music Archives - NAPPA Awards

April 1, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

VTech Animal Rhymes Music Book

Explore familiar nursery rhymes, instrument sounds, colors and vocabulary while building motor skills by sliding and twisting the play pieces on the pages. $12.99, ages 3-36 months, vtechkids.com

VTech Bopping & Cruising Baby Driver

Bright colors, soft textures and tons of fiddly role-play fun abound in this jam-packed toy. Fueled by imagination, little ones can steer the wheel or beep the horn for a gentle squeak before shifting gears and switching lanes. $17.99, ages 3 months+, vtechkids.com

VTech Zoo Jamz Xylophone

Hit the right note with this adorable, grow-with-me musical buddy. Start the journey with free play, where budding musicians express artistic creativity as they tap the bars. Then follow along as each bar lights up in sequence, guiding your little one through the do-re-mi scale. The final step introduces eight songs kids can learn to play; just tap each bar as it flashes to advance the tune, note by note. $17.99, ages 1-4, vtechkids.com

LeapFrog Nest & Count Turtle Tower

Stack them up or nestle them snuggly together. This family of turtles offers four ways to play. Nest the turtles together creating a colorful game of hide-and-seek. Pile on the fun by putting the turtles on top of Mama to build motor skills and see her head poke out for a peek-a-boo surprise. $11.99, ages 1-3, store.leapfrog.com

LeapFrog 4-in-1 Learning Hamburger

Build a burger and coordination skills. Put each bright layer on the pole and watch the ingredients spin to the bottom. Colorful condiments feature enticing textures for little chefs to explore. Pop the puzzle pieces out of the center of the burger, onion, tomato, pickle and cheese to discover different shapes and play a game of ring toss. $14.99, ages 12 months+, shop.leapfrog.com

Patty Shukla YouTube Channel

Learn educational songs with widely recognized singer/song-writer, Miss Patty. Shows focus on counting, shapes, colors, the alphabet, right hand left hand, months of the year, days of the week, phonics and ASL sign language. Includes action songs for kids to jump, dance and move. FREE, ages bith-8 years, youtube.com

February 3, 2022 by

NAPPA Award winning books and music.

Meet our latest NAPPA Award Winners announced in January 2022:

Kindie Rock Stars Podcast

Showcases the amazing talents of children’s musicians and family entertainers. Each episode features an artist story, song story and a song. Free, patrickadamsbooks.com

Shadow Play Books

Unfold the book, turn down the lights and switch on a flashlight to be transported into a world of imagination. These magic books will inspire parents and kids to share nightly stories. $39.90, ages birth+, shadowplay.store

Sharon, Lois & Bram Best of the Best Live

Features live tracks taken from tours in Canada and the U.S. during the band’s touring heyday in the 1990s. Compiled by super fans, this release is the ultimate throwback experience from one of the top enduring children’s music artists. $14.99, sharonloisandbram.com

Star Forest

An album filled with imagination, adventure and play. Musicians Hawk, Fawn, Sluuth and Rocktapus VII (and a whole bunch of star slugs) take you on a musical journey where anything is possible if you dream big. A mix of rich bodied melodies, dreamy ballads, toe tappers and pirate rapper. $11.99, ages 5-8, starforest.rocks

The Lively Forest by Ginalina and illustrated by Kelley Wills

What do you see, what do you see? The Lively Forest – wild and free! This book by award-winning children’s writer, Ginalina, presents a story on second nature rooted in the diversity of the west coast forest biome and the joy of outdoor community. $15, ages birth-8, beautifulworldbooks.com

You Are Magic

Through the 15 songs on debut album, You Are Magic, July Mees and her dad Jared explore the silly and sensitive sides of childhood. Dig deeper into emotions and issues for modern kids. $10, ages 3-9, tenderlovingempire.com

February 11, 2021 by

While every day is a great day to show your love and appreciation for your kids, Valentine’s Day gives all of us a wonderful opportunity to express our feelings — and nothing says love more than kindness. At NAPPA Awards, we are celebrating kindness and positivity all year long by showcasing books, music and other great products that will bring joy and connection to your family and remind us that we need to be kind to ourselves, to each other, to our community and to our world.

