It's Love - Ellen & Matt

Artist: Ellen & Matt

Album: It's Love

Age Range: 4 through 8

Description: The late-'60s/early-to-mid '70s references start with the cover art and continue on into the long-awaited second CD itself from the Los Angeles band.  Ellen and Matt Kennedy must have listened to more than a few Jefferson Airplane albums in their day, and Ellen's powerful voice carries rockers like the title track and "Playground."  This is not exactly a serious album -- the funky "Drive Thru" features the lyrics "Open the window / get ready to order ... / They take our order / they take our order / and then they take some time / to get us what we need."  And the biggest love song album is dedicated to the "Capybara."  But it's well done and for those families seeking a retro-sounding album of music of kindergarten-friendly themes, It's Love will be just, er, groovy.  Recommended.

All on a Sunday Afternoon - Sugar Free Allstars

Artist: Sugar Free Allstars

Album: All on a Sunday Afternoon

Age Range: 3 through 7

Description: "There's no secret formula to the success of rising kindie stars Sugar Free Allstars -- the Oklahoma band's high-energy live shows get kids dancing and tire them out... With their third album All on a Sunday Afternoon... the duo of Chris Wiser and Rob "Dr. Rock" Martin gets a lot closer to putting on disk (or bits) what gets kids hopping around." / Full review / Listen

Invisible Friends - Dog on Fleas

Artist: Dog on Fleas

Album: Invisible Friends

Age Range: 3 and up

Description: "Like a preschool collage, Invisible Friends mixes stuff together that adults have long stopped mixing together but in spite of that (or possibly because of it) produces art.  Highly recommended." / Full review / Listen

A Potluck - Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Artist: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Album: A Potluck

Age Range: 3-7

Description:  "Bright and sugary like a treat from a Parisian patisserie... a neat collection of some very nifty songs that should end up in your kids' rooms (or iPods) and Diaz's best family album to date. Definitely recommended." / Full review

My Neighborhood - Johnny Bregar

Artist: Johnny Bregar

Album: My Neighborhood

Age Range: 4-9

Description:  "He [has] brought enough guests to his Bainbridge Island studio to make his rootsy Americana with a hint of bluegrass seem like a small party.  There's a mellow, soulful vibe to the album's best tracks, even a bit of wistfulness at points... Highly recommended. " / Full review / Listen