2005 NAPPA Awards for Children’s Music

This year saw another down-to-the-wire competition in the music category, especially in the 4 and up division. Yet the cream continues to rise with a nice mixture of seasoned veterans, talented up-and-comers and sounds of the indies, children's music is thriving in a music store near you!

Lullaby Gold Category Duermete, Mi Niño Hello Moon I Have A Little Shadow Wings of Slumber Lullaby Honors Category Baby's First Lullabies Dream the Ocean Blue - Musical Images for Bedtime Lullabies and Fireflies Under the Bed Infant/Toddler Gold Category A Poodle in Paris Don't Blink Go Itsy Jazz Baby - Session 1 Infant/Toddler Honors Category Cat's Night Out Let's Pretend - Fundamentals of Music and Movement Secret Door Singing Sounds - Songs for Learning Early Speech Sounds Tiny Tunes Ages 4 and Up Gold Category Bottle of Sunshine Fairy Moon - Songs of the Ring Gary Rosen's Pet Sounds Here Come the ABCs - Original Songs About the Alphabet Hey, Picasso Kid Pan Alley - Nashville Little Red Wagon Merry Fishes To All My Daddy Is Scratchy Pegleg Tango We All Laugh In The Same Language

Ages 4 and Up Honors Category Alphabet Songs Vol. 11 Bee Positive Early Morning Knee Slappin' Tunes Food 'N Fun - A Rockin' Celebration of Good Eatin' The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert I Love My Shoes Kimmy Schwimmy Volume 1 Mouse Jamboree Nature's ABCs Purple Burt Shake a Hand Ship of Chocolate Chips Shoes - Songs & Stories About Families & Friendships Soap Soup Ages 9 and Up Gold Category The Botanical Sessions Volume One - The Rootfriends Vacation Mello-D's Youth Under Construction Swing Around the World The World's Very Best Opera for Kids . . . in English! Ages 9 and Up Honors Category A Big Bowl of Musicroni The Campfire Kev Show and Other Radio Favorites I Was A Supa-Dupa Pupa! 'Round the Campfire Skipping Round the Moon

Reviews of 2005 NAPPA Award Winners

Lullaby Gold Category

Duermete, Mi Niño. Twin Sisters Productions, 2005; $12.99 CD; www.twinsisters.com, phone 330-864-3000; for all ages. The Spanish language is translucent and essential in this beautifully produced and performed collection of lullabies for each and everyone. Buy Duermete, Mi Niño at Amazon.com!

Hello Moon. Maria Sangiolo, Raging River Records, 2000; $15 CD; www.mariasangiolo.com, 860-974-1691; for newborns to age 5. The transition from playtime to nighttime has just the right touch - Sangiolo's voice is clear and soothing - the production value and arrangements are solid throughout. Buy Hello Moon at CDBaby.com or Amazon.com!

I Have A Little Shadow. Steven & Caitlin Klaper, Little Shadow Productions, 2005; $19.95 CD; www.littleshadow.com, pnone 248-541-6350; for all ages. An inspired, multi-media double-CD endeavor by the father- and-daughter team of Steven and Caitlin Klaper marries original music with the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson. Buy I Have A Little Shadow at CDBaby.com or Amazon.com!

Wings of Slumber. Banana Slug String Band, Slug Music, 2004; $14.98 CD; www.bananaslugstringband.com, phone 888-327-5847; for all ages. This veteran, talented quartet delivers 14 songs and 61 minutes of gentle, effective, multicultural material that celebrates the Earth, environment, peace and understanding. And if that's not enough, this good music will accompany your sleepy child to the Land of Nod! Buy Wings of Slumber at Amazon.com!

Lullaby Honors Category

Baby's First Lullabies. Twin Sisters Productions, 2005; $6.99 CD; www.twinsisters.com, phone 330-864-3000; for all ages. Lush orchestrations support traditional and classical lullabies and spiritual melodies. Buy Baby's First Lullabies at Amazon.com!

