Music for young kids has come a long, long way. Here’s our guide to today’s top albums.

Here at the Johnson Library in San Antonio, kids are crazy about music. In fact, they can’t wait to rattle their shakers, clack their sticks, jangle their bells, or just sing along with our storytimes.

But playing an instrument, singing along, or listening to music isn’t just pure fun—it’s an essential part of kids’ development. According to researchers at Sam Houston State University, after four-, five-, and six-years-olds and their parents had taken part in a music curriculum, the youngsters’ abstract reasoning scores soared—the greater the participation, the greater the gain. And when elementary school students in Rhode Island participated in a skill-building music program, their math skills improved significantly. As the creators of “Every Child Ready to Read @ your library,” the Public Library Association, and the Association for Library Service to Children’s parent-education initiative have pointed out, singing helps kids develop listening skills, hear discrete sounds in words, learn new vocabulary and information, and sharpen their motor skills. Music and singing also encourage children’s creativity, boost self-esteem, and enhance spatial-temporal reasoning and logical thinking.

Ready to add some more music to your library collection? When I buy recordings for our library, I’m always on the lookout for albums with first-class vocals and instrumentals, and full, rich sounds. I also try to include an assortment of musical styles, such as classical, jazz, hip-hop, and folk, so kids are introduced to sounds and instruments they may not have heard. As for the lyrics, I always opt for creative and clever, and those that deal with kid-friendly topics without talking down to little ones. Another quick tip? If I’m shopping for a CD that includes a children’s chorus, I make sure the singing is in tune, on time, and in unison.

As far as I can tell, librarians in both large and small systems are still buying CDs. (Last summer I conducted a small informal poll on Pubyac, an online discussion group for children’s and young adult librarians.) Many librarians also download albums and individual tracks from reputable sources, like the AV Café, CDBaby, and artists’ and bands’ websites, since they enjoy the flexibility of creating their own playlists.

Over the last decade, music for kids has gotten a whole lot better, and that’s great news for anyone with ears. The following CDs, which are among my favorites, are perfect for librarians who work with preschoolers, first, and second graders—and best of all, you don’t need to play an instrument or sing like Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber to enjoy them.

Acoustic Dreamland. Various artists. 31 min. Putumayo Kids, 2011. This fine anthology features unplugged performances from some of the world’s best singers, including Lucy Kaplansky and Elizabeth Mitchell. Other “Dreamland” entries that you won’t want to miss are African Dreamland and Celtic Dreamland—and don’t skip Putumayo’s “Playground” series, especially Animal Playground and Jazz Playground.

Banjo to Beatbox . Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. 30 min. Cathymarcy.com, 2009. Once again, these music veterans have teamed up with Washington, DC, hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon, this time on a collection of bouncy, toe-tapping folk and—yes!—hip-hop tunes. With Fink blazing the way on the banjo and Marxer adding some spirited washboard rhythms, Bacon is left to do what he does best—rhyme, rap, play percussion, and turn his body into a human beatbox. Another outstanding album by this trio? Scat Like That.

Beethoven’s Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies. Richard Perlmutter. 43 min. Rounder Records, 2008. This installment of Perlmutter’s Grammy-nominated series combines irresistibly silly lyrics with classical pieces that were created especially for dancing. Each composition is presented first with lyrics, then as an instrumental. Kids will love this introduction to classical music, which showcases terrific orchestras that are bound to make youngsters get up and boogie.

Cantilena: Night Songs from Around the World. Hilary Field and Patrice O’Neill. 57 min. Yellow Tail Records, 2010. This soothing anthology of lullabies features Field’s accomplished classical guitar, O’Neill’s lush vocals, and some of the Seattle Symphony’s finest players. Hailing from such far-flung destinations as Sweden, Scotland, Romania, Italy, Argentina, and Japan, these smooth, flowing melodies will send kids off to sleep with smiles on their faces.

