My children are teenagers these days and their music a bit more complicated than the music of their toddler years. There are days that I long for those simpler days when music was more about the positive side of things and melodies were simple and fun. Perhaps that’s why I love to review children’s music. Or perhaps, it’s simply because my neighbor’s grandbaby loves for me to sing, dance, and read to him. At any rate, these are four music CDs your home should not be without.

Rhinoceros Tap By: Sandra Boynton, Michael Ford

Rhinoceros Tap is a very uplifting, danceable music CD. The upbeat, whimsical sounds allow parents to get loose and act silly with their children.

I enjoyed the vast variety of musical styles…it’s a fantastic way to introduce young children to the many styles of music without them realizing you’re broadening their horizons, so-to-speak.

From country square dancing to rock to a touch of jazz to the sounds of theatrical performances, this children’s music CD is sure to become a household favorite!

Family Portrait: Parenthood Requires A Sense Of Humor By John Brendan Russell

Family Portrait is a clever, upbeat music CD that not only gets the family in dancing around the house but leaves everyone in a good mood. If there was one word to describe this CD, it would be: Heartwarming.

Designed for families with young children, Russell captures the heart and soul of the American family. His old-fashioned storytelling, set to music, offers a wonderful way of instilling family values without sounding preachy.

I really enjoyed "Itty Bitty Bed", it reminded me of my favorite jazz man—Louis Armstrong. If you’re looking for something the entire family can enjoy, pick up a copy of Family Portrait today.

Laurie Berkner Band We Are The Laurie Berkner Band DVD

We Are The Laurie Berkner Band is a very cute, upbeat, and energetic music video designed just for kids. The lyrics are not just refreshingly clean; they’re loaded with energy and even offer a few subtle lessons for becoming better human beings (like Victor Vito’s healthy eating tips).

The mix of pop and folk in Laurie’s music really helps the lyrics come alive, and the playful, yet entertaining skits in the videos really bring the music to life. With a combination like that, it’s not hard to find yourself dancing and singing along with your children. In fact, the artists look like they’re having so much fun doing what they do, that you might find yourself daydreaming about a career that let’s you have as much fun!

Catch the Moon By Lisa Loeb & Elizabeth Mitchell

I love the simplicity of both the story and the music CD. Catch the Moon, the story, is a gentle reminder of what true friendship is all about. The music CD engages young minds and inspires them to dance, play, and love music. The CD reminds me of sweet, old-fashioned folk songs...when times were simpler and all our children needed were to hear the sweet, sweet, sounds of our voices to feel safe. This is a wonderful tool for putting both infants and toddlers down for naps, helping them unwind after a busy day, or just help parents bond with their children.