LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Pokey Pup) -
Music makes a great holiday gift for kids, a choice that will provide enjoyment throughout the year. Several new releases would make great stocking stuffers. These CDs have won national awards and are available from specialty e-tailer The Pokey Pup - www.pokeypup.com, where you can also hear song samples and get more information:
Babies
* Celtic Dreamland (Putumayo Kids- November 20) - This international collection of bedtime and relaxation songs spring from the rich traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Canada.
* Down at the Sea Hotel (The Secret Mountain - October 23) - This CD features 14 lullabies written by celebrated songwriters, performed by Guy Davis, Lucy Kaplansky, John Gorka, Eliza Gilkyson, the Wailin' Jennys and Lynn Miles.
* Dream (Lyric Partners - July 10) - Mae Robertson's creamy-smooth voice will waft the whole family off to dreamland.
Preschoolers
* Animal Playground (Putumayo Kids-April 24) - This multilingual collection of animal-themed songs from around the world includes a music video "No More Monkeys" by Trinidad-born artist Asheba.
* Baby Loves Jazz Greatest Hits I & II (Baby Loves Music- September 11) - The cofounder of Baby Loves Disco launches this jazzy collection of favorite children's songs. The 2-disc gift set features artists like Sharon Jones, Aaron Goldberg, John Ellis and more.
* Classic Animal Songs (Shout! Factory- October 2) - NAPPA Gold Award-winning songs by some of the best-loved artists in children's music, performing 14 delightful sing-along critter classics.
* My Green Kite (Rounder Records -February 20) - Peter Himmelman has many kites in the air, including music for hit TV shows and a rock and roll career. His fourth family recording offers 12 quirky pop infused melodies and wry lyrics.
Ages 5 and up
* The Ballad of Phineas McBoof (Pictoria Records - July 10) - Doctor Noize presents a rock opera for kids, featuring a hip little monkey and his band of Misunderstood Geniuses. This is smart techno-pop to make kids think.
* Brazilian Playground (Putumayo Kids-September 25) - This new collection of Brazilian tunes features a range of Brazilian musical styles (samba, bossa nova, forro and more). The digipak includes a 40 page booklet with maps, photos and cultural information in four languages.
* Chickens (Prairie Dog Entertainment-September 25) - Comedy music duo Buck Howdy and BB will have the whole family bopping along to a barnyard full of original and favorite Western swing tunes.
* Peter and the Wolf (Magic Maestro Music- July 3) - The London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Stephen Simon, dramatic narration, plus the added treat of Russian folk music, makes this a truly fresh take on a classic.
