Trout Fishing in America, My Name is Chicken Joe

For families who have never heard the kids' music group Trout Fishing in America, its newest album, My Name Is Chicken Joe, provides a great introduction to the troupe's whismically folky, surprisingly sophisticated sound. And you’ll dig it too. This collection rounds up 11 songs about terrible foods, bathing bugs, and junk food — issues that are usually on little ones' minds. The hardback book that’s packaged with the CD is a wonderfully illustrated depiction of the first track's story, where Chicken Joe, a curiously named cat, prefers to sleep in a chicken coop. The book probably appeals to a younger set — it’s a quick, haphazard tale — but the songs shine with a refreshing classiness that won’t drive you bonkers with repeated listening.

Age: 4+
Retail Price: $10
Available at: multiple sellers

Putumayo Kids Presents: European Playground

While not all of us can make it to Europe this summer, Putumayo Kids thinks a cross-cultural exploration is still possible. European Playground presents 15 different children’s songs culled from Western European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland — the only eastern outlier is a song from Hungary. The CD goes beyond a simple introduction to the musical traditions of other countries. With a limited use of the English language throughout the record, it's more like full immersion for young grandchildren. Staying true to the Putumayo tradition, each track is as culturally enriching as it is fun for young ones to dance to and sing along with.

Age: 5+
Retail Price: $11
Available at: multiple sellers

Jonathan Sprout, American Heroes #3

In his American Heroes series, Jonathan Sprout’s concept is simple: Write rock-and-roll-oriented songs around short, biographical narratives of great Americans. In the third installment of his series, American Heroes #3, Sprout highlights many Americans who may have been overshadowed as time moves on. Opener "Chocolate King" gets to the heart of Milton Hershey, "He Will Not Give Up" tells the story of Jonas Salk and his quest to find a vaccine for polio, and "Can’t Stop Running" relates the feat of Wilma Rudolph’s running on a twisted ankle to become the first U.S. female athlete to win three gold medals in track and field at the Olympics. Sprout’s passion for history is clearly showcased here through his voice, and he conveys important lessons in a way that's both accessible and fun for kids.

Age: 4+
Retail Price: $14
Available at: amazon.com

Dan Zanes and Friends, The Welcome Table

Dan Zanes’s approach to music has always been about making family tunes that appeal to a host of divergent musical tastes. The Welcome Table: Songs of Inspiration, Mystery & Good Times gathers an impressive array of sounds, drawing from classic American blues, folk, and ragtime, and blurring them all together as spiritual-style anthems. You won’t find traditional hymnals in the mix; instead, there are positive songs that are similar to gospel and fun to groove along to. Younger kids may not take to the selections right away, but songs like "Oseh Shalom" and the country-rocking "Home In That Rock" can inspire a silly sing-along. Next time you have family and friends over for Sunday brunch, throw this one on and see how they react; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Age: 5+
Retail Price: $8
Available at: multiple sellers