Dream the Ocean Blue - Musical Images for Bedtime. Jennifer Yeung, E-Horse Music, 2005; $17.95 CD; www.jenniferyeungmusic.com, phone 480-991-1369; for all ages. These gentle, drifting, peaceful, original, piano pieces are perfect for bedtime or as a musical backdrop for story time. Buy Dream the Ocean Blue at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Lullabies and Fireflies. Stephanie Fife, Lemon Jam Inc., 2005; $11.95 CD; www.lemomjam.com, phone 818-501-2283; for infants. An uninterrupted, seamless musical-march into dreamland that should - for all intents and purposes - buy Mom and Dad some valuable together time. Buy Lullabies and Fireflies at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Under the Bed. Alan Goodman, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.alangoodmanguitar.com, phone 914-630-4588; for all ages. Well-done lullabies on a well-played guitar. There was actually a moment when I almost fell asleeee…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Buy Under the Bed at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Infant/Toddler Gold Category

A Poodle in Paris. Connie Kaldor, The Secret Mountain, 2004; $22.99 CD/Book; www.thesecretmountain.com, phone 514-483-9281; for ages 2-7. Popular award-winning Canadian folk artist Connie Kaldor's ambitious and highly entertaining cabaret-style CD, and book of the same title, is a crowd pleaser for the whole family.

Don't Blink. Parachute Express, Trio Lane Records, 2004; $14.98 CD; www.parachuteexpress.com, phone 818-548-9246; for ages 1-8. A wonderful collection of scintillating, captivating and clever tunes that speak to the heart. Parachute's music is well written, superbly performed and downright addictive. Buy Don't Blink at CDBaby.com.

Go Itsy. Asheba, COV Productions, 2002; $15.00 CD; www.asheba.net, phone 510-759-0333; for all ages. Infectious Caribbean-style rhythms highlight this upbeat collection of original and traditional tunes. By Go Itsy at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Jazz Baby - Session 1. Various Artists, Casablanca Kids, 2005; $9.99 CD; www.casablancakids.com, phone 416-921-9214; for ages 0-6. Classic family tunes with great jazz grooves are performed stars such as Rosemary Clooney, Freddy Cole, Billy Preston, Taj Mahal, Cybil Shepard and Jim Belushi. Buy Jazz Baby: Session 1 at Amazon.com!

Infant/Toddler Honors Category

Cat's Night Out. Graham Walker, Laughing Fox Music, 1986; $12.95 CD; www.grahamwalker.ca, phone 604-886-2417; for ages 1-8. This CD has stood the test of time and is still as fun, and inventive as the day it was born. Buy Cat's Night Out at CDBaby.com.

Let's Pretend - FUNdamentals of Music and Movement. Aaron Nigel Smith, Aya World Productions, 2005; $12.50 CD; www.musicandmovement.net, phone 310-398-2500; for ages 2-9. An energized, eclectic, amalgam of songs from the heart. The children's choir kicks, the arrangements are real, and the message is genuine. Buy Let's Pretend - FUNdamentals of Music and Movement at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Secret Door. Kitty Gill, Pixie Sage, LLC, 1999; $16.00 CD; www.pixiesage.com, phone 631-757-2490; for ages 2-6. Imaginary character Pixie Sage introduces gentle songs of self-esteem and acceptance. Buy Secret Door at Amazon.com!

Singing Sounds - Songs for Learning Early Speech Sounds. Cathy Bollinger, EduFun Productions, 1997; $16.98 CD; www.superduper.com, phone 434-971-3054; for ages 2-7. Edutaining fun with clever sing-alongs designed to help youngsters learn correct speech sounds.

Tiny Tunes. Carole Peterson, Macaroni Soup! Active Music For Kids, 2005; $15.00; www.macaronisoup.com, phone 847-384-1404; for ages 1-4. Peterson talks directly to her young audience in a leisurely manner much as Fred Rogers did so splendidly. She never condescends but - mark this - you will be up and moving from the get-go! Buy Tiny Tunes at CDBaby.com.

