Kids Bugs, Birds & Critters

Kids, prepare to buzz, croak, and chirp along with a batch of songs about the common-or-garden animal kingdom. Float like a butterfly with the Wiggles on "Butterflies Flit," bounce around to the techno sound of Crazy Frog on "Who Let the Frog Out," and waddle like there's no tomorrow to Connie Kaldor's "A Duck in New York City."

Mum and dad, there's plenty for you to savor here as well, especially the work of Dan Zanes, a former member of the Del Fuegos, whose output straddles the generation gap. Zanes has made a habit of recruiting big-name collaborators, like Aimee Mann ("Night Owl"). Likewise, the whole family will enjoy the Three Stooges' "Two Little Birdies."

Eco-troubadour Chris McKhool has been touring Canada for more than a decade, with his funky blend of fun and education. On "I Am a Turtle," he tells a cautionary tale of ruined natural habitats without ever losing sight of the fact that kids love a funny voice. Yves Lambert gives the same critter a traditional French salute on the elegant "La tortue."

Just as diverse as the creatures that form the basis of this collection are the performers who sing about them — from American alt-rockers Nada Surf (who bring it down a notch on "Meow Meow Lullaby" on For the Kids Too) to Carly Simon (who puts her mellow spin on "Itsy Bitsy Spider," backed by a choir of littl'uns) and folk legend/activist Pete Seeger ("Blue Tail Fly"). Catchy, educational, and just plain delightful, these ditties give a voice to the planet's littlest citizens.