These albums showcase styles that will appeal to all ages and include songs that can be used in storytimes and library programs, or just enjoyed in the car. Chosen by reviewers from SLJ’s ClefNotes music column, these selections are must-haves for all collections.

Backstroke Raptor. Performed by The Story Pirates. Gimlet Media.
PreS-Gr 5–First airing on the Story Pirates podcast, these tunes were born from the imagination of a child and crafted into lively lyrics and melodies that delightfully cross a variety of musical genres.

Buenos Diaz. Performed by The Lucky Band. Rainy Day Dimes Music.
PreS-Gr 5–Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis, formerly Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, have rebranded themselves The Lucky Band. While they have a new name, their bilingual music is as clever and playful as ever.

Finding Friends Far from Home: A Journey with Clara Net. Performed by Oran Etkin. Timbalooloo Inc.
PreS-Gr 5–Jazz clarinetist Etkin shares Timbalooloo, his method of introducing children to music from around the world. Musicians from six different nations introduce an instrument and folk song from their country before performing with Etkin and his instrument, Clara Net.

Growing Up. Performed by Josh Lovelace. Stonycroft Records.
K-Gr 5–This collection of 12 Americana-tinged rock songs includes several hand-clapping and toe-tapping moments as well as quieter tracks. Singer-songwriter Lovelace aptly captures experiences such as the birth of a baby and farewells.

Kindred. Performed by Renee & Friends. One Melody Records.
PreS Up–A group of talented friends, including Ziggy Marley, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Lisa Loeb, and Elizabeth Mitchell join Renee in beautifully expressing messages of kindness, peace, and love.

The Love. Performed by Alphabet Rockers. School Time Records.
Gr 3 Up–Recorded on land once inhabited by the Ohlone people, these original songs tackle gender justice and honor diverse identities as they acknowledge the need for understanding, belonging, and love.

Shake It and Break It. Performed by Randy Kaplan. Yellow Things Records and Books.
K-Gr 5–This collection of 12 pre–World War II ragtime, country, and Delta blues classics were popularized by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, Charlie Patton, and John Lee Hooker. Though Kaplan’s interpretations of the lyrics are appropriate for young ears, they still maintain the integrity of the original tunes.

Swamp Romp. Performed by Johnette Downing with Scott Billington. Wiggle Worm Records.
PreS-Gr 3–Downing’s latest outing is an exuberant dance party from beginning to end. This Cajun celebration features 15 songs that joyfully embrace Louisiana roots music.

Under the Big Umbrella. Performed by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. Bumblin’ Bee Records.
PreS-Gr 5–Inspired by those striving to create cultures of kindness in their schools and communities, Rymer’s latest album for families contains important messages for listeners of all ages, conveyed through a combination of upbeat original and cover songs.

Which One Am I? Performed by Howie D. HowieDoItMusic.
Gr 2-6–Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough’s first album for children details how nine-year-old Howie D overcame insecurities. A wide variety of musical genres are used to showcase Dorough’s vocal talents in this collection of 11 original songs. This album is sure to be a hit with listeners of all ages, whether they are fans of the Backstreet Boys or are just discovering Howie D.

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