Kids' Home Library by Lee Littlewood

The children's music genre has exploded in recent years. Acts of impressive talent are now performing for younger people, and the result is a plethora of worthy CDs, meant for toe-tappin' relaxing and old-fashioned story listening.

"The Hero in You" by Ellis Paul; Black Wolf Records; $15.

When constant campaigning and negative national news floods the media, anything meant to boost America's great heritage and image is welcome. Folk music's Ellis Paul, in the first of a CD series to focus on heroes, pays tribute to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Jackie Robinson, Woody Guthrie and Rosa Parks, to name a few. The songs are inspiring and entertaining, as well as educationally informative. The songs are great selections about Americans who've done amazing things.

The multi-award winning songwriter does folk right, in a kid-friendly, fun manner. He also honors Einstein, Georgia O'Keefe, environmentalist Rachel Carson, musical mentor Tee Tot, dancer Martha Graham, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe and suffragist Nellie Bly.

"Farmer Jason and Buddies: Nature Jams" from Universal Music; $15.

Cool indie rocker Farmer Jason invites friends like Tommy Ramone and Mike Mills from R.E.M. to sing on his latest CD, all about inspiring families to get out into nature. Songs are titled "No Place Like the Woods," "Meadowlark in Central Park" and "The Moose Lives Where?" with a bonus CD with four funky, fun music videos.

The Emmy Award winner knows how to make his 16 woodsy songs rock. Fans can learn more at farmerjason.com.

"Monster Suit" by Mo Phillips; Hey! Bacon!! $12.99.

With contributions from talented Portland, Ore., musicians, Mo Phillips presents soulful "lo-fi" tunes (retro-tinged, unique tunes full of blues and acoustic rock) reminiscent of the Guthries. Songs range from the crazed energetic "Rollerskate Banana Peels" to the ballad "All Okay" and other fun songs such as "The Princess and The Cowboy" and "Bed Head."

Hip and delightful, "Monster Suit" is one of those CDs parents will enjoy as much as kids.

"Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Hits: Music for Growing Families" by Katherine Dines; $15.

One of the pioneers of the "kindie" music movement, Dines' creatively cool songs return here as hits, with songs such as "Sweet Shakin' Bed Quakin' Belly Achin' Wide Awake Blues," "Dad on Diaper Duty" and "All the Way around the World." Three new songs include one originally penned for a "Barney" movie and "In the Backseat," which was commissioned by a car manufacturer that went out of business.

Uber-popular and smile inducing, "Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Hits" will get kids grooving.

"Instrumental Dreamland" from Putumayo Kids; $14.98.

Everybody knows Putumayo by now. Their globally-charged, high-quality kid's music introduces youngsters to musical genres from around the world. This latest, a collection of soothing tunes for relaxation and bedtime, is the sixth in their "Dreamland" series.

With staples like "Brahms' Lullaby," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "What a Wonderful World," plus instrumental gems such as the Hawaiian "Pupu Hinuhini (Shiny Shell Lullaby)" and others from a ukulele virtuoso, Irish multi-instrumentalist and Malian griot and lora master, this Putumayo CD rocks but only gently and then to sleep.

"The Good Ms. Padgett Sings the Little Red Hen & Other Stories" from Anna Padgett and Everything OK; $18.

With a crisp, clear, fresh voice, Anna Padgett sings "The Little Red Hen," "Goldilocks," "Henny Penny" and "The Billy Goats Gruff" with lots of humor and wit. She tells the classic tales in a singsong-y manner that's perfect for preschool story times.

Refreshing and completely entertaining, "The Good Ms. Padgett" certainly has a future in singing stories!

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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