Best for Mom

Let’s start with all the moms who always put everyone else first. We know this past year has not been easy, parenting through a pandemic, that’s why we love KindNotes. These beautiful jars of 31 handcrafted messages, enclosed in mini decorative envelopes, combine the charm of handwritten notes with positive affirmations perfect for a little pick-me up. Comes in a variety of designs and themes and can be customized. Starting at $34.95, kindnotes.com

And we think every mom deserves some quiet time to reflect and recharge. MamaZen Mindful Parenting App provides the perfect space to relieve stress, fatigue and anxiety using a combination of meditation, hypnotherapy and mindfulness . The 150 brief audio sessions (5-15 min) cover common topics among moms. 30-day free trial, then $14.99/month, mamazen.com

Spread Kindness Through Music

We know you’re going to love these recent NAPPA Award winners as much as we do. Music is such a wonderful source of well-being and the messages of kindness in these songs are universal and great for all ages.

Make it Happen!

Cheery, charming and energetic songs celebrate the simple joys of life, while also delivering positive messages of empowerment, courage and strength. Packed with lyrical wisdom centering on creating meaningful relationships and experiences. $9.99, staceypeasley.com

Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories

A heartfelt tribute album featuring classic songs performed by award winning artists. Highlights include the spirited Latin rhythms on Jaci Velasquez’s playful take of “You Can Never Go Down The Drain,” Jon Secada’s Spanish interpretation of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and actress/singer Rita Wilson, whose husband Tom Hanks wonderfully portrayed Fred Rogers in the movie, provides a tender rendition of “Sometimes People Are Good.” $10.95, thankyoumisterrogers.com

A Mind of Your Own

Featuring Nashville-based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, a Brooklyn-based, fiddle-playing child psychiatrist and an array of acclaimed Americana performers in a captivating and upbeat debut album filled with songs and skits touching on a variety of topics—making new friends, coping with failure, learning a new language, dealing with emotions and bullying. Invites listeners to think deeply on feelings and emotions that come with growing up, while focusing on resilience. $14.98, folkways.si.edu

Words to Inspire

Find a cozy nook and start reading together. Beautiful illustrations and words will inspire you to be in awe of nature and all the creatures around us. There is so much to be thankful for if we just take a look around and really notice.

Good Morning, Good Morning

The lyrical wordplay encourages children to explore their surroundings and notice the subtle sensations within their bodies, all while helping them develop their daily mindfulness practice. Written and illustrated by women of color and featuring diverse characters. $12, ages birth-4, bounlesblooms.com

The Mighty River

Celebrates the community we share through nature and the diverse animals and plants that call the river home. Includes beautiful illustrations, a wide array of information, ideas on how to protect our waterways and space to draw and describe river animals and scenes. $15, ages 2-8, years, beautifulworldbooks.com

Kindness Tales

A curated collection of children’s stories celebrating the timeless power of kindness to make the world a gentler, safer and even more loving place by author and highly-respected folklorist, Margaret Read MacDonald. $16.95, ages 6-10, augusthouse.com

The Book of Cultures

A 120-page picture book for young readers to discover the world, embrace its diversity and go on adventures near and far, all from the comfort of their home. Featuring 30 stories with buddies from different countries, followed by a 2-page activity snapshot on each culture. $35, ages 4-9, worldwidebuddies.com

Be Together

To teach our kids about their big feelings is a true gift. Sit together, talk and use these creative and colorful cards to enhance your child’s social emotional learning.

The Little Yogi Deck: Simple Yoga Practices to Help Kids Move Through Big Emotions

A colorful card deck featuring 48 simple yoga and mindfulness practices to help kids work through big emotions on and off the mat. Eight color-coded categories include anger, worry, excitement, sadness, joy, jealousy, shame and peace. Includes a practice booklet. $19.95, ages 5+, Shambhala.com

Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids

Easy-to-follow guided exercises blending mindfulness meditation and empowering affirmations to build emotional intelligence and encourage kids to tap into the present moment and their unique strengths. Includes mindful tips booklet. $30, ages 2+, boundlessblooms.world

Imagine That

It is through play that kids learn about life. Give them a world filled with imagination, kindness, love and generosity.

