Kids' Home Library by Lee Littlewood

The abundance of highly entertaining, sophisticated music geared toward children these days is a spellbinding treat to most adults' ears. CDs below range from $10 to $15, depending on retail outlets.

"Putumayo Kids Presents European Playground"; Putumayo World Music.

Good music is highly universal, as are the selections on this dazzling array of worldly tunes for families. From Ireland's "Sandy River Belle" to Germany's "Anneliese" and Belgium's "Bonjour Tout Va Bien," the tunes here, sung by stars from each country, are zippy and intriguing, fun and danceable. Like a tour of Europe, without the cost but with tons of culture and insight, "European Playground" also includes detailed liner notes about each of the 15 songs.

For more information on the fabulous Putumayo World Music and their other worthy CDs for children, visit www.putumayokids.com.

"Rockin', Rollin', and Ridin'," with Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck; BMI Publishing.

With numerous awards to speak of, talented Rebecca Frezza and her band have concocted another bright and cheery children's CD perfect for the car pool. With fun songs ranging from highly orchestrated to simple observations of kid-dom, "Rockin', Rollin', and Ridin'" showcases all that moves. The cool songs have names like "Motorcycle Boy," "Robot Dancer" and "Rocketship," plus some remix tunes worthy of top DJ status. There's even a familiar guest voice. Roscoe Orman — Gordon of "Sesame Street" — offers up his baritone in "Hey-O."

"Great Day" by Milkshake; Milkshake Music.

Six- to 10-year-olds are concerned with friendships and goals, and "Great Day" touches on those in award-winning band Milkshake's latest. Only a band for seven years, the popular group has already released three popular CDs and had music videos run on Noggin, PBS Kids and "ToddWorld," an Emmy-award winning show on the Discovery Kids network.

"Great Day" doesn't disappoint and is a smart, highly listenable array of hip pop, rock beats and thoughtful, witty lyrics.

"Greatest Hits for Kids: Love & Peace" and "Great Folk Songs for Kids: Pickin' & Grinnin'," from Music for Little People and Rhino Records.

For those who like their kids' music performed by big names, this duo from Music for Little People fits the bill for star-filled selections.

On "Love & Peace," children's artists, such as Raffi and Laurie Berkner, hit the spot, while Willie Nelson, Faith Hill and Sheila E. lend their mighty talents to keep adults happy. The songs are lovely and cheerful, bringing a bright smile to all who listen.

"Pickin' & Grinnin'" is a hoot, with classic folk tunes done up from Woody Guthrie, Taj Mahal, Pete Seeger, Buckwheat Zydeco, and even Bonnie Raitt.

"Go Waggaloo" from Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family; Smithsonian Folkways.

Speaking of the talented Guthrie family, here we have Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody, who, with her husband Johnny Irion and two daughters, brings charm and freshness to traditional and new songs for kids. With other family members and friends chiming in — including Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Tao Rodriguez Seeger — "Go Waggaloo" is playful and fun.

As a bonus, the 34-minute CD also includes three songs featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie that were never put to music.

KIDBITS

Two great new products for families deem mention.

Healthy Hands' Musical Hand Wash Timers fit on liquid soap dispensers, and play for 20 to 25 seconds to remind youngsters to wash their hands long enough to kill germs. A Disney "Cars" topper plays Lightening McQueen's "Real Gone," while another plays "Little Mermaid" songs when the soap dispenser is pushed down. Each retails for under $4 and makes a smart addition to any bathroom.

Flings Party Bins are recyclable foldout bins perfect for parties and gatherings. With holiday-themed decorations, and one with a recycling theme, Flings pop-up trash containers leave ugly bags and smelly trash cans behind.

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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