Hip and Cool Music for Children to Enjoy this Summer Season

Children's music today isn't lullabies only about sleeping ducks and fire engine clap-alongs. These super-smart CDs offer up some raucous, thoughtful and cool music — and even a few spooky tales.

"My Trampoline" by Peter Himmelman; Minivan Productions; $14.99.

Not your average children's music performer, Peter Himmelman was lauded by Rolling Stone magazine as being an electrifying live rock troubadour; he is also an Emmy-nominated TV and movie composer. The goateed, fedora-wearing cool guy unleashes 12 hip kids' tunes bound to capture the attention of adults as well.

Himmelman's titled "My Trampoline" bounces along with tons of retro swagger, while "Ten Billion Blades of Grass" asks kids to ponder the individual feelings of each piece of grass. "Peter's a Pin Head" and "Statistical Factoids" should have youngsters, and parents, shaking their heads with amazement and happy wonder. "Are There Any Kids Named Steve Anymore?" opens up a whole plethora of name-related inquisitiveness.

Too fun, "My Trampoline" makes every hangout day full of fun. For more information, visit www.minivanproductions.com.

"Pete Seeger Tribute — Ageless Kids' Songs" by Buck Howdy; Prairie Dog Entertainment; $12.99.

Buck Howdy, two-time Grammy-nominee western crooner, has the refreshingly vintage cowboy persona. His CDs, perfect for campouts in the woods or living room, are mixed with clarity, retro Roy Rogers-like appeal and a smooth top-notch voice.

Happily for fans young and old, Buck's got two new releases. His "Pete Seeger Tribute — Ageless Kids' Songs" harkens back to a folksy era, with favorites "Froggie Went A Courtin,'" "My Darlin' Clementine" and "Buffalo Gals." Plus, the hilarious "Be Kind to Your Parents," which will have youngsters singing along with "told you so" glee.

"Buck Howdy AAAAAH! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs" is great for autumn, when crackly leaves start to fall and days become darker earlier. Probably best for the older elementary- and middle-school crowd, this spoken word and song rambler ain't for the too-faint-of-heart. In one story, a possessed monkey's paw grants wishes and even death. In "Ball Pit," a young child discovers biting snakes in a fast-food ball pit. Still, great for Halloween season and for spooky sleepover fun, "Aaaah! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs" fits the bill for the fall season.

"Picnic Playground" and "European Playground" from Putumayo Kids; $15.99.

World-famous Putumayo Kids introduces children to other cultures through diverse, upbeat music from around the globe. Two new CDs continue that enriching experience. First, "Picnic Playground" provides a veritable feast of international songs about food, cooking and healthy eating, with songs from Australia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Trinidad and more. Joyous, almost tasty, songs — with titles such as Asheba's Caribbean "Ice Cream," Rhythm Child's "Bowl of Cherries" and Jose Conde's rollicking "Bolitas de Arroz con Pollo" — will entice kids to picnic once more this summer.

"European Playground" brings sing-song vignettes of Europe without having to pack a suitcase. The 15 songs are fun-filled and lovely, and liner notes let kids in on backgrounds and musical tidbits.

"Great Day" by Milkshake; Milkshake Music; $14.99.

Apparently while I've been watching "Lost" and "Mad Men" episodes on TiVo and reviewing children's books, an "alternative" children's band has been rocking out with the younger generation. Milkshake — made up of two band mates from Baltimore's indie rock group Love Riot, plus other storied professionals — energize on PBS Kids, the Noggin Channel and Discovery Kids, with truly conceptual and magical music videos.

CDs are right up with the videos, with songs that are edgy and meaningful, but also fun for the entire family. "Great Day," aimed at ages 6 to 10, touches on issues of friendship, inclusion, goals and material desires. Plus, it has tons of crackling pop rock that includes rockabilly, B-52s-like craziness and stylistic tunes aplenty.

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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