February 2011 New Specialty Toys — Audio & CD

This Music for Little People 25th Anniversary world music collection features classic tunes gathered from Ireland, South Africa, France, Columbia, Jamaica, Italy, Ghana, and many points in between. With performances from some of the world’s most gifted musicians including multi-Grammy winner Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taj Mahal, music and movement specialist, Aaron Nigel Smith, Grammy winning Zydeco star, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more. "Music for Little People is an iconic children's record label with a history of producing award-winning world music recordings for the whole family, and this is their 25th anniversary 'best of' collection," Kate Dockins of Music for Little People told TDmonthly.

Join award-winning children's music artist Aaron Nigel Smith as he takes young ones on a musical journey through the world of imagination. From thoughtful, spacious melodies to rockin' rhythmic danceable jams, Aaron performs new and familiar favorites written to get young children singing and moving and learning. "Recording artist Aaron Nigel Smith brings a unique island vibe to his songs, and he's skilled at involving his young listeners in the stories and melodies. Aaron has been a featured musical guest on the Emmy Award Winning PBS show Between the Lions, and works with the NEA Read Across America program to promote literacy through music," Kate Dockins, from Music For Little People, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2005 NAPPA Honors, 2005 iParenting Media Award

Developed by award-winning artist David Kisor, the songs on this CD help children develop focused attention on experiences in the present moment and focused intention on positive self-talk and self-image. Developing mindfulness helps a child control their reactions to stress, develop self-awareness, and be ready to respond optimally to learning opportunities. "The Here Now Know-How songs promote mindfulness in several ways. First they guide children’s self-talk to positive affirmations about themselves, others and the world. Secondly, they give children the experience of control over their sensations, thoughts and feelings. And thirdly, they help children deal with negative feelings and experiences," Emily Sandul, director of sales & marketing for Growing Sound, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2011.

Imagination Generation sings fun songs that build imagination and creativity in children. Developed by award-winning composer and performer David Kisor, the songs from this album are designed to help young children realize that the mind is both a toy and a tool. "The music from this album is based on the latest research from the field of Positive Psychology. In these songs, we strive to achieve three creative thinking skills. First, we want to increase the fluency of children’s associations. That is, we want to increase the sheer number of associations they can generate to any given situation or stimulus. Secondly, we want to increase the originality of these associations. We want children to generate associations that typically children would not think of. And finally, we want to increase the adaptability of these associations. We want these associations to lead directly to creative solutions to both every day problems, what we call ingenuity; as well as visions of true artistic masterpieces. Music is a natural vehicle for promoting imagination and creativity in young children. The combination of lyrics and music in self-talk, experiential and story songs provide unique strategies for building the creative mind," Emily Sandul, director of sales & marketing for Growing Sound, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2010.

Moona Luna is the new musical project brought to you by the Latin-Alternative group Pistolera. Inspired by the birth of her first child—during the making of the last album—Pistolera's lead singer and songwriter Sandra Velasquez now brings us family-friendly songs in Spanish and English that continue the band's tradition of positive messages and toe-tapping beats. Moona Luna's debut album, Piñata Party, features eleven original songs as well as a cover of the Latin American folk song De Colores. Brooklyn based family music hero and Moona Luna fan, Dan Zanes, makes a guest vocal appearance on Brinca, Jump. "This is bilingual party music for the whole family," Beth Blenz-Clucas, PR, told TDmonthly. Launch Date: March 2011.

The first release in a planned series, Groove Kid Nation: The Wheels on the Bus features favorite songs and rhymes including the title track, “Froggy Went a Courting” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” with a few original pieces thrown into the mix. Each tune features an animal character performing a solo on their instrument. An enclosed 10-page booklet features illustrations of these new animal friends created by Nica Brooke. "The recording spotlights the sounds of instruments with funky music and top musicians performing," PR Beth Blenz-Clucas told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011

Dance and sing along with your children or grandchildren to this CD featuring the latest hit, "Mrs. Pinkelmeyer Makes You Happy," and the song that started the dance craze, "Pinkelmeyer Dance."

Only One Ocean contains 14 original songs from the award-winning Banana Slug String Band; all designed to inspire young people and their families to learn about and care for the ocean. Special guests include Grammy winners George Winston, Victor Wooten of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, and BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. All songs are based on "Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K-12." Associated curricula also available.
Awards: 2008 NAPPA (National Parenting Publications Awards) Honor Award; 2008 Skipping Stones Honor Awards; 2007 Moonbeam Children's Book Gold Award; 2007 iParenting Media Award; 2005 Gail Rich Award; 2005 NAPPA (National Parenting Publications Awards) Gold Award; 2005 Parents' Choice Silver Award; 2004 iParenting Media Award; 2004 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award; 2000 AFIM Children's Album of the Year; 1997 American Library Association's Notable Children's Recording Award; 1996 NAPPA Honor Award; 1996 Parent's Choice Honor Award;  School Library Journal starred review

With Kids, Keller creates a style of family music that's all his own, and reaches his young audience in a way that matters. While other performers play for kids, Keller plays with them. For the album, Keller takes influences of traditional bluegrass, 'Chester & Lester' innovative guitar technique, Robin Williams, and Bobby McFerrin.