Ages 4 and Up Gold Category

Bottle of Sunshine. Lisa Mathews & Mike Gehl, Milkshake Music, 2004; $14.99 CD; www.milkshakemusic.com, phone 410-662-8392; for ages 2-8. Love the voice, love the songs, love the production, love this CD! Thank you! Buy Bottle of Sunshine at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Fairy Moon - Songs of the Ring. Maria Sangiolo, Raging River Records, 2004; $15.99 CD; www.mariasangiolo.com, phone 860-974-1691; for ages 4-10. The Scrooge in me is melted by Fairy Moon, and yes, I hear pure vocals, songs that touch the heart and solid production values. Before the door closes, I believe! I believe! Buy Fairy Moon at CDBaby.com or Amazon.com!

Gary Rosen's Pet Sounds. Gary Rosen, GMR Records, 2005; $14.98 CD; www.garyrosenkidsmusic.com, phone 802-257-9566; for ages 0-8. This album bristles with immediacy, brilliance and talent to spare. It's a pleasing mix of new tunes and classics, written with former partner Bill Shontz, from the Rosenshontz days.

Here Come the ABCs - Original Songs About the Alphabet. They Might Be Giants, Disney Sound, 2005; $12.98 CD; www.disneyrecords.com, phone 818-973-4375; for ages 3-5. The dynamic duo TMBG returns to the children's music sector with a wildly creative and sonically sound assault on the alphabet. This one may spend as much time in Mom and Dad's CD player as in the kids' players. Check out their NAPPA Gold Award-winning DVD release too. Buy Here Come the ABCs at Amazon.com!

Hey, Picasso. Jessica Harper, Rounder Records, 2004; $14.98 CD; www.rounder.com, phone 800-ROUNDER; for ages 4 & up. A musical archeologist sifting through a Jessica Harper find would discover treasures that would benefit the whole family: a voice that dances on a bed of world music; songs that gently chord universal themes of acceptation and inspiration; and harmonies that are tight, tight, tight! Buy Hey Picasso at Amazon.com!

Kid Pan Alley - Nashville. Various Artists, Nashville Chamber Orchestra, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.nco.org, phone 615-256-6546 x3; for all ages. What a fabulous project: kids learning the process of songwriting guided by some of the Nashville greats then having their songs performed by super singers. Love this one! Buy Kid Pan Alley at CDBaby.com.

Little Red Wagon. Timmy Abell, Upstream Records, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.upcom.com, phone 828-258-9713. for ages 4 and up. Lovely inspirational songs that evoke a kinder, gentler time and space.

Merry Fishes To All. Trout Fishing in America, Trout Records, 2004; $15.00 CD; www.troutmusic.com, phone 479-761-3630; for ages 4-adult. These guys are the real deal and they crack me up. Very few children's artists have the wherewithal, and the songs, to have everyone, including mom and dad, snorting milk out their noses. Buy Merry Fishes to All at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

My Daddy Is Scratchy. Jamie Broza, Good Mood Records, 2005; $14.98 CD; www.goodmoodrecords.com, phone 212-967-3300 x 18; for ages 4-10. Accomplished composer's show tune approach to parenthood showcases great arrangements, song structure and situations that will have parents nodding in agreement. Buy My Daddy Is Scratchy at CDBaby.com.

Pegleg Tango.Captain Bogg & Salty, Hendrickson/Hoskins LLC, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.eatalime.com, phone 503-281-4885; for ages 4 and up. If you ever want your timbers shivered or your scally wagged, this six-member multi-talented, theatrical-musical group from the Pacific Northwest will trim your mainsail and drop your anchor long enough to experience a musical sound that will shake even Keith Richard's suspect DNA. Buy Pegleg Tango at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

We All Laugh In The Same Language. Marla Lewis, Plum Juice Records, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.marlalewis.com, phone 516-785-8456; for ages 6-10. A terrific new CD that incorporates solid production, a variety of bouncy musical styles and, above all, strong creative lyrics marinated with a honey-dipped voice reminiscent of Jessica Harper but with a style distinctly her own. Buy We All Laugh in the Same Language at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Ages 4 and Up Honors Category