Poppy the Kindness Unicorn & Pawley Bear

Join Poppy and Pawley on their journey filled with friendship, kindness, and lots of fun as they spread kindness through Sharewood Forest. $34.99, ages 3+, plushible.com

Care Bears: Love-A-Lot Bear

A group of huggable BFFs living that sweet caring life. Perfect for unlimited bear hugs and ready for you to take on your adventures of sharing and caring. Comes with a collectible Care Coin to spark on conversation and action on everyday acts of kindness. $14.99, ages 4+, Walmart.com

Sharewood Forest Friends

Enter a magical world filled with friendship and sharing. Each friend comes with an adorable outfit, pajama set and reusable packaging that unfolds into a unique playscape, where kindness grows as large as the mighty oak and spreads like wildflowers. $34.99, ages 2-4, sharewoodfriends.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

December 8, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

We have great new NAPPA Award winners to share with you – something for every interest.

Digital Fun & Learning

Get ready for an adventure with the Let’s Roam App, great for curious kids and families. Explore like never before as you take on riddles, trivia, and photo challenges. The in-home educational scavenger hunts come in seven selectable-themes that transform your home into a world of creativity. Outdoor scavenger hunt tours allow families to discover any city, learning its history, and seeing remarkable sites. Every hunt comes with downloadable photos and built-in memory-making technology. $12.99, ages 3+.

TutorMe is an online tutoring platform for individual learners that provides 24/7 live, on-demand support in 300+ subjects with qualified tutors. Using their personalized approach, TutorMe helps students regardless of ability, resource, skill level or age not only improve academically but also gain support so they never feel lost. Prices vary, ages K-higher education.

Duolingo ABC is a free app that teaches children how to read. Developed by learning experts, the app includes over 300 fun, bite-sized lessons building on prior lessons and guides children on a step-by-step path to reading. Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and is based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel. Ages 3-6.

Love Music

Get up and dance with Growing Up Great, an eleven song musical CD for children created during the pandemic. The songs are energetic and filled with sweet reminders about being kind. $9.99, ages 2-6.

“To Awaken the Sun” is an album of classical music recorded to take music into public schools, with CD sales benefiting the Oklahoma Foster Youth. An acclaimed cellist, Remy-Schumacher has created this album that is predominately instrumental – beautiful for all ages. $15.

The Seaper Powers Connecting to Animals album is all about our connection to animals, making friends, and how important it is to accept people for their differences. Sing along to Tropical House sounds, Reggae Beats, Calypso Rhythms, Jazzy notes and colorful vocals. $8.99, ages 4-17.

Mix Fun & Learning

In KidZ expands children’s knowledge of different countries and customs through fun memorable experiences. Chocked full of activities and games, kids will be able to share details about a country without having to get on a plane or get out their passport. Both the America box and Diwali box include interactive learning items, like language flashcards, puzzles, books, games, flags and more. 50/monthly or $49/per box, ages 2-11.

Loop Lab STEM Subscriptions are created by the folks at Mad Science to bring science enrichment home. Each box has a different theme and step-by-step instructions. $32.99/per box, ages 8-12.

MindLabs Energy and Circuits is a magical STEM learning tool for children that combines a digital app, physical cards and augmented reality in a fun and exciting approach to learning core science concepts. $24.95, ages 8-11.

Bring a miniature ecosystem home with Froggy’s Lair BioShere. Each one-gallon tank comes with bioactive sand, colored gravel, a piece of living bamboo and 2 African Dwarf Frogs. All you have to do is change water every three months and feed these swimming, hopping frogs two times per week. $69.95, ages 5+.

Orbital Velocity is a space-themed numerical strategy board game where players are rocket scientists. Game focuses on math, physics, and AI, introducing kids to the concept of decreasing orbital velocity (explained in the rulebook) and gross vs fine acceleration. $19.99, ages 10+.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com

January 29, 2020 by Elena Epstein

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Birthday or just because, we’re always on the look out for the perfect gift that will bring a smile to your child’s face. And these 2020 NAPPA Award winners will not disappoint.

