At a glance: Mitchell's music has a purity and beauty that transcends the children's genre. Her albums -- ``You Are My Sunshine,'' ``You Are My Flower'' and her 2004 collaboration with Lisa Loeb, ``Catch the Moon'' -- rank high on admirers' lists of all-time favorites. Kids usually have to pry them out of their parents' CD players.
Mitchell's latest, again recorded in her home studio with husband and musical partner Daniel Littleton, continues her string of four-star efforts.
Woodstock neighbor John Sebastian sits in on a couple of tracks, and Mitchell's young daughter, Storey, adds her sweet voice and a bit of harmonica.
This is peaceful folk music delivered with a power that nourishes the soul.
Highlight tracks: Check out songs four, five and six: Pete Seeger's great sing-along ``Little Bird, Little Bird,'' Bob Marley's ``Three Little Birds,'' driven here by an irresistible beat of sticks clanking together, and a rocking cover of the Velvet Underground's ``What Goes On.''
Best for: Anyone who could use a little peace like a river in their daily lives.
At a glance: You might know ``Farmer Jason'' better as the fiery frontman of punk hee-hawers Jason and the Scorchers.
Ringenberg has been working on his own since 2000, and released his first kids' album, ``A Day at the Farm'' (reissued here with the Kid Rhino imprint), in 2003. Ringenberg really is a farmer, and he really is a father, which means he has plenty of enthusiasm for kids and critters. The man's the real deal, and his music will make anyone grin from ear to ear.
Highlight tracks: ``Rockin' in the Forest'' gets Jason off the Back 40, and sports string arrangements, horns and some pretty harmonizin'.
The kids will like all that fine, but it's the contagious toe-tappers like ``Punk Rock Skunk'' and ``He's a Moose on the Loose'' that will give them a simulated sugar rush. The ode to a favorite bottom dweller, ``Catfish Song,'' is an instant classic, too.
Best for: Anyone who digs fun music.
At a glance: Maine musician Kaye writes wonderful songs that nail the details of a child's experience and imagination. All 13 songs here are originals, and while the music is predominantly folk-based, Kaye also knows her way around country swing and soulful R B.
Her voice has drawn comparisons to Natalie Merchant, though it's not nearly as mannered.
Highlight tracks: The percussive ``Skeleton Song'' is great fun and a natural for the season. ``Waiting'' captures kids' frustration at how slow time (and adults) sometimes move, while ``Building a Ladder'' beautifully addresses a child's need to remember those who have left our earthly realm.
Best for: Toddlers through about third grade.
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