Every time my family goes on a road trip, a little voice from the back seat pipes up with a question. It’s not “Are we there yet?” but a cry of “Mommy, could you put in a CD please!” I remember when my parents played music for my brother and me to make long car trips more pleasant (either that or my mother was tired of listening to my father sing along with Frank Sinatra for the umpteenth time), and have decided to do the same for my kids. I’ve found that it’s not really too difficult to please most young children when it comes to music–they love it all! But I’ve found a few CDs that my kids particularly enjoy, and which you can use to enliven a car ride or help your kids sleep.
Happily Ever Moey. As I write this, my son is singing “Story Time” while he plays. That is just one of the catchy tunes on this album, which puts a modern spin on classic fairy tales. The combination of whimsical music and modern morality tales will entertain both you and your child (like the story of a Little Red Riding Hood with self-defense training so she’s able to save herself). Moey’s signature energy and enthusiasm shine through, especially on the included DVD which contains videos for all of the songs. $19.95.
The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band. I think it’s safe to say that I’ll never forget the song “We Are the Dinosaurs” (track #4). I played it for my son, and as soon as my daughter heard it, she stood up and took her first steps toward the music.“Rocketship Run” and “Five Days Old” are other favorites that get both kids up and moving. The band has garnered a lot of exposure from being in videos on Nick Jr. and having a DVD released through Starbucks, but their popularity is due to the quality of their music and the energy that Laurie and her band bring to it. $15.
Classic Nursery Rhymes Sung by Susie Tallman and Friends. If you’re a fan of American Idol, then you’ve heard the judges repeatedly advise contestants to make each song their own. Susie Tallman and friends definitely received that memo. Their eclectic style brings new life to these classic songs. I’ll catch Brandon rapping along to “Hickory Dickory Dock” and shortly afterward he’ll be marching to “I’m a little teapot.” $12.
Shababa with Karina. Despite ever increasing popularity since the Shababa program began in late 2007, Karina still takes time to greet and get to know each of the children (and caregivers) who attend her drop-in classes at the 92nd Street Y. As you listen to this CD, you’ll get to know why she’s so beloved. Her voice is sweet, strong and filled with her passion for teaching children as she sings songs about the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Parental Advisory: If you’re looking to settle your children down, you may want to skip track #2 (Bim Bam) which will have them jumping up and down and excitedly shouting “Hey!” along with the kids on the CD. $10.
Rockabye Baby/Lullaby Renditions of The Beatles. This may seem like more of a gift for yourself than your child, but it’s hard to resist the temptation of introducing some of the most beautiful music ever written to your kids. My son often listens to the original “Yellow Submarine” with lyrics while taking his bath, but listening to the unique instrumental version on this album allows us the opportunity to sing the song more freely. No guarantee that these lullabies will put your baby to sleep but at least they’ll be hearing classic tunes that you both love. $13.
