HIP TUNES FOR KIDS MAKE GREAT GIFTS EXPERT GIVES TIPS Years Top Award-winning CDs Spotlighted

Some of the top award-winning CDs of 2003 featured. Children's music expert Fred Koch of Bestchildrensmusic.com gives parents tips on how to select great music for any age group.

When youre shopping for kids this season, music makes a high-value choice that offers hours of enjoyment for years to come. Fred Koch, host of www.bestchildrensmusic.com, offers tips for finding the most engaging and hip tunes created just for the younger set.

As a parent myself, the first thing I look for is award recognition," says Koch, an award-winning music educator who also writes for Chicago Parent. Also, I make sure that the songs are age-appropriate. Look for artists who perform regularly for kids -- they know what works."

Several releases, winners of numerous national awards this year, make great gift choices.

Babies
Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta FUNsies1! -- Katherine Dines presents interactive songs for teachers and parents to do with children. CD booklet and a companion learning guide offer hours of fun activities to help young children develop important skills. Visit www.huntabunkta.com.

A Playful Mind: Music for Infants --Infant music composer Thomas Schoenberger creates mesmerizing instrumental music. The newest wave in baby music. Visit www.aplayfulmind.com for more information.

Preschoolers
Not Naptime -- Justin Roberts writes silly songs like Brontosaurus Got a Sweet Tooth" but also offers kids solace and inspiration for facing everyday issues. Visit www.justinroberts.org for more information.

Dreamland: World Lullabies and Soothing Songs -- Putumayo Kids presents a relaxing collection of music from around the world. Angelique Kidjo performs the first track. Visit www.putumayokids.com for more information.

Older Kids
Its a Puzzle -- The zany duo Trout Fishing in America follow up a Grammy-nominated release with this collection of witty tunes. Youll be chuckling along to hits like Alien in my Nose." Visit www.troutmusic.com.

African Playground --A range of African cultures and countries are included on this Putumayo Kids release featuring upbeat rhythms, appealing melodies and multilingual lyrics. Visit www.putumayokids.com for more family-friendly CDs.

Bon Appetit: Musical Food Fun -- Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, 8-time Grammy Award nominees, dish up a tasty mix of tunes that inspire kids to try healthier lifestyles. Visit www.rounder.com.

Hear & Gone in 60 Seconds! -- When 29 of the best kids artists create one-minute songs, its a fast-moving ride through all sorts of musical styles. Visit www.rounder.com.

El doble de amigos/Twice as Many Friends -- Sol y Cantos lively bilingual CD celebrates various Latin American musical traditions. Visit www.rounder.com.

EDITORS: For artwork and CDs, call Beth at 503-293-9498, or blenzb@aol.com