SVOLTA “Ace” 2-in-1 Sit and Stand Scooter

This gender-neutral scooter allows kids still trying to find their balance a way to scoot around. Convert to a stable 3-wheel scooter by snapping the seat in the front holders. Ages 1-5, $108.00, svoltaride.com

Chalk of the Town Unicorn Chalkboard T-shirt Kit

Let your child’s creative juices flow. This T-shirt kit includes a cotton shirt, a unicorn stencil, three chalk markers and an erasing cloth that allow your child to freely design as many times as they like. Ages 4+, $29.95, chalk-of-the-town.com

Hue Animation Studio

Everything you need to create your own stop motion animation videos. Whether you are making a LEGO® brick film; animating in claymation or capturing a flower bloom using time-lapse photography, you can bring anything to life in minutes with the easy-to-use software. A great gift for kids who love to use their imagination. Ages K-12th grade, $69.95, huehd.com

Continent Race

A fun family game designed for 2+ players featuring the national flags of countries throughout the world. The first player to collect the required number of country cards from each continent wins the game. Ages 7+, $29.99, byronsgames.com

Eat2explore Explorer’s Box

An educational food and culture explorer box inspiring families to cook, taste and discover different world’s cuisines and cultures. Each box includes unique country recipes, essential spice/sauce mixes, educational materials, shopping lists, cooking tools and fun collectibles. $24.95, eat2explore.com

Children on Parade

Does your child love to sing or dance? Children’s on Parade has a variety of musical styles, including folk, R&B, blues, reggae, rock and country — great for the whole family. Ages 4-10, $9.95, Keenanliteracy.com

For more gift ideas visit NAPPA Awards! #playlearnconnect

December 16, 2019 by

Give the gift of music and joy with Kitten Kaboodle from The Cat’s Pajamas. This CD is a joyous celebration of play, wonder and FUN, perfect for children of all ages and their grown-ups. With The Cat’s Pajamas, dreams become real: the library comes to life, parents walk the plank, and chickens sing, dance, and cluck their way around your kitchen. Grab your bangers, your shakers, your friends and noisemakers and join us in a play-along parade that will capture the imagination of the child in ALL of us. $15, www.howlinrecords.com

“With Kitten Kaboodle, The Cat’s Pajamas usher us into the theater of Janet Schreiner’s Broadway romp of a brain where The Andrew Sisters meet Barnum and Bailey. Sophisticated, playful and vibrantly visual!”
– Morgan Taylor of Gustafer Yellowgold, two-time Grammy® nominee

Moove to the Moozika!

A playful collection of city-based adventure songs in both Spanish and English featuring an eclectic mix of styles – folk, jazz, samba, blues, ranchera, pop, Latin, rock, and house music. $14.99, www.moozika.com

Put Your Arms in the Air!

Get ready to sing, dance and expand your imagination. $12.00, www.amazon.com

All I Do Is Hop by Grin Brigade

An eclectic and unpredictable mix of 29 songs featuring a blend of kid funk, blues, pop, rock, country, anthem and ballad. $14.98, www.songwizard.com

CARNAVAL – Spanish Learning Songs

Embark on a musical celebration featuring merengue, calypso and soca to New Orleans brass, jazz and country,. $14.99, www.whistlefritz.com

The Power of Yet – Songs About Growth Mindset

Brings together upbeat songs about growth mindset in a singalong-friendly range. $15, www.curriculumrocks.com

Beneath the Cherry Tree

A whimsical musical tribute to the profound beauty of nature. $15, www.karestrongmusic.com

Everyone Grows: Children’s Songs for Mindfulness

Designed to help children pay attention to themselves, others and their surroundings. $15, www.liannebassin.com

Bubba & Boo

Multi-instrumentalist, Megan Schoenbohm, is an earthy, edgy, free-spirited songbird, who takes the audience on a mellifluous journey through themes of kindness, humanity, creativity and imagination. $15, www.musictimewithmegan.com

Earworm by Sean McCollough

Featuring 13 stick-in-your-head original and cover songs and guest artists such as Billy Jonas and Molly Ledford. $13; $9.49/digital, www.seanmccollough.com

Stripes with Platypus by Seanster and the Monsters

Full-length album with absurd, silly humor, as well as more heart-felt matters of childhood. $15.00, $9.99/digital, For Ages: www.store.cdbaby.com

Total Eclipse of the Rainbow

Positive, joyful, high-energy collection of songs that will enhance children’s learning and social development. $9.99, www.rainbowrockband.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards! #playlearnconnect

November 26, 2019 by

As you gather together with your family, put on some great tunes and sing and dance together. Music is one of the best ways to connect.

