Children innately respond to music. Music has the ability to calm, energize, educate and motivate. It helps kids appreciate one of life's most appealing pleasures. Also included, and calm inducing, a new kid yoga DVD, starring a magnificent eagle, and LeapFrog's latest early-learning DVD.

"Scout & Friends Phonics Farm" from LeapFrog; $14.98.

LeapFrog's signature puppy, Scout, helps teach preschoolers early reading skills while learning about new animals. The colorful dog and pals are whisked away in their magical toy car to a farm. There they encounter an athletic alligator, a sad seal, a high-pitched horse and so much more. Sing-a-longs, a music video and curriculum commentary for parents are in the extras, while the entire DVD is a lighthearted way to teach tots the alphabet.

"Acoustic Dreamland" from Putumayo Kids; $14.98.

The 5th CD in Putumayo's popular Dreamland series, this soothing, worldly collection features 11 singer-songwriters who perform unplugged tunes that help kids sleep and adults unwind. The CD includes both classic and contemporary songs such as "Everything is Going to Be Alright," "Blue Sky" and "My Father's Waltz." James Taylor, Mary Chapin Carpenter and others originally sang the songs, but these are performed with grace by folk artists, Parents Choice award winners and even an Appalachian dulcimer master.

Putumayo Kids' musical recordings have won umpteen awards and make fantastic gifts and additions to any family's musical library. "Acoustic Dreamland," in particular, will be an invaluable sleep and relaxation aid.

"Grandkid Rock" from Daddy A Go Go; from Boyd's Tone Records; $11.99.

Stay-at-home Dad John Boynston, also known as multi-award-winning children's rock and roll artist Daddy A Go Go, has been "rocking out and raving on" for families since 1998. Boynston's acclaim has been widespread and amazing, with the Washington Post even crediting him with changing the face of children's music "from playroom tunes into the pop rock era." Boynston's tunes are witty and hearty. They don't play down to kids, but play "up" for entire families, even parents who love rock.

"Grandkid Rock" continues the alternative-rock feel for bigger kids, with lots of electric guitars, drums, driving rhythms and power chords. Boynston says he named the CD "Grandkid Rock" by adding a few shout-outs to grandparents and featuring a cool guitar that's slightly aged and worn on the cover. The greatest hits CD includes 16 remixed tunes such as "Big Rock Rooster," "I Caught my Granddad Watching Cartoons," "I Got My PF Flyers Workin'" and "You're Not the Bossa Nova Me." Pure rockin' genius!

"What a Zoo!" from Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights; from Kidzlovemusic; $15.

Kids' rocker Leeds last CD was named one of the best kids CDs of 2010 and her soulful, "rock-solid" voice is rich and entertaining. "What a Zoo!" presents 10 rock-friendly Joanie Leeds originals and four covers, each focusing on every child's fascination with animals. Though the songs rock and roll with panache, they're also educational and thought provoking. "My Butterfly" explores metamorphosis, "Sea Cow" and "Big Blue Whale" focus on endangered species, "Tofurky" emphasizes responsible eating, but then the lighter-hearted "Happy as a Clam" touches on animal-isms that pop up in our everyday language.

With tons of sophisticated humor and lots of admirable artistic qualities, "What a Zoo!" is fun, danceable and encourages a larger, animal-friendly message for all ages. Visit kidzlovemusic.com for more information.

"Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle" from Yoga Calm and Three Pebble Press; $15.99.

This children's yoga DVD is an award-winner. Filmed in HD, it helps kids build strength, flexibility and balance. It inspires creativity and a respect for nature and develops focus. Inspired by the eagle, the program's child yoga leader, Haley, takes kids on a fun yoga adventure where they learn how to focus and be strong, caring and imaginative. Another student, Rylie, then invokes her Native American heritage's respect for the eagle with song and a relaxing story sequence.

More than just an instructional yoga program for kids, the DVD adds magnificent footage of eagles in the wild and a narrated segment from Audubon Society naturalist Steve Engel. Focus skill activities from an ADHD expert and an interview with Yoga Calm's founders help round out the all-encompassing quality of this helpful, calming DVD.

A smart choice for the home or classroom, "Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle" is a relaxing way to help kids 4 to 11 learn to focus and calm down.

KIDBITS

Other top-notch new children's CDs include two from Didi Pop. "Everyday Adventure" is everyday fun with songs like "Wack Job Dog," "Tush on the Cush" and "I did My Homework." The tropical island-themed "Didi Pop Goes to Hawaii" is also great. You can find bilingual pop rock in Luchadora Records and Moona Luna's "Pinata Party." Emmy award-winner Jamie Broza's exotic "I Want a Dog!" and award-winner Aaron Nigel Smith's latest, "Let's Pretend" are also good finds.

Ted Jacobs' "Back to the Garden: Vol. 2" offers Robert Louis Stevenson poems turned into soulful, lovely acoustic tunes while "Big Bully" from Recess Monkey is a collection of bully and kindness themes from various artists.

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.