Alphabet Songs Vol. II. Steve Weeks, 2004; $12.00 CD; www.steveweeks.com, phone 719-632-9468; for ages 2-8. Songsmith Steve Weeks is back with nary a false note as he shares nine more letters of the alphabet (I toQ this time). The songs are highly creative, finely performed and ably produced. Buy Alphabet Songs Vol. II at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Bee Positive. David Hall, Karenna Song Music Publishing, 2004; $12.00 CD; www.beepositive.bz, phone 503-309-7438; ages newborn-10. Out of the Pacific Northwest like a fresh breeze comes a new children's artist with a fun and folksy pack of original tunes filled with light-hearted humor and a sung in a gentle, accessible voice. Buy Bee Positive at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Early Morning Knee Slappin' Tunes. Mike Whitla, Deep Down Productions, 2005; $16.00 CD, www.deepdownproductions.com, phone 416-535-5247; for ages 3-8. Whether channeling Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", or "Teddy Bear's Picnic," Whitla's arrangements are sharp, diverse and ready to rock. His musical history is sound and his voice is fresh.

Food 'N Fun - A Rockin' Celebration of Good Eatin'. Gary Lapow, Springboard Records, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.garylapow.com, phone 510-849-2400; for ages 4-8. Who knew that eating good foods and exercising could sound so good! Buy Food 'N' Fun at CDBaby.com.

The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert. Monty Harper, Monty Harper Productions, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.montyharper.com, phone 405-624-3805; for ages 4-8. This live concert contains a kids-eye view of a fun-filled, upbeat collection of well-written, participatory tunes. Buy The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

I Love My Shoes. Eric Ode, Deep Rooted Music, 2005; $14.00 CD; www.ericode.com, phone 253-826-2115; for ages 3-9. This seasoned children's performer brings to the table a complete feast of new, energy-filled songs with fun lyrics that invite participation. Buy I Love My Shoes at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Kimmy Schwimmy Volume 1. Kim Duncan, North Corner Music Group, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.kimmyschwimmy.com, phone 646-281-4556; for ages 1-5. Tried and true, kid-tested tunes written and performed by a preschool music educator who's really got the goods! Buy Kimmy Schwimmy Vol. 1 at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Mouse Jamboree. Mary Kaye, Mary Kaye Music, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.marykayemusic.com, phone 207-384-8143; for ages 1-8. Clever songs, nice arrangements and pleasant, gentle harmonies make this collection easy on the ears. Buy Mouse Jamboree at CDBaby.com.

Nature's ABCs. Sammie Haynes, A Gentle Wind, 2004; $14.95 CD; www.gentlewind.com, phone 518-482-9023; for ages 4 and up. Some down-home country pickin' tunes, well sung by Haynes as she explores nature and the great big world we all share. Buy Nature's ABCs at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Purple Burt. Mitch Friedman, Meechmusic, 2005; $11.00 CD; www.mitchfriedman.com, phone 718-246-1760; for ages 4 and up. This is a zany, brainy and engaging concept CD featuring an invisible purple boy named Burt who's best friend is a snapping turtle. Get the picture? Oh, did I mention he's colorblind? Lots of silly fun. Buy Purple Burt at CDBaby.com.

Shake a Hand. Dave Fromer, Dave Fromer Music, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.davefromermusic.com, phone 415-383-0450; for ages 2-8. You'll feel a lot better about yourself after listening to this uplifting collection. Fromer's golden-dipped voice is a definite asset to presenting songs of acceptance and self-esteem. Buy Shake a Hand at CDBaby.com.

Ship of Chocolate Chips. Joel Frankel, Crunchy Records, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.joelfrankel.com, phone 847-707-7654. for ages newborn-8. Frankel's fourth children's CD is a musical treat that will tickle your sweet tooth all the way down to your funny bone. An imaginative mixture of musical tall tales and intimate insights to the child within us all. Buy Ship of Chocolate Chips at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Shoes - Songs & Stories About Families & Friendships. Susan Reed, 2004; $15.00 CD; www.susanreed.com, phone 617-698-8125; for ages 4 and up. Playing more instruments than you can shake a tambourine at, Reed delivers an exuberance that leaps off the disc and gets you into your dancin' shoes!

