK: FORMERLY A BOB, NOW A CHILDREN'S SINGER.

Byline: Nancy Hewitt

When Gunnar Madsen was a member of the a cappella group the Bobs, he had a dream that one day he would record a children's album of his own songs.

And here it is. ``Old Mr. Mackle Hackle'' is full of the kind of songs that kids - and their parents - will love. ``What I was aiming for is music that really has depth,'' Madsen says. ``The music is hummable but won't wear thin.''

Meet Old Mr. Mackle Hackle, who tries everything to help his hen cackle, including telling her chicken jokes.

Or travel down Chicken Road, where you'll discover a store that sells everything from chicken pickles to chicken shampoo.

``Flying, Flying'' shares the adventures of a child traveling in the sky. ``I had wonderful flying dreams as a kid,'' Madsen recalls. ``Peter Pan was a major influence for me. Every time I passed a wishing well, I'd say, 'Please let me fly.' ''

Madsen admits he's been writing children's songs since the mid-1980s, waiting for the right time to record an album. In the meantime, he recorded some of his favorite music on two solo albums: ``Power of a Hat'' and ``Spinning World: 13 Ways of Looking at a Waltz.''

``Old Mr. Mackle Hackle'' is his first album for kids and is available on his own label, G-Spot Records. It took him 1 1/2 months to complete the 12-song album. ``It happened gracefully, of its own accord, he says.''

And performing the songs is just as much fun as writing them, he says. ``Gee, 'Chicken Road' is funny, but can you sing it?'' he chides.

Singing for kids is his next goal, he says, admitting he has missed live performing since leaving the Bobs.

``It was nice working with a bunch of people, the improvization, being on stage,'' he recalls. ``It was a fun time when our career took off. I felt like a Beatle.''

Madsen admits he wasn't particularly interested in music until he was 8 years old. Until that time, his musical exposure consisted of listening to the Limeliters and the comedy and music of the Smothers Brothers and Allan Sherman. But his life took a decidedly musical direction after he saw the Beatles (his favorite group) on ``The Ed Sullivan Show.''

After that, he was hooked. In high school, he discovered Frank Zappa, classical music and Aaron Copeland.

But after 20 years in the music business, including a decade with the Bobs, he is ready to venture further into the fascinating world of children's entertainment. ``It was great fun to learn about the children's market after knowing other parts of the music industry,'' he says.

Although he has recorded other types of music, including waltzes and theater music, he says, ``In my heart of hearts, I am a pop musician.''

``Old Mr. Mackle Hackle'' retails for $14.98. Order by phone, [phone], or e-mail g-spot(at)gunnarspot.com.

A DINOMITE TIME

What's big and purple and sings some of your favorite nursery rhymes on video? Why, it's Barney.

Come and see his new video, ``Rhyme Time Rhythm'' and sing and dance with your favorite purple pal at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at your local ZanyBrainy store.

Barney's latest video retails for $14.95 VHS, or $24.99 DVD, and will be available at local stores March 21.

Stores are in Northridge at Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave.; [phone]; Thousand Oaks at Northgate Center, 111 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 101, [phone]; Pasadena, Hastings Village, 3393 E. Foothill Blvd., [phone]; Valencia, Town Center Drive, 24201 Valencia Blvd., [phone]; Glendale, 201 N. Brand Blvd.; and Woodland Hills at Warner Center Marketplace, 6520 Canoga Ave., [phone].

PREHISTORIC KITTIES

Learn about ice age cats from Southern California when Christopher Show, collections manager of Rancho La Brea, shares his insight into the La Brea cats at 2 p.m. Sunday at the William S. Hart Park Bunkhouse, 24151 San Fernando Road in Hart Park, Newhall. [phone].