| We've
compiled a list of recordings that we think every family should
own.
 For
the Kids features an outstanding collection of songs performed by
such artists as Cake, Barenaked Ladies, and Sarah McLachlan. The
creativity, range of emotions and styles, and overall quality of
the album will please both adults and kids. Many of the songs are
Sesame Street and Muppets covers, reworked in intriguing,
touching, humorous, and creative ways. This recording belongs in
every family's music library. See our full
review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: For The Kids
at Amazon.com]
 Raffi's Singable Songs for the
Very Young is the must-have debut album of a children's music
legend. Filled with simply silly songs, and tunes that are truly
"singable" (the lyrics are easy to follow), this
recording appeals to children even before they've reached their
first birthday. Still, it totally "speaks" to
preschoolers and children in early elementary. Wiloughby
Wallaby Woo is a rhyming song that kids will want to personalize
with their own names; I Wonder if I'm Growing is simple and sweet;
Down By the Bay has the kind of silly lyrics that children love.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Singable Songs for the Very Young: Great...
at Amazon.com]
 If you haven't had the
opportunity to listen to Ralph's World, you are, quite simply,
missing out. This fabulous collection of songs for young children
is one of the newer "must-have" children's recording.
Every single song on the album is stellar. Our absolute favorite
is Take a Little Nap (The Disco Song). The lyrics are
humorous and clever, and the delivery and musical styles are rich.
This recording's creativity will astound you, and the whole family
will have lots of fun. Exceptional!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Ralph's World
at Amazon.com]
A pick-me-up like no other, African
Playground offers kids and their parents a musical trip around
Africa. This recording is unique, ardent, and uplifting.
Multilingual lyrics, empowering tunes, and a pleasing variety of
styles combine to make African Playground a must-have
recording.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: African Playground
at Amazon.com]
 Kenny Loggins' Return to Pooh
Corner is a naptime/bedtime/quiet time recording that is both
touching and soothing. Some of the most poignant lullabies
that will move both children and their caregivers can be found on
this exceptional album. This is a superb collection of gentle songs about love and dreams.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Return to Pooh Corner
at Amazon.com]
 Katherine Dines' Hunk-ta
Bunk-ta
Chants is rousing, multicultural, and totally fun. You can
even call it educational with all of its wonderful wordplay. A
lovely variety of styles are presented in this collection that
will appeal to all ages. From the deliciously fun Mashed
Potatoes to the catchy Bully in the Alley, this title's
37 tracks deliver an amazing variety of kid-friendly chants from
around the world. Imagine the fun children will have singing along
to a chant entitled Oh Africa, Eechee Yay Zu!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta CHANTS
at Amazon.com]
 Beethoven Lives Upstairs
is part of the Classical Kids series. This exceptional children's
recording tells a story about a fictional character -- a boy named
Christoph -- whose mother rented a room to Beethoven. The
recording is dominated by the story-telling, and features some of
Beethoven's music to support the narration.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Beethoven Lives Upstairs
at Amazon.com]
 Daddy-O
Daddy! (Rare Family Songs of Woody Guthrie) American folk
singer and guitarist Woody Guthrie is honored in this
family recording that collects six previously unrecorded songs as
well as Guthrie favorites, performed by the likes of Taj Mahal,
Billy Bragg, Syd Straw, and more. Some of the songs on this
recording were written for Guthrie's own children. Taj Mahal does Little
Sack O Sugar--a standout song with lines like, "little
sack of sugar I could eat you up" and, "Hee, hee, hee,
my little sack of 'taters/So pretty, pretty, pretty, I could eat
your toes". Dry Bed, performed by Billy Bragg &
The Blokes, is a fun celebration of continence. Also included is a
recitation of Howdy Little Newlycome by Woody himself. This
is an exceptional, awe-inspiring, "must-own" family recording.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Daddy-O Daddy! Rare Family Songs of...
at Amazon.com]
 A Child's Celebration of the
World is a collection of songs from around the world, and about
the world. Children learn to count in Spanish, French,
Japanese, and Swahili; Raffi sings a lovely song about acceptance,
Like Me and You; Joan Baez does Kumbaya; and more. This is the
kind of music that parents will enjoy as much as their children.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: A Child's Celebration Of The World
at Amazon.com]
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