Experience… 101. Sweet Honey in the Rock. 63 min. Appleseed Recordings, 2007. This sensational all-women African-American ensemble uses its signature a cappella style on many of these folk, gospel, jazz, blues, and rap-influenced tunes. The group’s tight harmonies weave in and out of music that trumpets the benefits of getting a sound education, appreciating nature, living in a caring community, and more. Still hankering for a little more Sweet Honey? Check out the group’s fabulous 2000 release, Still the Same Me.

Family Tree. Frances England. 50 min. Frances England, 2008. This award-winning singer-songwriter puts her lovely alto voice to good use on these original songs about families, friends, tea parties, visits to Grandma, tugboats, and springtime. England’s arrangements are sprinkled with some unusual touches, including shakers, bells, and wooden spoons. Other don’t-miss CDs from this artist? Fascinating Creatures and Mind of My Own.

The Final Funktier. Recess Monkey. 34 min. Recess Monkey, 2010. These mostly funk-rock outer-space songs feature beautiful harmonies from three of Seattle’s pun-iest teachers. Sound effects and occasional weird voices turn the Recess Monkey’s recent outing into an intergalactic hoot that has universal appeal. Other recommended excursions include Field Trip and Welcome to Monkey Town.

Funky Fresh and Sugar Free. Sugar Free All Stars. 35 min. Sugar Free Allstars, 2010. Singer-saxophonist-organist Chris “Boom!” Wiser and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin know how to deliver the funk. This time around, the dynamic duo performs 10 original tunes, including the call-and-response “Rock Awesome,” as well as a sizzling cover of the Beatles’s “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da.” For more sugar-free entertainment, check out the group’s outstanding 2009 recording, Gettin’ Funky with the Sugar Free Allstars.

Give Peas a Chance . Tom Chapin. 45 min. Sundance Music, 2011. This folksy collection includes some terrific banjo picking and songs about food, such as the playful “Rappa Dappa Doodle,” which gently skewers everyday idioms, such as “rotten apple,” “top banana,” and “couch potato.” “Junk Food Pyramid” riffs on some classic horror-movie music that’ll crack up the post-Sesame Street crowd. Other worthwhile CDs from Chapin? Some Assembly Required and Great Big Fun for the Very Little One.

Go Waggaloo . Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family. 36 min. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2009. Following in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, her legendary grandfather, and Arlo Guthrie, her famous folk-singing father, Sarah Lee presents a family-friendly collection of original and traditional songs that celebrate both the past and the present. Her sweet voice, coupled with gorgeous harmonies, and guest appearances by Pete Seeger, Arlo, and her husband, Johnny Irion, make this album a real winner.

Grow It at Home. Peter Alsop. 41 min. Peter Alsop/Moose School Music, 2010. With a voice that can instantly change from low-down deep and gravelly to a high falsetto, multi-award-winner Alsop, a former teacher who’s worked with emotionally disturbed children, sings songs about world peace, taking action, and nurturing life on Earth. These fun and lively tunes run the gamut from folk to Celtic to rap to zydeco. Other must-have albums? Wha’d’ya Wanna Do? and Take Me with You.

Here Comes Science. They Might Be Giants. 40 min. Walt Disney Records, 2009. As their previous albums—especially Here Come the ABCs and Here Come the 123s—have shown, this band excels at taking topics and making them exciting and interesting for young listeners. This time, TMBG rocks out on several scientific disciplines, including anatomy, chemistry, and astronomy, and presents an inspired, slightly goofy version of “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” in which the frontiersman visits outer space. Far-out fun.

In the Kid Zone. David Asheba Wilson. 41 min. CDBaby.com, 2009. This Trinidadian native’s latest upbeat collection features calypso and world-beat songs about recess, ice cream, babies, and moonbeams. In “Ah Sailor,” Asheba combines “A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea” with “The Lady with the Alligator Purse” to come up with his own special concoction. With his appealing Caribbean accent, Asheba offers a great album of world music. Other worthy CDs? Children Are the Sunshine and Go Itsy.

Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes for Modern Times. Jim Gill. 46 min. Jim Gill Music, 2005. In “Delay on the Freeway,” one of 15 terrific tunes on this album, a guitar imitates the sounds made by a flat tire, shock absorbers, and rain! Featuring jazz, easy listening, and other influences, Gill sings about trombones, California, and drumming around the house. Tunes like “Swing Your Partner” and “Jump Up, Turn Around” are bound to make your kids want to bust some moves. Other strong albums: Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi on His Toe Leg Knee and Jim Gill Makes It Noisy in Boise, Idaho.

Jungle Gym. Justin Roberts. 38 min. Justin Roberts/Carpet Square Records, 2010. Called the Paul McCartney of kids’ music, Roberts sings about sleepovers, trick-or-treating, signing casts, trucks, haircuts, getting lost at the mall, and more. This Grammy-nominated album of energetic rock songs (plus a couple of easy-listening tunes) is guaranteed to entertain any crowd. Others worth checking out include Pop Fly and Meltdown.

The Kids Are All Id. Randy Kaplan. 55 min. CDBaby.com, 2010. Celebrating the craziness and fun of childhood, L.A.-based Kaplan presents 11 original and traditional family-friendly songs in a variety of styles, ranging from American roots to country blues. Highlights include “The Hebrew-Speaking Bear,” “Little Bee,” “The Derby Ram,” and “Forever Young.” Other kid-worthy albums? Loquat Rooftop and Five Cent Piece.

Kid’s Country Song & Dance. Learning Station. 52 min. Monopoli/Learning Station, 2009. This country and bluegrass album includes several timeless classics, such as “Froggy Went a Courtin’,” “The Cat Came Back,” and “Shoo Fly.” The Learning Station’s Don Monopoli, Laurie Monopoli, and Jan Hrkach also include a few original tunes that’ll have kids moving and grooving. All in all, a great CD for storytime and other programs. Other albums to consider: La Di Da, La Di Di, Dance with Me and Get Funky and Musical Fun.

Little Ditties for Itty Bitties. Michele Valeri. 41 min. Community Music/cathymarcy.com, 2010. With folk-music duo Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer providing the instrumentals, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valeri doles out 15 original tunes about dinosaurs, dogs, monkeys, and more that are perfect for infants and toddlers. The catchy collection, which includes a couple of English-Spanish bilingual tunes, is also ideal for library lapsit programs. Other albums: Dreamosaurus and Dinosaur Rock.

Los Lobos Goes Disney. Los Lobos. 39 min. Walt Disney Records. 2009. Can a quintessential East L.A. rock band do justice to kids’ music? You bet! Singer-songwriter David Hidalgo and his longtime sidekicks breathe new life into 13 Disney movie tunes—including “Heigh-Ho” (in Spanish), “Cruella De Vil,” “Bella Notte,” and “The Bare Necessities”—with a heady combination of energetic rock, country, calypso, Latin American, and jazz influences.

Lovely Sleepy Baby and the Sea . Raimond Lap. 46 min. Lovely Baby Music, 2009. Lap succeeds in creating beautiful easy-listening compositions in this soothing album intended to calm infants and toddlers at bedtime. There’s also a welcomed bonus: the relaxing sounds of ocean waves and splashing water. Other recommended albums include Lovely Baby and Mommy; Famous Composers; Lovely Baby Bach; Beethoven; Mozart.

Maria Muldaur’s Barnyard Dance: Jug Band Music for Kids. Maria Muldaur. 41 min. Music for Little People, 2010. This five-time Grammy Award–winner brings a classic jug-band treatment—just listen to those spoons, pots, pans, kazoos, washboards, and, of course, jugs—to catchy tunes like “Barnyard Dance,” “I Love to Ride My Camel,” and the humorous “Mama Don’t Allow No Jugband Music ’round Here.” Other top CDs: Animal Crackers in My Soup and Swingin’ in the Rain.

