2003 NAPPA Awards for Children’s Music

Music for children just gets better and better. We're delighted to be able to present winners that represent such a wide range of influences and styles — and thrilled that children everywhere can benefit from the diversity and excellence of performers who have their interests at heart! The following are our winners in each age category:

Lullaby Category Dream With Me Tonight, Volume 2 Dreamland Dreamland: World Lullabies and Soothing Songs Infant/Toddler Category Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta FUNsies Look At My Belly Under a Shady Tree

Ages 4 and Up Category Not Naptime Indian Elephant Tea Uh-Oh! Fish Food Watch Me Now! Amazing! Everywhere You Go Moochas Gracias Ages 9 and Up Category It's a Puzzle African Playground This Land Is Your Land - Songs of Unity

Reviews of 2003 NAPPA Gold Award Winners

Lullaby Category Gold Awards

The Honors winners are listed here.

Dream With Me Tonight, Volume 2 — A Father's Lullabies, by Lanny Sherwin & Gene Miller, Sandman Records, dreamwithmetonight.com, 2003; $12.98 CD; phone 615-790-7275; newborn to age 6. Sherwin knows how to craft a song, produce with aplomb and match the perfect singer to the songs- in this case, gifted vocalist Gene Miller gets the nod and hits a homerun each time. Better buy two because this one will certainly wear out.

Dreamland, by Joanie Bartels, Purple Frog Records, 2004; $14.98 CD; phone 323-934-1256; ages 0-8. Is there a sweeter voice in children's music than Joanie Bartels? She has never sounded better, and this gentle collection of classics and original songs will cuddle you right into Dreamland. With a career that began in 1985 — 12 recordings ago — Bartels is truly in it for the long haul and has a love and sincerity that enhances every song.

Dreamland: World Lullabies and Soothing Songs, by Various Artists, Putumayo World Music, 2004; $15.98 CD; phone; newborn to age 0 to adult. This truly beautiful compilation of lullabies from around the world emphasizes our similarities and not our differences. It's a remarkable package that speaks to the child in each of us.

Infant/Toddler Category Gold Awards

The Honors winners are listed here.

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta FUNsies, by Katherine Dines, Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Music, 2003; $15.99 CD; phone 303-298-7122; newborn to age 2. This album of creative, practical and fun songs and activities for parents and children comes from a consummate and seasoned performer. Dines offers 15 compelling tunes designed to aid in the development of early motor skills and language. Instrumental versions of all the songs are also included — perfect for kindergarten karaoke.

Look At My Belly, by Brady Rymer, Bumblin' Bee Records, 2003; $15.00 CD; phone 631-765-1629; newborn to age 6. A day in the life of a new dad and his son translates into 13 original and creative tunes by singer/songwriter Brady Rymer. Thank goodness for loving parents that express themselves through music or we wouldn't have such fun songs to share!

Under A Shady Tree, by Laurie Berkner, Two Tomatoes Records, 2002; $12.98 CD; phone; ages 2-6. Sincerely silly, smartly observed and performed with energy and an understanding of her audience, Laurie Berkner's songs speak to the child in us all. Experience counts.

Ages 4 and Up Category Gold Awards

The Honors winners are listed here.

Not Naptime, by Justin Roberts, Hear Diagonally Records, 2003; $15.98 CD; phone 773-325-9259; ages 2-9. While Chicago-based Roberts' voice and styling has been favorably compared to James Taylor's, he has his own definitive voice that speaks to children. The 12 original songs on this new recording are clear and bright and directly hit the ups and downs of growing up in a fun and loving way.

Indian Elephant Tea, by Skip Ewing, Rounder Records, 2003; $14.98 CD; phone 800-ROUNDER; ages 3 and up. One of Nashville's finest singer-songwriters turns his hand to some classic children's fare and hits one out of the park! This album has it all: inspired performances and juicy arrangements. You've just got to hear the "Itsy Bitsy Spider Took the 'A' Train" — We think Duke Ellington would approve.

Uh-Oh!, by Peter Alsop, Moose School Music, 2002; $15.00 CD; phone 310-455-2318; ages 2-7. Respected songwriter, performer and educator Peter Alsop asks a peculiar question: What would happen if you could be magically transported back to preschool? Along with pals Bill Harley and Mar Harman, Alsop's hilarious 22-song collection boldly reverts to the world of diapers and innocence at breakneck speed with plenty of jokes for adults.

Fish Food, by Scotty & Lulu, Slurpy Sounds, 2002; $14.95 CD; phone 877-429-5850; ages 2-10. And now for something completely different — a little bit British music hall and a little bit off the wall, Scotty & Lulu never cease to surprise with a fresh approach and different angles that deliver a new dimension to children's music. Give it a go!

Moochas Gracias, by Anna Moo with Bo Diddley, Good Moo's Productions, 2002; $14.00 CD; phone 800-BY-MY-CD; ages 5 and up. Blindsided by this one — like winning the lottery or tripping over a diamond in a coal mine. Bo Diddley's still got the goods and Anna Moo's spirit and sound production values makes this CD a winner!

Watch Me Now!, by David Grover, Big Bear Music, 2004; $15.00 CD; phone 212-421-0592; ages 0-9. A dynamic trio! Great messages are wrapped up in this musical package that speaks to the heart and leaves you wanting more.

Amazing!, by Robin and Micheal Goodrow, Goodrow Productions, 2002; $15.00 CD; phone 707-584-5817; ages 4-11. These crafty songs from experienced writers feature great players — including Tower of Power and Kenny Rankin among others — and terrific production. The result is, well — amazing!

Everywhere You Go, by Joe McDermott, True Blue Music, 2003; $14.99 CD; phone 512-339-9528; ages 3-8. A blast of fresh air out of Texas, McDermott's got the goods and delivers another splendid CD. What a blast!

Ages 9 and Up Category Gold Awards

The Honors winners are listed here.

It's A Puzzle, by Trout Fishing in America, Trout Records, 2003; $14.98 CD; phone 888-439-8342; ages 5-10. The latest outing of two talented chaps, this recording ties bluegrass and rockabilly musical roots to sharp witty lyrics. They provide a fresh slant on familiar subjects, from creepy school lunches ("Why I Pack My Lunch") and bad manners ("The Goops"), to silly songs ("La La Land") and teen-talk ("It's Like"). The musicianship is top-notch, the singing is great, the arrangements rock and the recording — clichés — aside, is truly for the whole family.

African Playground, by Various Artists, Putumayo World Music, 2003; $15.98 CD; all ages. Another comprehensive cultural experience from the Putumayo brain trust, this CD highlights the music of Africa with traditional, upbeat instrumentation- a most engaging experience. The liner notes are highly informative for older children and parents.

This Land is Your Land — Songs of Unity, by Various Artists, Music for Little People, 2002; $15.98 CD, $9.98 cassette; phone 707-923-3991; ages 6-12. This ambitious and rewarding tribute to America features stories, songs and poetry that depict the nation's social struggles and triumphs and espouse liberty and justice for all. A hidden pleasure is Brian Johnson of AC/DC singing "If I Had a Hammer."

The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) program began in 1990 as a consumer awards program for children's media, including books, toys, music, videos, software, and storytelling/spoken word. Expert judges within each category review and select the best submissions to receive recognition as either Gold or Honors Award winners. Winners are announced annually prior to the holiday season.

John Wood is the music reviewer for eight regional parenting magazines. He co-created and performed more than 7,000 shows with the popular group J.P. Nightingale. Visit him on the Web at www.kidzmusic.com.

KidzMusic.com ©2008 E-mail address for kidzmusic.com is john@kidzmusic.com.