Meet Rebecca, by Jacqueline Dembar Greene, illustrated by Robert Hunt, vignettes by Susan McAliley; American Girl, 2009, $6.95 (paper); www.americangirl.com. 

The newest “American Girl” is Rebecca Rubin, a lively 9-year-old girl growing up in a big Jewish family in New York City in 1914. She longs to be the center of attention, but that’s not easy with four siblings. Cousin Max, an actor, tells her the secret to pleasing an audience, and Rebecca can’t wait to try out his advice. This historical character encourages girls to “stand tall, reach high, and dream big.” Included at the back of the book are a nonfiction piece about New York in 1914 and a glossary. Fans of the American Girl Series won’t want to miss this newest addition.
 

The Baby Einstein Co., $9.99; www.babyeinstein.com; for ages 9 months and up. Traditional cardboard stacking/nesting blocks feature real animal photographs, with numbers and color names written in eight languages.

More winners from Baby Einstein include:

Musical Motion Activity Jumper
10th Anniversary Edition Baby Mozart DVD
Baby's First Sounds DVD

Celeste Sings: Kids Dream, Dana Anton, State of Mind Entertainment, 2008; $9.95; www.romanticrealistrecords.com; all ages.

A refreshing blend of new lullabies that dovetail seamlessly with tried and true classics such as “Edelweiss,” “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod” and “All Through the Night.” Lush harmonies float on a sea of keyboards, strings and an occasional harmonica; the entire album stands up handily to repeat performances. This winner is sure to become a family favorite.
 

Cuentame un Cuento: Tell Me A Story, Carrie Sue Ayvar, 2005; $15; www.carriesueayvar.com.

 

“Habia una vez / Once upon a time…” Ayvar’s lively, engaging style presents traditional Hispanic stories and rhymes for young listeners in both Spanish and English. Preschoolers will love the story patterns and the friendly voice. Older kids (and even parents) will appreciate the seamless interweaving of English and Spanish. Great for retelling – in two languages. 

Mr. Popper’s Penguins, written by Richard and Florence Atwater, read by Nick Sullivan, Hachette Audio, 2009; $13.98 (2 CDs); www.HachetteAudio.com.

 

Can a 60-year old Newbery Honor book be brought to life for today’s listeners? Definitely yes! Mr. Popper spends a quiet life as a house-painter in a small town until, one day, his hero, Antarctic explorer Admiral Drake, sends him a live penguin. Before you -  or the Poppers - know it, there are a dozen penguins around the house, depending on Mr. and Mrs. Popper to provide appropriate food, a cold environment and even an ice skating rink.

 

Things get crazier and crazier as the Poppers figure out how to care for the penguins and how to make the venture financially self-sustaining. You’ll want to keep listening just for the slapstick comedy, but the storyline could also lead to some substantial discussions about the ethics and finances of keeping wild animals as pets. 

Firefighter Ted, by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre; Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2009; $15.99; www.simonandschuster.com. 

In his previous book, this droll little bear was “Doctor Ted.” Now he’s discovering his inner firefighter, and he’s equally hilarious. Ted makes his own fire extinguisher to put out the fire on the kitchen table (his toast). When the sidewalk sizzles, he puts a kitten up a tree. Then when he gets to school, more mayhem ensues. There’s also a hint of a third book to look forward to … .
 

Cahootie My Fab Future, Cahootie, LLC, $5.99; www.cahootie.com; ages 7 and up.

 

Next in the evolution of the time-tested, classic folded paper fortune-telling game, this Cahootie is constructed of thick, glossy tear-resistant paper and includes 40 reusable sticker fortunes to keep the game ever-changing. Through a series of steps, children choose words and numbers that eventually lead to lifting the flap to reveal their fortune. Each Cahootie centers around a specific theme, and “My Fab Future” deals with future careers, vacations, homestead and family. The company’s Web site expands play by providing directions to create your own paper Cahootie, as well as a sticker template to personalize the game with your own fortunes and fun. The Cahootie concept banks on emotional anticipation and reactions, which make a lasting impression on ’tweens everywhere. 

Deep Rooted Music, 2008; $14.50; www.ericode.com; for ages 3 to 8. This witty CD moves Eric Ode up a weight class, with interesting and appealing pop compositions driven along with tons of scrapers, shakers, noisemakers and handclaps. Ode’s goofy and friendly, half-spoken and half-sung, vocal style captivates kids. “Poor Planet Pluto” is a catchy, piano-driven parable about how Pluto’s demotion from planet-hood shouldn’t get you down, while the hilarious “Soggy Sneaker Parade” is a squeaky march down the school corridor in wet shoes.

 

For more odes from Eric Ode, check out:

Paper Bird Records, 2008; $14; www.francesengland.com; ages 2 to 8. Don’t you wish your mom could sing like this? Frances England names her two sons as her inspiration for this collection of 16 songs that entice the listener into a safe and childlike world of wonder and play. England’s stunning whispery voice is accompanied by acoustic guitar, banjo and piano, with fun added touches like the wooden spoons providing the rhythm for “Giddy Up.” Adults will love this one just as much as the kids.