My Trampoline. Peter Himmelman. 42 min. Minivan, 2009. Himmelman lets his imagination run wild in this album with lyrics about crossing a desert in a sandbox and catching a dragon while playing with a frog. With occasional references to things that only adults will understand, this is a great album the whole family is sure to enjoy. Other albums: My Green Kite and My Lemonade Stand.

Pickin’ & Grinnin’: Great Folk Songs for Kids. Various artists. 54 min. Music for Little People, 2010. A delightful compilation of traditional songs by some of our greatest folk singers, such as Pete Seeger, Maria Muldaur, Woody Guthrie, John McCutcheon, and Dan Zanes, singing some of their favorite tunes, including “Garden Song,” “Catch That Train,” and “Skip to My Lou.” Kids will be grinnin’ when they’re done listening to this wonderful intro to the rich history of American music.

Sunny Day. Elizabeth Mitchell. 43 min. Smithsonian Folkways, 2010. With her lovely, mellow voice, Mitchell treats young listeners to her “handmade music.” Joined by her husband, daughter, and guest performers such as Dan Zanes, she performs several traditional songs, including two from Japan and one from Korea, and several original songs, most of which are soothing and peaceful. Her other excellent albums are You Are My Flower, You Are My Sunshine, and You Are My Little Bird.

Take It Outside. Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing. 40 min. Okee Dokee Music, 2010. This “indie” band’s album starts off with an energetic bang with “Bluegrass for Breakfast” and never lets up. The songs are creative, fresh, and funny, with such offerings as “Auctioneer,” “Hero,” and “Antidisestablishmentarianism.” Other excellent albums? !Excelente Fabuloso! and Kids with Beards.

Underground Playground. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. 59 min. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. 2010. Dubbed the “king of kid-hop,” Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s child-friendly album features some great rap and hip-hop songs about road trips, being yourself, true friendship, overcoming nervousness, and telling the truth. Expect your young listeners to get up and boogie to these fun and infectious tunes. Other album: Easy.

Wake Up Clarinet! Oran Etkin. 23 min. Oran Etkin’s Timbalooloo, 2010. On his latest album, the acclaimed clarinetist-composer presents some outstanding modern jazz, bebop, and New Orleans–style songs. His goal? To convey sophisticated musical concepts to young listeners in a fun way that they can easily understand. Kids will get a kick out of hearing Etkin talk to his clarinet—which he calls “Clara Net”—and listening to the woodwind instrument respond. This is an excellent jazz album for children.

Welcome Table. Dan Zanes. 43 min. Dan Zanes/Festival Five Records, 2008. It’s easy to see why this Grammy Award–winner is one of kids’ music’s top draws. Zanes dishes up an inspiring lineup of rootsy traditional gospel and spiritual songs, including “Get On Board,” “Daniel in the Den,” and “Jesus on the Mainline,” and croons a couple of Spanish songs and one Jewish tune, “Oseh Shalom.” Other albums: 76 Trombones and Nueva York.

What a Zoo. Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights. 37 min. Limbostar, 2011. With her rich, powerful soprano, Leeds belts out these original and traditional songs about crocodiles, hummingbirds, whales, and even mosquitoes. The especially appealing tune “Happy As a Clam” features playful animal idioms and phrases, such as “cat’s got your tongue” and “snug as a bug in a rug.” Other albums: I’m a Rock Star and City Kid.

Ziggy Marley Family Time. Ziggy Marley. 46 min. AV Café, 2009. This fabulous introduction to reggae has family members joining Ziggy and Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Laurie Berkner in a collection of reggae and folk songs about trains, eagles, families, Jamaica, and the alphabet. Jamie Lee Curtis wraps up the star-studded album by reading two short stories, one by Ziggy, the other her own. Another fun album: Every Child Deserves a Lifetime.