Alerta Sings & Songs for the Playground
(Smithsonian Folkways $15 Score:) Suni Paz's classic recordings of songs and games in Spanish and English are combined on a single disk with songs from Latin America and the Caribbean. There are songs, jumping chants, and childhood rhymes accompanied by Latin American instruments. Some are familiar, but in truth, it's the less familiar that will capture your heart! Muy dulce!

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: .

Cada Nitura
(Tish Hinojosa, Rounder $11.95 Score:) A rare truly bilingual recording that celebrates Latino and American cultures with 11 songs sung in both English and Spanish.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: .

Linking Up
(ESR $12.99 Score:) Sarah Pritle with Roberto Diaz will fill your heart with joy as they sing more than 40 songs (20 each in Spanish and English) that promote cooperation, friendship, and caring. But these aren't just songs with messages-first and foremost, they're music!

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: .

South African Legends
(Putumayo $12.95 Score:) Imagine a gathering of the most outstanding names in South African music-that's what you'll find on this CD: Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and so many others! Also top rated: World Playground, with authentic folk music from around the world.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: .

Universe of Song: French & English
(Music for Little People $7.98 Score:) A collection of familiar nursery songs: "Frere Jacques," "Alouette," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and so many more, sung by Jean René. Songs are sung in both French and English. A review of the French words at the end of each song might have worked better at the beginning, but after the first few plays, perhaps it won't matter so much. It's never too soon to introduce tots to another language and singing the songs of childhood has universal appeal! (50 min.)

Age: Toddlers,Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: .

Cajun
(Putumayo, Putumayo $15.98 Score:) From the first note, you're transported to the bayous of southwest Louisiana. It's almost impossible to sit still while this collection of Cajun music is on--fun for kids to move to! (888) 788-8629. Also top rated, Le Hoogie Boogie: Louisiana French Music for Children Blue Chip (Michael "Beausoleil" Doucet et al., Rounder $10.98/$15.98). (800) 768-6337.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.

Still the Same Me
(Sweet Honey in the Rock, Rounder, Rounder $10.98 Score:) Once again this superb African-American ensemble gives us an inspired collection of songs and improvisations. Featuring only their voices and percussion instruments, this is a listening treat for the whole family that will move your spirit and your whole being! (800) 768-6337.

Age: Infants,Toddlers,Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.

Raffi Songs of Our World
(Rounder $14.95 Score:)

As always Raffi's choices of music are pleasing. He does not sing down to his young audience. This collection of songs from many cultures is sung in Japanese, Chinese, English, Spanish and represents many cultures of the world. It would have been nice if the lyrics came with a translation for those of us who like to know. But, that said, this is a fine choice.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.