Peter Pan
(Listening Library $29.95 Score:)

If you only know the Disney version of Peter Pan—you are in for a big surprise—and a very special treat. I’m not sure how many parents today will wade into that world J.M. Barrie created early in the 20th Century. But with Jim Dale as the storyteller, no problem! As he did with his masterful readings of the Harry Potter books, Jim Dale creates a special magic with a unique voice for each of the featured players. You will love his take-charge Peter, his snide Captain Hook and his smotherly, motherly Wendy. Take this along on the next long drive you do or dole it out a few chapters at a time as an after dinner treat. Dale will take you off to Neverland with his magical performance. Think lovely thoughts!

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

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
(Listening Library $25.95 Score:)

You may not want to admit it, but if you have never gotten through all of Lewis Carroll’s Alice, let Jim Dale take you down the rabbit hole and beyond. Who better than this master storyteller can navigate you through the world of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and all the other whimsical characters created in 1865? Dale’s reading makes this classic live with a new vitality.

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

Beethoven's Wig 4, Dance Along Symphonies
(Rounder $14.99 Score:)

Another entertaining sequel to the winning series of classical music with some mighty silly lyrics. Richard Perlmutter has created these ditties to such old favorites as The Moonlight Sonata, Swan Lake, The Habenera of Carmen and The Washington Post. Play them with his singing or play them straight up as instrumentals that kids can use for conducting or dancing along. These are not quite as amusing as the first CD, but as series go, it's pretty good.

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

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.

Make Your Own Someday
(The Jimmies $15 Score:)

Brad, Tim, Matt, Ashley and Dan are the Jimmies- one the brightest additions to the world of children's music. You'll want to get up and dance when you put on "Make Your Own Someday: Silly Songs for the Shorter Set." Remember our rule is that everyone in the car needs to be happy with our selections--and the Jimmies get that - blending lyrics that are fun for kids without being so sappy that the front seat occupants are rolling their eyes. They introduce kids to instruments and different musical styles in a pleasant, upbeat way that you will not mind hearing often!

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

Blue Moo
(Rounder $11.98 Score:)

I just want to give Sandra Boynton and Michael Ford a hug for coming through with a wonderful collection of witty music that is performed by a really interesting mix of performers including John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, Patti LuPone, Neil Sedaka, B.B. King and Davy Jones of Monkey fame. Highlights include Davy Jones singing "My Personal Penguin"...it's just so nice to hear his voice again and sing a song that's fun...and Patti LuPone singing the Rabbit Tango as only she could! The collection is right on target for kids without being about going to the potty or about your three year old's responsibility to the global community. It's happily and beautifully smart, intelligent and entertaining.

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

The Ants Go Marching
(illus. by Dan Crisp, Childs Play $8.99 Score:)

We liked this oversized paperback book with tons of ants to count and a camp song to sing. Now a new edition has come out with a CD that has two tracks. One has the song being sung while the other is for karaoke singers.  Enjoy!

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009.

Little Johnny Brown
(Smithsonian Folkways $0.666666666666667 Score:) With this reissue of a collection from the early '70s, a new generation will enjoy Ella Jenkins, the ultimate songsmith for the young. Features Ms. Jenkins interacting with her young audience with such songs as "Miss Mary Mack" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." These are classic folk songs with plenty of repetition and easy sing-, clap-, and tap-along fun.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2003.

Beethoven's Wig
(Rounder $12.98 Score:) A witty romp through the classics! Unless you consider trifling with classics an offense, you'll love this collection of zany lyrics set to Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and other composers of classical music. Although some of the lyrics are uneven, young (and not so young) listeners will get a laugh along with help in the game of "name that tune/composer." Beethoven's Fifth is likely to bring to mind the words of "Beethoven's Wig" and Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" may henceforth bring to mind a sleep-deprived singer who finds no sleep by counting sheep. Definitely not your Leonard Bernstein's "Young People's Concert" material-more like PDQ Bach for the very young and less sophisticated.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2003.

Charlotte's Web
(Listening Library $27 Score:) To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this well loved classic, it has been reissued on a three-CD set narrated by E. B. White, which provides an added historic dimension. While not as lively as some other narrators, he is a natural storyteller.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2003.