Childrens Music

There's a magic to the very best children's music, words and melodies coming together in a way that can make even the most bashful kid smile and dance. We're betting that these great songs can wake up the child inside us all, whether its Peter Auty's original version of "Walking in the Air" from The Snowman (pre-dating the Aled Jones cover by three years), Ray Parker, Jr.'s spectre-blasting plasma-bolt of fun, "Ghostbusters", or Kermit the Frog's "The Rainbow Connection" as covered by Willie Nelson. And Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana grooves us into the 21st Century with "Party in the U.S.A." and "Rockstar".

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Sometimes, the old ones are the best ones, no matter how many times you hear them — and believe us, you're going to hear "If You're Happy and You Know It" more than once, so you might as well clap your hands/pat your head/turn around etc. along with you transfixed littl'uns. Fancy adding a little education to the mix? Denny Dey is on hand, accompanied by the entire alphabet, on "Rockin ABC's" (although you might want to change his "Zee" to "Zed", seeing that he's from the other side of the Pond). And if you'd like to instill a little respect for the older generation, call on Clive Dunn ("Grandad") and the St. Winifred's School Choir ("There's No One Quite Like Grandma").

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Most people's earliest memories revolve around children's music — it's how we learn about the world, whether that means the practical repair of household implements (Bobbi White's "There's a Hole in My Bucket") or sensible advice on the avoidance of personal injury (Barry Louis Polisar's "Don't Put Your Finger Up Your Nose"). All the important questions are asked here, like "(How Much Is) That Doggy in the Window"; and "What does everybody love?" (answer, according to Andrew Davenport, "Everybody Loves Jumping!"). And let's not forget the soulful pleasures of an R&B classic ("The Locomotion") re-jigged with kids in mind.

These songs have a universal gift, something every parent probably wishes they had as well . . . and that's an instant connection to fun. So share the magic of childhood with kid-friendly classics including the club mix of "Teletubbies Say "Eh-oh!"", Andy Mason's "Shake Your Sillies Out" and "The Happy Song" by Dora the Explorer. Loads of instantly recognisable characters have been invited along for the ride — from Postman Pat and Bob the Builder to Thomas the Tank Engine and Pinky & Perky — so prepare to clap, shuffle, twist, shout and romp-bomp-a-stomp your way to bedtime, safe in the knowledge that, once they've sung their little hearts out, your nippers will be off to the land of nod in no time.