New Music Selections for Children

Welcome Home to Maestroville by Little Maestros

This is one of my favorite new finds in the world of children's music. Little Maestros is a hip music class for babies, toddlers and preschoolers in New York City. With great musicians, imaginative songs, puppet shows and musical storytimes, this is one fun act!

Check out their first cd Welcome Home to Maestroville at the library and check out their website: www.littlemaestros.com.




Snail's Pace by Eric Herman

When Eric Herman visited the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library last summer, he was met with great enthusiasm. This 2007 release brings fun children's songs certain to please.







Play by Various Artists

I like albums that are compilations of a variety of styles, artists and sound. It's a great way to sample individual artists and find musicians and styles you may have missed otherwise. This album's self-description claims it is "aimed at adults and young people who like kid-friendly music that can be listened to over and over and over again." And if you're a fan of Mudhoney, the Supersuckers, or Visqueen, you'll be happy to know they make an appearance on this album.



Ratatouille music by Michael Giacchino

The movie was a hit with kids and adults alike. Take home and revisit the music in Ratatouille with the soundtrack by Michael Giacchino.









Play! by Milkshake

This is what rock music for kids is all about! Singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist You may have seen their videos on PBS Kids or Discovery Kids' ToddWorld (hint: Lisa is often dressed in a tutu). Milkshake's PLAY! cd won a Parents Choice Recommended Award and the Nappa Gold Award for Best Children's Music 2007. Check out their website at: www.milkshakemusic.com.





You Are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell

Elizabeth Mitchell has been making delightful children's music for several years, but she is new to my ears. This is the music of childhood that I love. Her rendition of Woody Guthrie's "Little Sack of Sugar" still remains my favorite find in the world of children's music this past year. (You can hear it on the Bright Spaces 2 cd). Elizabeth's voice might also sound familiar to you - she sang backup vocals for Lisa Loeb's first hit "Stay (I Missed You)".





Alvin and the Chipmunks: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Alvin and the Chipmunks made their first appearance when I was growing up. Now they're back, with their new movie out on DVD and the soundtrack available at the public library. If you just can't get enough of the signature sound of Alvin and his friends singing, this album is for you.

Get on the Bus! by Doodlebops

Television viewers can watch the Doodlebops each day on the Disney Channel and their fans can also check out their songs at the library. These colorful characters sing and rock their way through 22 children's songs. Also available at the library on DVD.






Fascinating Creatures by Frances England

For children and parents who like the sounds of Elizabeth Mitchell and Dan Zanes and his folk/indie blend, try Fascinating Creatures. Reviewers at Zooglobble, School Library Journal, and Cookie Magazine, have all give high praise to Frances England. Evoking the sounds of Sarah McLachlan, Neko Case, and Ani DiFranco, Fascinating Creatures is definitely worth a listen!




Disney Mania 5 by Various Artists

Today's top music stars sing classic Disney Songs - "their way." Featured artists include Miley Cyrus, Corbin Bleu, the Cheetah Girls, the Jonas Brothers, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Everlife and others sing everything from "Part of Your World" (Little Mermaid) to "Find Yourself" (Cars from Pixar Studios).