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays: Songs and Stories That Celebrate Global Light

A wonderful new album of 13 songs and a collection of stories and facts about how people around the world celebrate various holidays. $13.99, $9 digital, www.hunktabunkta.com

Under the Tree

A unique and engaging compilation of holiday favorites, as well as new original winter songs. $10, www.staceypeasley.com

Run Along Home: Sing With Me

The whole family will want to sing and dance to these infectious and whimsical tunes by Tracy Newman. $14.99, www.RunAlongHome.com

Swamp Romp

Get ready for a Louisiana dance party with Cajun, Dixieland jazz, New Orleans R&B, brass band and Isleño original tunes. $10,www.johnetteandscott.com

Under the Big Umbrella by Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could

A Vibrant album celebrating individuality and kindness. Inspired by and written with students, teachers and families and enriched by a handful of classic pop songs that underscore the message. $14, www.bradyrymer.com

Songs in the Shade of the Cashew and Coconut Trees: Lullabies and Nursery Rhyme from West Africa and the Caribbean

An enchanting collection of 23 songs that pays homage to the cultural heritage and multilingual communities of West Africa and the Caribbean. $16.95, www.thesecretmountain.com

Ditto Kiddo by Stephen Michael Schwartz

Nine original songs – always with a child’s perspective and a grown-up’s sensibilities. $12.98, www.stephenmichaelschwartz.com

A Cheerful Little Earful

A jazz album for kids by a charming real-life singing fairy featuring a fun collection of songs. $12.99, www.dianapanton.com

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #playlearnconnect

July 2, 2019 by

Summer is a great time for music and we have wonderful new NAPPA Award winners to share with you. Listen and Enjoy!

This Is Our Time

“This Is Our Time,” by Sir Dapp & The Paw Prints, embraces meaningful messages for kids about self-image, kindness and respect, and the power of words while providing toe-tapping, dance-worthy fun! The album incorporates multiple music genres the whole family will enjoy. The real-life singers on the album are Eli Jacobson (“Sir Dapp”), of NBC’s “Sing-Off” and the popular acapella group VoicePlay, and Rachel Potter (“The Dollie”), of Broadway and Nashville’s Steel Union band. $9.99, ages 3+

Positronic

Marsha and the Positrons clever lyrics about science and how the world works, positive messages and catchy sound will definitely entertain kids and grown-ups alike. This 12-track album skillfully weaves science with themes of friendship and kindness, underscored with an infectious rock beat. Playful, educational, and engaging, this record features collaborations with other children’s musicians such as Barry Louis Polisar, Lori Henriques and Billy Kelly. Produced by talented indie rocker, TJ Lipple. $15.00/physical or $9.99/digital, for the entire family.

For more award winning music, visit nappaawards.com

June 26, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Summer is here and that means pool parties, barbecues, picnic at the park and beach days. To get the party started, we have these terrific portable speakers and NAPPA Award winners that are great for anytime, anywhere. Great for travel too. Dance party anyone?

My Audio Pet Splash

My Audio Pet Splash are adorable, portable and waterproof bluetooth speakers with a powerful 5 watt driver. Features a ridiculously long-lasting 1000 mAH rechargeable battery (up to 8 hours of play time), a selfie remote and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Technology. The Hide & Speak App – The Crazy Fun Family Friendly App is included with purchase. $39.99

Jooki

Let the musical fun begin with Jooki! An adorable and smart player that lets kids choose and listen to music and stories with ToyTouch™ Technology. Kids are in control to listen, dance, imagine while music or stories play. Uploaded from a phone using the Jooki app or drag-and-drop from iTunes on a laptop. You can also choose Spotify to create the playlist. Link the Jooki characters, who will play to the playlist when placed on the Jooki speaker. $199

JBL JR POP

Kid-proof durability combined with epic sound. The JBL JR POP will be an instant favorite with kids and parents alike. With five hours of playtime, a waterproof design and JBL’s Signature Sound, the JR POP will have kids rocking out to their favorite “parent-approved” playlists from the school bus all the way through after-school activities. The best part is that this speaker is made just for kids – small enough to fit in their hands with a built-in strap for on-the-go listening. $29.95

Lullabuddy

The Lullabuddy is a lullaby player & speaker that comes pre-loaded with 2 hours of Mae Robertson’s award winning lullabies and love songs — music that both parents and babies will enjoy. The super compact music player comes with a shuffle button, a one-hour timer and a mini USB cable for charging. When fully charged, it will play for up to 18 hours. The music was remastered specifically for the Lullabuddy with wonderful sound quality. The speaker is also Bluetooth enabled so that other music can be played from a mobile device. $60.

For more reviews, visit nappaawards.com