Soap Soup. Sam Glaser, Glaser Musicworks, 2004; $14.99 CD; www.samglaser.com, phone 310-204-6111; for ages 4 and up. Twenty fine family songs, nicely done and presented with energy and love for all. Buy Soap Soup at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Ages 9 and Up Gold Category

The Botanical Sessions Volume One - The Rootfriends Vacation. Various Artists, Dazsling Inc., 2005; $16.00 CD; www.rootfriends.com, phone 617-312-5253; for ages 6-12. These Tree People have a lot of upbeat rock to their bark. Follow the adventures of the Rootfriends and learn about tree identification and botany. (A related picture book is sold separately.)

Mello-D's Youth Under Construction v1.0. Mello-D, Harmony Garden Entertainment LLC, 2003; $12.95 CD; www.youngpop.com, phone 248-545-4411; for ages 6-16. Today's music wrapped in a universal message of love, hope and fulfillment of dreams. Nicely done. Buy Youth Under Construction v1.0 at CDBaby.com.

Swing Around the World. Various Artists, Putamayo World Music, 2005; $15.98 CD; www.putumayo.com, phone 800-995-9588 x 211; for all ages. Putumayo knows how to get the family up and dancing to infectious, joyous world music. Before there was rock 'n roll there was swing. Check it out! Buy Swing Around the World at Amazon.com!

The World's Very Best Opera for Kids…in English! Various Artists, The Childrens Group, 2003; $15.99 CD; www.childrensgroup.com, phone 905-831-1995; for ages 4 and up. Hey, I can get into this! Now I understand what's going on. Classic operas performed by world-class talent; a great tool for schools or just family listening.

Ages 9 and Up Honors Category

A Big Bowl of Musicroni. Steve Pullara And His Cool Beans Band, Cool Beans Music, Inc., 2005; $15.99 CD; www.coolbeansmusic.com, phone 215-675-7743; for ages 9 and up. Pullara invites us all to a party to learn about the Italian-American culture. Laugh-out-loud songs and danceable arrangements will have you switching cultures pronto! Buy A Big Bowl of Musicroni at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

The Campfire Kev Show and Other Radio Favorites. Kevin Holladay, Kev Radio, 2004; $15.95 CD; www.campfirekev.com, phone 502-252-7258; for ages 7 & up. This creative throwback to the days of the pure Americana radio show is mixed with contemporary sounds is a " feast for the ears" and fun for everyone. Buy The Campfire Kev Show at Amazon.com!

I Was A Supa-Dupa Pupa! Lucas Miller, 2005; $14.95 CD; www.lucasmiller.net, phone 512-567-2626; for ages 6-12. Miller does funny takes on what used to be considered boring subject matter - but not anymore! He succeeds in educating with cool songs and a great sense of humor. Buy I Was A Supa-Dupa Pupa! at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

'Round the Campfire. Kathy Byers, KT Music Productions, Inc., 2004; $15.99 CD; www.kathybyers.com, phone 973-635-7088; for all ages. You can almost smell those marshmallows on the stick. Byers' charm and mellifluous voice lead us down the trail and round the campfire for some timeless sing-alongs. Buy 'Round the Campfire at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Skipping. Round the Moon, Susan Reed, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.susanreed.com, phone 617-698-8125; for ages 6 and up. If learning math was this easy, I'd have learned ages ago. Reed is a fine musician and vocalist who will have you counting your good fortune that you found this CD.

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.

About the Judge: John Wood brings 30 years of expertise to his reviews of children's music. He created and produced the annual Theatre Arts Festival for Youth (TAFFY) Festival. His family music reviews appear in parenting magazines across the country and on www.kidzmusic.com.

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