Lovely Sleepy Baby and the Sea (Audio CD)

Artist: Raimond Lap

Released: 2007

Raimond Lap/Lovely Baby CD    

The Lovely Sleepy Baby series of CDs is based on classical music and the introduction of notable sounds. This particular CD combines classical contemporary music with sounds of the sea. Ten lullabies make up this CD to give parents a wonderful resource that can prepare a tranquil scene for bedtime and naptime. Scientific studies have also encouraged the use of classical music to stimulate learning and creativity. These CDs are a great foundation to build a love of classical music.

Here Come the ABCs (Audio CD)

Artist: They Might Be Giants

Released: 2005

Disney Sound

A variety of musical stylings create this bubbly CD: country/western, blues, ballads, rock, and pop. All the songs cover the topic of the alphabet or learning sounds in a cheery, silly way that will get kids moving. Since the lyrics are enticing to a young crowd, learning ABCs becomes effortless to ascertain. Reading can also be stimulated by listening to this CD due to the fact that some of the songs are about learning sounds, vowels, and rhyme. Favorites are “Who put the alphabet in alphabetical order?” and “Alphabet lost and found”. One can also purchase this CD in a bundle format with a DVD of related music videos.

Best of Laurie Berkner Band (Audio CD)

Artist: Laurie Berkner Band

Released: 2010

Two Tomatoes   

Twenty songs from five previously released CDs make up this compilation CD. Favorites were chosen by Laurie Berkner. All the songs are upbeat and promote learning through storytelling. The songs are thematic based on everyday things like animals, food, actions, and behavior. The catchy tunes are easy to learn and will enhance memorization and vocalization. This CD introduces new music outside of the traditional classics which will in turn offer new ways to expand on movement with songs like “Fast and Slow”, “Rocketship Run”, and “I’m gonna catch you”. One can also promote creativity by letting children dance in their own silly way to the tune “I really love to dance”.  MP3 versions are also available for downloads.

Baby Einstein: Playdate Fun (Audio CD)

Artist: Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra

Released: 2006

Buena Vista   

Classical tunes that are repeated throughout every generation fill this CD song list: a total of 19 songs. Only downfall is that some of the lyrics might differ from those learned by previous generations: “Do your ears hang low?” and “She’ll be comin’ around the mountain”. A great accompaniment to traditional nursery rhyme favorites: “If you’re happy and you know it”, “This old man”, and “Twinkle twinkle little star”. Overall, this CD is a fun way to teach nursery rhymes.

Animal Songs (Audio CD)

Artist: Raffi

Released: 2008

Troubadour Music Inc.                                                 

This CD is full of fun classical and culturally based nursery songs. Some are memorable songs such as “Down by the Bay”, “Eensy Weensy Spider”, “Baa baa Black Sheep”, and “Goodnight Irene”. As well as popular songs altered and performed for children like “Octopus’s Garden” and “Goin’ to the Zoo”.  The CD also introduces some culturally diverse songs, “Tingalayo” and “Anansi”. The most recognizable Raffi song is of course, “Baby Beluga”. Most of the music is upbeat and associated fingerplays could also be found online that relate to the song list. Children will love singing and dancing along.