Best Bang for the Buck Winner!

 

Putumayo Kids, 2008; $14.98; www.putumayo.com; for all ages. This cultural kaleidoscope of soothing music from Africa is a fine introduction to a plethora of great African artists.

 

"This collection of music grows with children, and provides more than two hours of relaxed listening for everyone. And, it puts kids to sleep. Now that's priceless!" - judge comment

 

For more NAPPA-winning world music from Putumayo, check out: 

Family Fun Winner! 

The Secret Mountain, 2007; $12.98 CD, $16.95 Book/CD; www.thesecretmountain.com; for all ages. Songs by beloved contemporary artists ranging from Mary Chapin Carpenter and Carole King to Neil Young and Tom Waits are given new folk arrangements and woven into a warm musical security blanket that will grow with each child. A beautifully illustrated picture book is included.

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!   

Audible Chocolate Productions, 2007; $24.95 double CD; www.stardustlullaby.com; for all ages. Two and a half hours of gorgeous lullabies arranged for piano and acoustic guitar with orchestral touches will cure the most stubborn case of insomnia.

Partout où les enfants chantent, Jack Grunsky, Casablanca Kids, Inc., 2009; $14.98; www.casablancakids.com; ages 3 to 9.

The title of this CD means “the children sing everywhere.” What more could you ask for? I know – a masterfully produced CD in French, sung by Jack Grunsky. The orchestration is guitar and percussion, with very pretty melodies that are both sweet and easygoing. Whether you speak French or not, this whimsical CD will elate and enamor children and grown-ups with its “feel good” sound.
 

The Moon Is Hiding: Lullabies for the Young and Young At Heart, Vesta Wells Johnson, Vesta Wells Johnson Music, 2009; $15; www.madeinsouthdakota.com; all ages.

There is an old-time, dreamy feel to this CD that stirs the memory banks of youth. Piano and vocals carry a selection of traditional lullabies, contemporary tunes and original songs. Something about the piano makes it feel as if it were in the other room and baby is listening and nodding off to dreamland … Zzzzzzz.
 

Hullabaloo Music, 2008; $12; www.hullabalooband.com; for kids up to age 6. Describing themselves as “organic kid-folk,” Hullabaloo pack a suitcase of clever original tunes that emphasize the wisdom of parents and sneak in some useful lessons – “Use Your Words” is a catchy reminder to talk instead of tantrum. Also includes toe-tapping traditional tunes like “Froggy Went a Courtin’.”

Little Groove, 2008; $15; www.littlegroove.com; for babies to age 5. Wheeler’s clear vocals ride effortlessly above splendid, mostly self-penned, folk-based songs. Each song is so simple and catchy that – by the third chorus – kids and parents alike will find themselves joining in.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Eric & Susan Davis, Child Music Online, 2005; $10.95; www.childmusiconline.com; all ages.

This CD is smooth and soothing, “lullaby” at its finest. Well-known classical music is boiled down to beautifully simple acoustic guitar and violin. This highly musical CD provides a “crash” course in dreaming.
 

Rockabye Baby!, 2007; $16.98; www.rockabyebabymusic.com; for all ages. Proving that a quality pop hook can survive mutation into any genre, Rockabye Baby took the greatest hits of ’90s punk-pop phenoms Green Day and turned them into … lullabies that actually work? Yes! Pretty arrangements on glockenspiel, vibraphone and more turn mosh-time into bedtime, with the added bonus of a giggle for parents as they recognize each tune.

Songs From the Garden of Eden, various artists, The Secret Mountain, 2009; $14.98 CD, $22.95 Book/CD; www.thesecretmountain.com; all ages.

This collection of 28 Jewish lullabies, rhymes and folk songs is sung in English, Hebrew and Spanish. Traditional Jewish folk instrumentation, including clarinet, accordion and soothing vocals, is carefully orchestrated to lull any child to sleep, as in the old country.